Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reaffirmed his backing for the proposed stadium at Macquarie Point in Tasmania.
The contentious 23,000-seat, covered venue is expected to come at a near $1 billion cost and will serve as the home ground for the Tassie Devils AFL team, while also accommodating summer cricket and various events.
However, local political dynamics have complicated matters, as an unexpected state election has postponed any decisions regarding planning approvals for the stadium, with the Greens and crossbenchers predominantly opposing the initiative.
The Albanese government has committed $240 million to the project, with an additional $15 million from the AFL.
In addressing critics of the stadium project, the Prime Minister urged them to consider the broader benefits that significant urban development at Macquarie Point would bring to Hobart.
“We support the stadium, not solely for its impact on AFL, but for the potential it has to transform Hobart,” Albanese expressed during a conversation on the Two Good Sports podcast.
“In 2012, the federal government allocated $50 million to the Tasmanian government for planning at the Macquarie Point site.
“It’s essential to have a comprehensive urban development initiative at Macquarie Point. A multifaceted precinct should include sporting venues, hospitality, and residential spaces, effectively bridging the CBD with the river and revitalising the city of Hobart.”
“This needs to be viewed from that angle, rather than the limited viewpoint that it’s merely a venue for the Devils’ home games.”
Anthony Albanese speaking in Maitland. Nine
Albanese also criticized the current Liberal administration and Premier Jeremy Rockliff, asserting they have not made any progress with the $50 million allocated to them in 2012.
“The state government has been stalling for an extended period. When I visited about a year ago, it was still in the same state as it was in 2012,” he remarked.
“Thirteen years later, you had to be careful where you walked because it didn’t even resemble a proper road.”
“They simply need to get on with the job.”
Recently, former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire suggested that the Tasmanian government should metaphorically “put Albanese in a headlock” to secure a larger financial commitment for the stadium.
“If it were me, I would have done that from the outset,” McGuire stated on Wide World of Sports’ Eddie and Jimmy podcast.
“They must provide funding. Tasmania has been overlooked for too long. While Queensland is benefiting greatly from the Olympics, Tasmania deserves its fair share.”
Despite this, Albanese maintains that the Federal Government’s financial contribution is already significant, insisting that no further funds will be provided.
“We have made our contribution, which is capped, and it’s now up to the Tasmanian government to manage the project,” he insisted.
“We’ve supported urban redevelopment there, but we’re not just going to keep funding the project indefinitely.
“If we continue to operate as an unlimited funding source, it may lead to poor project management. We won’t be responsible for operating the Tassie Devils or the state’s planning processes.”
“Our investment is considerable… we assessed the situation, and they simply need to move forward.”
Additional updates regarding the stadium are not anticipated until after the state election, which will take place on 19 July.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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