Premier promises $750m stadium will build state’s economy and services

Tasmania’s Premier promises an “iconic” stadium at Macquarie Point would bring economic benefits to help solve a raft of the state’s woes — but the move has attracted fierce criticism from some. Read why.

PREMIER Jeremy Rockliff has promised an “iconic” stadium at Macquarie Point would bring the type of economic benefits to help solve a raft of the state’s most glaring woes.

Mr Rockliff said plans to build a 23,000-seat, “iconic, boutique stadium” on Hobart’s waterfront, as the centrepiece of a culture, entertainment and sporting precinct, was a “huge opportunity” for Tasmania.

The state government has promised to commit $375m to the proposed $750m stadium – with the remainder to be sought from federal government funding and private investment – should the AFL grant a 19th licence to Tasmania in the coming weeks.

“We’ve made the call. Macquarie Point’s the spot. This is where we can build aspiration, right across Tasmania. I want to assure Tasmanians we’re going to give this a red-hot go,” Mr Rockliff said.

He didn’t have a timeline for the process – with more work yet to be done on the final design and the government finalising discussions with the AFL – but said “we’re almost ready to rock and roll.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff says all Tasmanians should "embrace" plans to build a $750 million stadium at Macquarie Point. Picture: Amber Wilson

Mr Rockliff said he also planned to speak about securing federal government funding

with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“I’m looking at very much a glass half-full when it comes to those discussions,” he said.

His words came amid fierce criticism from Greens leader Cassy O’Connor, who said the government “has its priorities all wrong”.

“News they want to build a $750m stadium on this site is an insult to Tasmanians who can’t pay their rent or who are living in a tent. It’s an insult to people who are languishing on elective surgery waiting list or worried about an ambulance arriving on time,” she said.

“The Premier has allowed himself to be railroaded by the AFL.”

Ms O’Connor said two current stadiums at Bellerive and York Park were “fantastic” and “could do the job”.

“It’s completely warped priorities,” she said.

“We’ve got so many issues here, so many housing, health and other essential services challenges … it’s dumped upon us as a fait accompli.”

Greens leader Cassy O'Connor has slammed plans to build a $750 million stadium at Macquarie Point. Picture: Amber Wilson

Mr Rockliff also said he was aware that “not everyone approves of these investments” but that “we all need to embrace … this type of vision” in order to build a strong-enough economy to provide the services that “Tasmanians justifiably deserve”.

“If we are serious about providing the services that Tasmanians enjoy – the best schools, the best hospitals, public housing … and affordable housing, and supporting community safety with more police on the beat – these essential services can only be maintained and strengthened if we continue to build our economy,” he said.

Mr Rockliff also pushed back against the Greens’ denouncement of the stadium, saying “we can not say no to things every single time – we’ve always got to have a go”.

“Tassie can do this and we can do it better than any other damn state around Australia,” he said.

“This is about lifting Tasmania and being the best we can possibly be.”

Luke Martin, Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO, said the stadium plans were “once-in-a-generation” – and referred to the “cynicism” the Tasmanian government faced two decades ago when it replaced its existing ferries.

“It springboarded a whole generation of investment and tourism activity,” he said.

“I can see this in the same light.”

LOCKED IN: Stadium site announced in huge AFL boost

A STATE-of-the-art multi-purpose stadium at Macquarie Point would create a cultural, entertainment and sporting showstopper, says the state government, and it would set the ball rolling on the project should the AFL grant Tasmania a 19th licence in the next few weeks.

Confidence is growing in the halls of power that Tasmania’s AFL dream could soon come true with the 18 club presidents set to see the state’s bid proposal in Melbourne on Monday and come back with an answer the following week.

A feasibility study by PricewaterhouseCoopers showed a new arts, entertainment and sporting precinct at Macquarie Point - with a proposed 23,000-seat stadium as its centerpiece - would have vast economic benefits for the state.

The 2014 Macquarie Point masterplan, featuring an AFL stadium, by The Office for Collective Design.

The state government says the “boutique precinct” would help events such as Dark Mofo to grow and expand using the new precinct for its festival calendar, and Tasmania “would attract international and national artists, bands and events on a scale never before possible”.

In a statement, the government said: “History stands to be made this month if Tasmania achieves our dream of having our very own team in the AFL.

“That licence would be the catalyst for this development at Macquarie Point, but the benefits of this precinct spread far beyond footy and far beyond the State’s south.”

PricewaterhouseCoopers said the precinct development would create 4,200 jobs during construction and maintain 950 jobs a year during operation.

During construction it would generate $300m in additional economic activity then $85m each year after it was built as well as $162m each year in consumption, due to a significant spike in the visitor economy.

The state government says the “boutique precinct” would help events such as Dark Mofo to grow and expand using the new precinct for its festival calendar.

“Our vision for the boutique precinct is to complement the Hobart waterfront, co-existing with the proposed Antarctic and Science precinct, which the Government remains firmly committed to,” the statement said.

“There are massive opportunities for complementary boutique hospitality venues and significant flow-on effects for hotels, restaurants, bars and retail outlets – with every dollar injected in the economy allowing the Government to reinvest in the essential services that matter to Tasmanians, including health, housing and education.

“A precinct like this in the heart of Hobart’s waterfront will unlock transport corridors and the associated development opportunities with it. This includes the northern transport corridor link and a ferry network.”

The government’s economic modelling was based on at least 44 events being held each year at the new stadium.

HIGH RES Artists impressions of Taspark (Tas Park) a sports stadium at Macquarie Point.

“On a playing surface that can be adapted to a rectangular pitch or an oval, events could include anything from watching our very own Tassie AFL team take on some of the league’s toughest opponents, to watching international cricket, rugby or an NRL display match.”

It says the precinct development would “provide the construction industry a pipeline of certainty, kicking into play as other major projects finalise”.

“It would also complement investments into UTAS Stadium in the north and Dial Range Park in the North-West, which will both be beneficiaries of AFL content on a scale not experienced before if Tasmania is granted a licence.”

The proposed roofed stadium would cost an estimated $750m but the government will not pay for the lot.

“The Government is firm that it will cap its investment at $375 million, with further funding to be sought from the Federal Government and private equity investment.

“We will now proceed with the next stage of the feasibility work which will focus on building the stadium at Macquarie Point and will include the development of a business case to secure full funding.

“We also believe there is potential to work with the Hobart City Council and all stakeholders to consider how Regatta Point fits into the broader precinct plan.

“This Government is committed to delivering transformative infrastructure that will help our economy thrive into the future, providing jobs and opportunities for Tasmanians.”