Hobart's Macquarie Point stadium presents AFL with a harsh political reality – the negotiating table beckons
5 days, 6 hours ago

Hobart's Macquarie Point stadium presents AFL with a harsh political reality – the negotiating table beckons

ABC  

It was the power of Australia's biggest sporting organisation, against its smallest state. In early June 2022, then-AFL boss Gillon McLachlan and other "powerbrokers" visited Hobart to look at a few sites, including Macquarie Point. Until this moment, the Tasmanian government had wanted to build a new roofed stadium at the nearby Regatta Point — although it wasn't seen as a requirement for a new AFL team. The AFL was believed to be "impressed" with Macquarie Point — a relatively constrained piece of reclaimed land wedged between a working port, a major road, a strip of heritage buildings and a raised cenotaph. Increasing uncertainty over Macquarie Point option The AFL might need to start paying attention to the political problem it's created in Tasmania.

Labor Stadium Point Tasmania Tasmanian Afl Jeremy Rockliff Macquarie Point Macquarie Mclachlan Gruen Dr Gruen Harsh Political  afl  reality  harsh  political  tasmania  negotiating  hobarts  gruen  point  macquarie  abc  tasmanian  rockliff  stadium  table  dr  presents

History of this topic

RSL Tasmania wants museum, ANZAC Day profits and naming of grandstand if Macquarie Point stadium is built
3 months, 1 week ago

RSL Tasmania wants museum, ANZAC Day profits and naming of grandstand if Macquarie Point stadium is built

ABC  

RSL Tasmania wants a museum, special naming of grandstands and a "recognition of service at the start of every event" as part of the Macquarie Point stadium precinct, should the project go ahead. But emails between RSL Tasmania chief executive John Hardy and the Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Guy Barnett — released via a right to information …

Hobart's Macquarie Point stadium planning documents detail hopes for AFL, Test cricket, rugby and soccer
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Hobart's Macquarie Point stadium planning documents detail hopes for AFL, Test cricket, rugby and soccer

ABC  

With 4,000 pages of planning documents for the Macquarie Point stadium lodged, details are emerging of the sporting fixtures the stadium could host in coming years. Interestingly, under an "optimistic" scenario, the state government could attract a club other than Tasmania to play a home game at the stadium — but that would require separate "event attraction" funding. It's anticipated …

Cricket Tasmania confident Test cricket can play under the roof at Hobart's proposed Macquarie Point stadium
6 months ago

Cricket Tasmania confident Test cricket can play under the roof at Hobart's proposed Macquarie Point stadium

ABC  

Designs for a proposed Macquarie Point AFL stadium have won over Cricket Tasmania, but debate continues to rage over the contentious $715 million project. The plans include a compact seating bowl design, timber facade and a fixed dome translucent roof, which the government said could host the world's first indoor Test cricket match. Association president Ross Doddridge said he was …

New images of Hobart's proposed Macquarie Point AFL stadium released
6 months ago

New images of Hobart's proposed Macquarie Point AFL stadium released

ABC  

Hobart's proposed Macquarie Point stadium could be "the world's largest timber-roofed stadium" and potentially host the world's first indoor Test cricket match, the Tasmanian government says. New concept designs for the 23,000-seat roofed stadium — which will house the state's newly minted AFL club the Tasmania Devils — reveal a compact seating bowl design, "woven-style" timber facade and a fixed …

Federal funding for the proposed Macquarie Point stadium won't be exempt from GST payments to the state
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Federal funding for the proposed Macquarie Point stadium won't be exempt from GST payments to the state

ABC  

In short: The Tasmanian government is voicing its anger over federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers' decision to not exempt $240 million in Commonwealth funding for Macquarie Point from the state's GST calculations. The Tasmanian government is voicing its anger over federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers' decision to not exempt $240 million in Commonwealth funding for Macquarie Point from the state's GST calculations. …

Private capital firm Plenary Group confirms interest in funding Hobart's Macquarie Point AFL stadium
8 months ago

Private capital firm Plenary Group confirms interest in funding Hobart's Macquarie Point AFL stadium

ABC  

In short: Private capital consortium Plenary Group will bid for the right to partner with the Tasmanian government to deliver the proposed Macquarie Point AFL stadium. Private capital consortium Plenary Group will bid for the right to partner with the Tasmanian government to deliver the proposed Macquarie Point AFL stadium. Billion-dollar investment and private capital firms will bid for the …

Macquarie Point precinct draft plan released, revealing how Hobart's AFL stadium fits in with new urban development
1 year, 2 months ago

Macquarie Point precinct draft plan released, revealing how Hobart's AFL stadium fits in with new urban development

ABC  

Quick read A draft plan has been released for the Macquarie Point stadium and urban redevelopment after more than 2,000 written submissions were received. The Tasmanian government has released a draft plan for the redevelopment of Hobart's Macquarie Point, revealing transportation corridors and how developments will fit around a massive central stadium. Macquarie Point precinct plan A roofed 23,000-seat stadium …

More money than expected for AFL team in Tasmanian budget but public sector cuts on the way
1 year, 7 months ago

More money than expected for AFL team in Tasmanian budget but public sector cuts on the way

ABC  

Tasmanian Treasurer Michael Ferguson has delivered a restrained second budget as he begins the long journey back to surplus and tries to rein in ballooning debt. The budget shows revenue was far lower than expected over the past year, with the $7.8 billion coming into the coffers about $691.8 million less than the government had anticipated. Almost a third of …

Will making Hobart's AFL stadium a 'project of state significance' give it a leg up?
1 year, 7 months ago

Will making Hobart's AFL stadium a 'project of state significance' give it a leg up?

ABC  

Get ready to hear a lot about Tasmania's "project of state significance" process. Rogue MPs Lara Alexander and John Tucker have locked the government into it over Hobart's AFL stadium. Two Tasmanian MPs defect over transparency surrounding Hobart stadium deal Photo shows A composite of Tasmanian MPs Lara Alexander and John Tucker in parliament. Labor has been circulating "no stadium" …

No stadium, no team, no deal. Will Tasmania's AFL stadium survive a minority government bombshell?
1 year, 7 months ago

No stadium, no team, no deal. Will Tasmania's AFL stadium survive a minority government bombshell?

ABC  

The ink has barely dried on the deal to grant Tasmania an AFL licence, but already the team could be under threat following the decision of Lara Alexander and John Tucker to quit the Tasmanian Liberal Party. For both MPs, the final straw was their government's decision to pledge $375 million towards a $715 million new Macquarie Point stadium that …

Hobart is getting a new stadium for AFL games, but what's wrong with Bellerive Oval?
1 year, 8 months ago

Hobart is getting a new stadium for AFL games, but what's wrong with Bellerive Oval?

ABC  

Tasmania has finally realised its AFL dream, but it's no secret that acquiring the 19th licence has come at quite a cost. So, why does Tasmania's new team require a brand new, expensive, waterfront stadium when AFL fixtures have been staged 3 kilometres away at Bellerive Oval for more than a decade? Bellerive Oval, on Hobart's eastern shore, is about …

AFL presidents approve Tasmania for 19th team licence after decades of campaigning
1 year, 8 months ago

AFL presidents approve Tasmania for 19th team licence after decades of campaigning

ABC  

The AFL club presidents have voted unanimously to grant Tasmania the game's 19th licence, fulfilling decades of dreams for a team from the island state. Key points: Tasmania has had failed bids to join the AFL since the 1990s and has a partnership with Hawthorn to host games The state's new AFL team is expected to enter the league in …

Hobart stadium federal funding firms AFL entry, but what's the political fallout?
1 year, 8 months ago

Hobart stadium federal funding firms AFL entry, but what's the political fallout?

ABC  

In announcing funding for a Hobart waterfront stadium, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Jeremy Rockliff have answered the question Tasmanians have been asking for decades: when will we finally get an AFL team? "You can't build a shed for $750 million to play football on," he told Channel Nine's Footy Classified during the week — predicting the end cost …

How the Hobart stadium spend is a game-changer in Australian sport and the AFL
1 year, 8 months ago

How the Hobart stadium spend is a game-changer in Australian sport and the AFL

ABC  

On a bracing Hobart morning in autumn, many Tasmanians were greeted with the news that they had been waiting years to hear. Importantly, the spend on the new Hobart stadium breaks new ground for federal government involvement in spending on football stadiums in Australia. The federal government will kick in $240 million for a stadium on Hobart's Macquarie Point, which …

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledges $240 million for Hobart stadium at Macquarie Point
1 year, 8 months ago

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledges $240 million for Hobart stadium at Macquarie Point

ABC  

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially announced the federal government will contribute $240 million for a stadium on the Hobart waterfront at Macquarie Point. Key points: The federal government's funding decision is at odds with state Labor which is opposed to the construction of a new stadium at Macquarie Point The stadium is a non-negotiable piece of infrastructure in the …

Anthony Albanese's AFL stadium deal with Liberals does no favours for Tasmanian Labor
1 year, 8 months ago

Anthony Albanese's AFL stadium deal with Liberals does no favours for Tasmanian Labor

ABC  

The Tasmanian Labor Party has made opposition to a stadium on Hobart's waterfront one of its defining features. And while opinion polls show that anti-stadium message has been pretty successful with the Tasmanian public, there's one key person Opposition Leader Rebecca White hasn't been able to convince. Rebecca White says Tasmania "doesn't need another stadium", with Bellerive's Blundstone Arena "less …

Hawthorn captain James Sicily 'couldn't imagine' living in Tasmania, but AFL icons warn a state team needs to grow at home
1 year, 8 months ago

Hawthorn captain James Sicily 'couldn't imagine' living in Tasmania, but AFL icons warn a state team needs to grow at home

ABC  

Current and former AFL players and coaches have come to the defence of Tasmania as a destination for players, following comments from Hawthorn captain James Sicily saying he would not want to live there. Key points: Developing Tasmanian players will be key to the AFL club's success, Alastair Clarkson says Some AFL media personalities have questioned the Tasmanian case for …

Hobart stadium at Macquarie Point set to go ahead with federal funding, along with Tasmanian AFL team
1 year, 8 months ago

Hobart stadium at Macquarie Point set to go ahead with federal funding, along with Tasmanian AFL team

ABC  

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to announce the final $240 million needed for a stadium at Hobart's Macquarie Point, paving the way for the state to receive its own AFL licence. Key points: The federal government is expected to announce the final funding for the Hobart stadium this weekend The announcement means Tasmania will get its own AFL team …

Tasmania set to get state AFL team after decades of dreams as funding for new Hobart stadium locked in
1 year, 8 months ago

Tasmania set to get state AFL team after decades of dreams as funding for new Hobart stadium locked in

ABC  

Tasmania is set to finally claim its rightful place in the AFL. Government sources have told the ABC that this weekend Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will announce federal funding for Hobart's Macquarie Point AFL stadium and precinct. A funding announcement for Hobart's controversial stadium proposal is imminent, meaning Tasmania will get its long-awaited AFL team. Stadium timeline April 1994 — …

Inquiry into Tasmania's $750m AFL stadium bid told documentation happens at 'end of process'
1 year, 9 months ago

Inquiry into Tasmania's $750m AFL stadium bid told documentation happens at 'end of process'

ABC  

The AFL made a new stadium in Hobart a requirement "from day one" for Tasmania to get its own team, state officials say, despite the premier repeatedly saying the bid was not contingent on the $750 million waterfront stadium. Key points: Tasmania's premier is championing a plan to build a stadium in Hobart that would host AFL games, at a …

Gil McLachlan in Tasmania again to win locals over to AFL stadium and team dream
1 year, 10 months ago

Gil McLachlan in Tasmania again to win locals over to AFL stadium and team dream

ABC  

With the clock counting down on his time as head of the AFL, Gil McLachlan flies into Tasmania to again try to recruit supporters to the cause of a new stadium and team — but the issue remains as divisive as ever, with public feedback on the issue rivalling that of voluntary euthanasia. Key points: Tasmanians are still divided on …

UTAS Stadium $65m stand concept announced for York Park, with early 2025 completion date
1 year, 11 months ago

UTAS Stadium $65m stand concept announced for York Park, with early 2025 completion date

ABC  

Plans for a $65 million upgrade of the York Park stadium in Launceston have been unveiled — but the second and third stages of the project remain unfunded. Key points: The new stand is said to provide an extra 1,000 seats and will feature improved facilities for players and coaches and better food and beverage outlets Tasmanian Premier says he …

Hobart's proposed AFL stadium says project would deliver $306m loss over 20 years, analysis says
1 year, 11 months ago

Hobart's proposed AFL stadium says project would deliver $306m loss over 20 years, analysis says

ABC  

The proposed stadium at Hobart's Macquarie Point would generate a loss of more than $300 million over 20 years of operation, according to a newly released cost-benefit analysis. Key points: The cost of a proposed AFL stadium has been hotly debated since the venue was made a requirement for the state to have a team in the national football competition …

Troubled Te Kaha in Christchurch a 'benchmark' for Hobart's AFL stadium at Macquarie Point
2 years ago

Troubled Te Kaha in Christchurch a 'benchmark' for Hobart's AFL stadium at Macquarie Point

ABC  

A yet-to-be completed stadium in New Zealand being used as a model for the Hobart AFL stadium has been plagued with cost blowouts, construction delays and public opposition to the project. Key points: The proposed $715m Hobart stadium would be roofed, similar to Christchurch's yet-to-be completed Te Kaha A New Zealand journalist says the Te Kaha project has run over …

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff 'sick of mistruths' about $750m AFL Hobart stadium plan
2 years, 1 month ago

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff 'sick of mistruths' about $750m AFL Hobart stadium plan

ABC  

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has launched a vigorous defence of his plans to spend an estimated $375 million on a new Hobart stadium as his government faces growing political pressure from all sides. Key points: Mr Rockliff took to his Facebook page yesterday to "correct common mistruths" about the stadium Federal Labor has been waiting for a solid proposal for …

Tasmanian government increases taxpayer funding lure to secure AFL licence
2 years, 3 months ago

Tasmanian government increases taxpayer funding lure to secure AFL licence

ABC  

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has defended upping the amount Tasmanian taxpayers will pay for an AFL team, saying it's necessary to secure a 19th AFL licence. Key points: The Tasmanian government has upped its funding offer for an AFL team licence, from $100 million over 10 years to $144 million over 12 years It's also said it will pay up to …

Tasmania's planned $750 million Hobart stadium divides opinion as state appeals for an AFL licence
2 years, 10 months ago

Tasmania's planned $750 million Hobart stadium divides opinion as state appeals for an AFL licence

ABC  

The Tasmanian government's plans for a $750 million stadium on Hobart's waterfront have been welcomed by AFL heavyweights, but there are questions over where the money will come from and how many games would now be played in the north of the state. Key points: The Tasmanian government wants to build an AFL stadium on the Hobart waterfront The plans …

Tasmanian government to reveal plans for a new AFL stadium near Hobart's Macquarie Point
2 years, 10 months ago

Tasmanian government to reveal plans for a new AFL stadium near Hobart's Macquarie Point

ABC  

The push for a Tasmanian AFL team is set to enter overdrive, with the state government to officially endorse the construction of a new inner-city stadium that would house a new team. Key points: The Premier will outline details of his government's plans during his State of the State address at parliament on Tuesday afternoon Stakeholders have been briefed about …

Tasmanian AFL expansion team decision to be made in 2022
3 years, 4 months ago

Tasmanian AFL expansion team decision to be made in 2022

ABC  

The AFL will make a final call on the viability of a Tasmanian expansion team early in the 2022 season. Key points: For Tasmania to get a team, the AFL Commission must agree on an expansion bid and then 12 out of 18 AFL clubs will need to sign off on the deal In the meantime, Tasmania will re-open contract …

Tasmania's coronavirus border closures mean Hobart AFL match won't go ahead
4 years, 5 months ago

Tasmania's coronavirus border closures mean Hobart AFL match won't go ahead

ABC  

The AFL will be forced to rejig its fixtures again with Tasmania to keep its borders closed to people travelling from Queensland. Key points: The round-11 match between the Kangaroos and Demons will not be played in Hobart The round-11 match between the Kangaroos and Demons will not be played in Hobart Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said he hoped AFL …

Tasmania has a rare upper hand in its stand-off with the AFL — and it shouldn't be squandered
4 years, 5 months ago

Tasmania has a rare upper hand in its stand-off with the AFL — and it shouldn't be squandered

ABC  

The make-up of the AFL fixture, and in turn the fate of the 2020 season, could lie partly in the hands of the Tasmanian Government and its public health officials. The Public Health guidelines for non-Tasmanian residents who have "spent time in high-risk areas" — which includes people who have spent time in Victoria in the 14 days prior to …

AFL season kicks off with no crowds, mortgage pauses and cash handouts considered as part of second stimulus package
4 years, 9 months ago

AFL season kicks off with no crowds, mortgage pauses and cash handouts considered as part of second stimulus package

ABC  

Mr Joyce was on 730 tonight speaking to Leigh Sales. He was asked about the chances of Qantas grounding domestic flights in the same way it has international. You never say never because it depends on what restrictions are put on people travelling and we've seen in certain parts of the world in Wuhan, in parts of Italy, a complete …

AFL report urges Tasmanian team by 2025 or code will die on island
4 years, 11 months ago

AFL report urges Tasmanian team by 2025 or code will die on island

ABC  

The long-awaited report into whether a Tasmanian team should be granted an AFL licence has found the state would reap a windfall of more than $110 million a year and hundreds of jobs, urging the State Government to take the case to the code's governing body — or watch as the code dies. Key points: Tasmanian support for AFL clubs …

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