Tassie’s new AFL team and stadium could inject $2.2b into state
Tasmania Devils have warned the Legislative Council that rejecting Macquarie Point Stadium would kill the AFL team, as CEO Brendon Gale promises a $2.2 billion economic boost.
The Tasmania Devils have made their final plea to the Legislative Council a week before it votes on the future of Macquarie Point Stadium saying the AFL’ 19th club and venue combined would inject $2.2b into the state’s economy in the first 25 years.
Tasmanian Football Club CEO Brendon Gale said on Wednesday the stadium’s influence on the community would be felt far and wide.
“The economic impact of the stadium, of this premium asset, and all that it enables will be seismic,” Gale said in Tasmanian parliament.
“Independent bodies — MI Global, PwC, KPMG and others — have consistently found that the stadium will deliver profound economic benefit to Tasmania.
“Combined with the TFC, the stadium is expected to contribute $2.2 billion in economic activity over 25 years.
“The stadium and events calendar will capture our share of the incredible growth in sports/football tourism and visitor economy, estimated to contribute up to $4.6 billion to the Australian economy by 2032.”
The Tasmanian AFL club will contribute directly to the state’s bottom line.
“In 2028, the Devils alone will pay approximately $44m in salaries, immediately putting the club in the top one per cent of non-government taxpayers in this state,” he said.
Gale said the AFL remained steadfast on the No Stadium No Team clause in its Licence Agreement with the state government, meaning if the stadium project is rejected by the members of the Legislative Council, the Devils are dead.
Even if the AFL miraculously backflipped on its stance – and they have repeatedly said they won’t - the Devils would be doomed to financial failure.
“The AFL has an experienced-based understanding learnt over decades that clubs without appropriate stadium infrastructure are locked into permanent financial disadvantage — unable to compete, unable to retain talent, unable to grow,” Gale said.
“Therefore, the AFL, as a “not for profit”, custodian of the national competition, with responsibility for the growth and development of nearly all aspects of Australia’s game, will not allow Tasmania’s team to begin life in a state of engineered weakness.
“The stadium, therefore, is not an indulgence. It is not optional infrastructure. It is the foundation that allows Tasmania to join the AFL on equal footing with every other state and every other club.”
Gale defended the stadium’s location on Hobart’s waterfront, positioned to be within walking distance of the CBD.
“Centrally located, modern stadia with world class accessibility and amenity aren’t extravagances, they’re essential community assets,” he said.
“They help bring us together, strengthen civic pride, social cohesion, and ensure live performance remains a vital part of our cultural life.”
He also said “lost on so many people is that Macquarie Point Stadium would be for everyone, not just footy or sports fans”.
“It will be a multipurpose stadium, just like Adelaide Oval, which hosts 1800 non-match day events per year,” Gale said.
“Football may be catalysing this development, but it is indeed so much more than that.
“Accordingly, it will host international cricket, other rectangular stadium sports, music festivals, concerts, conventions, exhibitions and community gatherings.
“It is a cultural asset for all Tasmanians - a precinct that will bring people together and put Hobart and all of Tasmania on the national and international events map.”
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