FUNDING FOR SOUTHERN STADIUM FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENTS

Nic Street MP, Minister for Sport and Recreation

The Tasmanian Budget 2022-23 is about strengthening Tasmania’s future, which is why we have committed $1.25 million towards the AFL Team Taskforce and progressing stadium feasibility assessments.

Our aspirational vision for our sporting future includes a plan to develop a multi-purpose stadium at Regatta Point that will deliver significant social and economic outcomes, and create a spectacular and iconic entry to Hobart.

The funding will continue the work of the AFL Licence Taskforce, aimed at securing the support of the Commission and Presidents in the case for the granting of a Tasmanian AFL and AFLW licence, and progress the feasibility planning for the infrastructure necessary, including a new entertainment stadium in Hobart.

The feasibility planning will initially have a technical focus, including the collection of information about the site through geotechnical, indigenous, heritage, cultural, and surveying assessments, for example. A scope for these works is under development for release to the market early in the 2022-23 financial year.

This feasibility work will also explore a more detailed definition of the project scope, and inform a program for the planning and delivery phases of the project.

Our goal is to develop a multi-purpose stadium that includes the best design standards and trends, and is flexible to allow for future evolution of the facilities and infrastructure.

The stadium will put Tasmania on the national and international stage for both sporting and entertainment events on a scale that simply hasn’t been possible in the past.

It will be an important part of the our sporting and entertainment evolution, growing and supporting Tasmania’s visitor economy and inspiring infrastructure and transport systems to support industry, business and community growth filling the city and the State with accommodation, hospitality and retail activity.

This is more than a stadium. It is about urban transformation and renewal, and delivering a world-class, multi-purpose venue that maximises local economic and social benefits.

The new stadium will be subject to ongoing stakeholder consultation and planning approval, and achieving an AFL licence later this year.

As Minister for Sport and Recreation, I will work to make certain that a Tasmanian AFL club is one that gives back to the community, and has a culture of inclusiveness.

When our Government talks about delivering elite sporting content and infrastructure for our State, we know the positive impacts this will have at a community and grassroots level.

Through the 2022-23 Budget, this Government is delivering on our commitments for all Tasmanians.