Alderman Marti Zucco Said today; “It is time the future of AFL games played in Tasmania is seriously put back onto the table with a view to grow the games within the State I have always said that these discussions should occur after the second year of the North Melbourne deal and that time is now”
He also said “Tasmania has demonstrated that it supports AFL games Tasmania wide and now is the time to commence the process to secure more games across the State”
The hard work the original task force did as the catalyst to establishing the games in Launceston and on what it took a small group of committed people against all odds to fight every step of the way to secure games in Hobart should go a long way towards embedding and growing the games in Tasmania.
Any discussion should not be left in the hands of our State politicians as what occurred in the past should never be repeated.
The AFL is the governing body of the Australian game and discussions should be with the AFL and all relevant stakeholders so that whatever the model will be for Tasmania it is developed in a proper businesslike manner rather than with political influence.
Both the Hawthorn and North Melbourne deals are soon to expire it is time now to think about the future and further grow the game and work with the AFL in achieving that.
As I did with the original North Melbourne proposal, tomorrow I will be tabling a Notice of Motion for a report to get the ball rolling. I attach a copy of that motion which clearly points towards what is needed to see this happen.
In conclusion Ald Zucco said that “My preferred option is to see an extra game played in both Launceston and Hobart with the current team models. Ultimately that decision will be made by the AFL and this report should pave the way towards an outcome”
NOTICE OF MOTION ALDERMAN ZUCCO;
That a report be prepared that gives consideration to the Council:
1. Strongly supporting the continuation of AFL games being played in Tasmania.
2. Seeing the AFL brand strengthen its overall value to the whole state by playing 8 or more games in Tasmania.
3. Calling on the AFL to urgently articulate its plans for the playing of AFL football in the state, including the number of games to be played, the team(s) involved and the venues for those games.
4. As a minimum, seeing the preferred option to be no less than the current model.
Rationale:
At present, the Hawthorn Football Club is playing four AFL roster games in Launceston and the North Melbourne Football Club is playing two AFL roster games in Hobart. These arrangements expire at the end of the 2016 and 2014 seasons respectively.
The future of these games is a matter listed for discussion with the Launceston City Council under the Memorandum of Understanding between the two Councils. It is therefore important that the Council has a policy position on the playing of AFL games in the state.
This motion is about preserving the status quo and seeking to grow the brand recognition of the AFL in the state.
Marti Zucco Palmer United Party Candidate for Franklin
