Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reaffirmed his backing for a proposed stadium at Macquarie Point in Tasmania, which is designed to accommodate 23,000 spectators and is expected to cost nearly $1 billion. This facility will serve as the home for the Tassie Devils AFL team and host cricket and other events during the summer. Despite its potential, the project faces political hurdles due to a snap state election that has postponed planning permit discussions; opposition from the Greens and crossbenchers is a significant concern.
The Federal Government has committed $240 million to the stadium’s construction, while the AFL has agreed to contribute an additional $15 million. Albanese has urged opponents to consider the broader value of urban development at Macquarie Point, stating that the stadium could significantly benefit Hobart’s urban landscape rather than only serving as a venue for AFL matches. He emphasised the need for a comprehensive urban development project that integrates sporting facilities with hospitality and residential areas to enhance the connection between the CBD and the river.
Albanese expressed frustration with the current Tasmanian government for not effectively utilising the $50 million allocated in 2012 for Macquarie Point planning, noting the stagnant progress since then. He called on state leaders to move forward with the stadium project, highlighting that inadequate action has left the area underdeveloped for over a decade.
Former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire suggested that the Tasmanian government should strongly advocate for a more significant federal contribution to the stadium. McGuire believes that Tasmania has been overlooked in favour of other states, particularly with Queensland receiving substantial funding for the upcoming Olympics.
Nonetheless, Albanese affirmed that the Federal Government’s financial commitment is capped and they will not be providing additional funding. He stressed that the responsibility for managing the project lies with the Tasmanian government, which must demonstrate effective stewardship of the resources already allocated. He clarified that while the federal contribution is significant, it is not intended to be an ongoing financial source for the state.
As the political landscape shifts due to the snap elections, no further advancements on the stadium proposal are anticipated until after the elections conclude on 19 July.