Article
Stadium Controversy – Cost, Funding & Priorities
The proposed Macquarie Point stadium in Hobart is at a pivotal point.
The Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) has been conducting an integrated assessment of the project as a Project of State Significance with their final report, due by 17 September 2025, which will recommend whether the project should proceed and, if so, under what conditions. The state government, however, retains the authority to proceed with the project even if the TPC’s recommendation is against it.
While a motion has passed in the House of Assembly calling for full transparency on the project’s costs, including potential expenses from TPC-mandated conditions, a significant point of contention remains the estimated $240 million in federal funding.
Critics, particularly the Greens, point out that this federal money is earmarked for broader urban redevelopment at Macquarie Point, not the stadium itself, leaving a substantial “black hole” in the project’s budget. This financial controversy unfolds against a backdrop of a messy state budget and underfunded essential services, with a growing number of voices questioning the government’s priorities. Opponents of the stadium argue that the substantial costs—which could add nearly two billion dollars to Tasmania’s debt—should instead be directed toward addressing pressing needs in health and housing.
At the same time, the state is moving forward with a separate, less contentious project – the $130 million redevelopment of York Park in Launceston, a project jointly funded by the state and federal governments that is seen as a crucial step in preparing for the new Tasmania Football Club’s entry into the AFL.
Media release – Kristie Johnston, independent MHA for Clark, 12 September 2025
Stadium costing motion passed unanimously this week, takes in Labor amendments
Ms Johnston to move – That the House –
(1) Notes:
The Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) Draft Integrated Assessment Report – Macquarie Point Multipurpose Stadium Project of State Significance identified multiple issues that needed to be addressed by the proponent;
By 17 September 2025 the TPC will deliver its final report with a recommendation to the Minister that either the Project proceed, and if so on what conditions, or that it does not proceed;
The Government can choose to proceed against the TPC’s recommendation
The State Policies and Projects (Project of State Significance) Order 2023 includes the requirement that an order made under section 26 in respect of the project is of no effect until the order under section 26 has been approved, under that section, by resolution of each House of Parliament.
(2) Recognises that meeting the conditions may add to the cost of the project.
(3) Calls on the Government to produce and table the expected costs of the stadium and make best efforts to produce and table the expected costs for all conditions the TPC may attach to a stadium prior to the motion to approve the order coming before the House.
Media release – Vica Bayley MP, Greens Sports Spokesperson, 11 September 2025
Stadium Costs Blowout, Again
Another day, another stadium spending blowout for the Liberals. It was confirmed in Parliament that there’s a further $240 million hole in the Liberal’s stadium spending.
The Liberals have consistently claimed that the Federal Government will provide $240 million to fund the construction of the stadium.
On the back of risk concerns being raised by Treasury, the Treasurer confirmed in Parliament that the Federal Government’s funding is to go towards the Macquarie Point precinct.
The funding agreement between state and federal governments requires ‘affordable, essential worker or social housing’ and wharf upgrades are delivered with the $240 million commitment.
The agreement in fact does not mention a stadium as part of the urban redevelopment of Macquarie Point. It leaves an up to $240 million black hole in the Liberal’s stadium spending commitments.
Any additional costs of building the stadium will need to be funded by the Rockliff Government.
That’s more money that could be spent on health and housing for struggling Tasmanians.
Treasury’s Pre-Election Financial Outlook identified this as a significant risk to Tasmania’s finances. With Tasmania’s budget in a mess, the Liberals should be prioritising improving essential services – not building a stadium.
Media release – Vica Bayley MP, Greens Sports Spokesperson, 9 September 2025
Fund Services, Not A Stadium
Tasmania’s budget is in a mess and essential services are already going underfunded. Yet on the first day of Parliament the Liberals have reconfirmed their unconditional support for a billion-dollar stadium that Tasmanians don’t need and can’t afford.
Treasury has warned that the budget isn’t in good shape, and that we can’t just grow the economy to fix it. Revenue raising and a cut in spending is needed.
However, essential health and housing services are already struggling to meet Tasmanians’ needs. They need more investment, not cuts.
We simply can’t afford a stadium which will add almost two billion dollars to Tasmania’s debt by the end of the decade.
Support for the Tassie Devils team is continuing to grow in the community.
We have teams heading off to the VFL and VFLW. Tassie’s teams are happening, with or without the new Macquarie Point Stadium.
It’s time to renegotiate the deal for our teams. The Liberals can’t cut essential services to meet the demands of the AFL for a stadium.
The Liberal Government needs to ditch its costly stadium and ensure essential services have the funding they need.
Media release – Eric Abetz MP, Leader of the House, 8 September 2025
Ambitious agenda to deliver for Tasmanians
The Tasmanian Government is getting on with the job to deliver for Tasmania.
Leader of the House, Eric Abetz, said the Government has an ambitious legislative agenda for the 52nd Parliament.
“We will be delivering an interim 2025-26 Budget, continuing with the process for the Macquarie Point Stadium, and of course, carrying on with important reforms from the previous Parliament, such as our Pets in Rentals legislation,” Abetz said.
“There is plenty of work to do to continue building a better health system, deliver more homes, lift education outcomes, keep cost of living down and keep our economy strong.
“We’ve already got the ball rolling to triple First Home Owner Grants to $30,000, along with extending tax rebates for apprentices – and we have lots more to do.
“We are working together with the crossbench and listening to their ideas, as well as views across the whole community, to ensure we can spend the next four years taking Tasmania forward.
“Just as we said we would – our Government is getting on with the job.”
Excerpt from Inaugural Speech
The task for the next four years is daunting.
We appear to be on the brink of financial collapse from which only Federal intervention can save the state.
I can’t think of anything more irresponsible than a government & opposition collaborating to squander 1 billion, 2 billion on a vanity project like the Mac Point stadium when 5,000 people are waiting up to 97 weeks for a proper roof over their heads … when our health system is failing the sick and elderly … when the budget is in meltdown … and when taking a leaf out of the Scandinavian experience of community development, Macquarie Point could so easily become not just the pride of Tasmania but the envy of Australia.
I’ve heard the delusion in this house today that the majority of Tasmanians voted for you to show support for the stadium.
That is seriously deluded.
Media release – Nick Duigan MLC, Minister for Sport; Catherine King, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, 10 September 2025
Major milestone for UTAS Stadium redevelopment as main works commence
Main works have begun on the $130 million redevelopment of UTAS Stadium in Launceston.
The redevelopment will transform UTAS Stadium into a world-class venue ahead of the Tasmania Football Club’s (the Devils) entry into the AFL and AFLW competitions in 2028.
It is jointly funded with $65 million each from the Australian and Tasmanian Governments.
Construction will be undertaken by Tasmanian firm Fairbrother Pty Ltd.
The Main Works package includes:
• New Centre West Stand – featuring premium seating, corporate function spaces, media facilities, and refurbished player change rooms. Completion is scheduled for October 2027.
• Redeveloped Eastern Stand – delivering 3,629 new seats with modern food, beverage, and toilet amenities. Completion expected by March 2027.
• Western Stand Infill Seating – adding a new Level 1 grandstand with improved fan proximity and 45 accessible seats. Completion due by September 2026.
• Southern Patron Amenities – including a Changing Places facility and upgraded male and female toilets.
Demolition of the existing Centre West Stand will begin the week commencing 15 September 2025.
Venue capacity will be temporarily reduced to approximately 9,000 during the 2026 AFL season, increasing to around 17,000 in 2027 as new seating areas come online.
Throughout the redevelopment, UTAS Stadium will continue to host major sporting content, including:
• AFLW matches featuring North Melbourne in October 2025
• Hawthorn Football Club home games in 2026 and 2027
• North Launceston Football Club fixtures
• Tasmania Football Club home games from 2026 (VFL/VFLW) and 2028 (AFL/AFLW)
• Anticipated return of Big Bash cricket with the Hobart Hurricanes in the 2026-27 cricket season.
“The starting siren has sounded on the redevelopment of UTAS Stadium and the Australian Government has proudly kicked in $65 million,” said Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.
“As Tasmania’s AFL and AFLW teams prepare to enter the league, this upgrade will ensure UTAS remains Launceston’s premier sports, community and entertainment precinct.
“I can’t wait to see my beloved Richmond Tigers play the Tassie Devils at the upgraded UTAS stadium,” she said.
“The Tasmanian Government is contributing $65 million to deliver the upgrade of a world-class stadium in our state.
“This is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about building a future for Tasmanian sport, which includes the entry of the Tasmania Football Club into the AFL and AFLW competitions in 2028, ” said Tasmanian Minister for Sport, Nick Duigan.
“These upgrades will ensure UTAS Stadium remains a premier venue for elite sport, community events, and entertainment — not just for Launceston, but for all Tasmanians.
“This revitalisation project will ensure UTAS Stadium continues to host world-class events, inspiring the next generation of sporting stars and reinforcing Tasmania’s status as a premier destination for major events and sporting excellence.
“Our Government is getting on with the job, we are delivering for Tasmania. Together, we’re building more than a stadium — we’re building a legacy,” he said.
Stadiums Tasmania CEO James Avery said “This milestone marks the beginning of the most substantial phase of the redevelopment.
“It ensures the project remains on time and on budget, while delivering a venue that meets the needs of elite sport, community users, and fans alike.”
Fairbrother CEO Kurt Arnold said “As a local company, Fairbrother is proud to play a leading role in the transformation of UTAS Stadium – a project that will create local jobs, boost regional economic activity, and highlight Northern Tasmania’s construction capability.
“This redevelopment is a fantastic opportunity for our people, our subcontractors and suppliers to deliver a rewarding and challenging project while contributing to a landmark Tasmanian venue. We’re committed to delivering a world-class venue for Tasmanians, supporting elite sport and community events.
“Thank you to the State and Federal Governments, Stadiums Tasmania, and all partners – together, we’re building the foundation of a legacy for Tasmania’s future.”
Federal Member for Lyons Rebecca White said “The Albanese Government’s $65 million investment is already delivering for Tasmanians, creating work for local people, opportunities for local businesses, and economic benefits that will continue well into the future.
“This redevelopment will deliver modern stands, improved accessibility and upgraded facilities – so UTAS Stadium can host world-class sport and major events for years to come.
“When Tasmania’s AFL and AFLW teams debut in 2028, they will do so in a stadium that reflects our pride, meets their ambition and provide Devils’ fans with a truly world-class experience.”
Tasmanian Times (TT) is a community-based news and current affairs service covering the island state of Tasmania. It exists to provide a diverse presentation of Tasmanian issues. TT creates and supports independent media content utilising the best of modern technologies and tried-and-true practices of public-interest journalism.
Support us in expanding our coverage and developing new content by and for Tasmanians.
New initiatives on the way include … what our contributors and readers suggest! Please get in touch with your suggestions.