Time to grab dream but with a guarantee

IF the Tasmanian Government can land this DEC deal, it would be a big win for it, for the northern suburbs, for the state, for basketball and for the NBL.

But any deal must include an iron-clad, non-negotiable commitment from NBL owner Larry Kestelman that he will carry out his $200 million precinct proposal for Wilkinsons Point in a reasonable time frame.

To ask the taxpayer to front up $60 million is a lot, especially with the announcement Tasmania will lose $75 million in GST returns this year.

However, a $60 million outlay for a $200 million return, creating 1100 jobs, a much-needed redevelopment to bring the DEC up to standard, a new multi-sport facility and hope and inspiration for thousands of Tasmanian boys and girls seeing NBL stars week in and week out would be an outstanding return.

For the NBL, it would bring the competition to 10, with teams in every state, making it truly national.

Sure the lease for the DEC will be generous, but importantly the venue will stay in public hands.

Yes, Tasmania needs funding for health and affordable housing, but it also needs economic growth and job creation through developers such as Mr Kestelman and for children to be inspired to take up sport through such competitions as the NBL for healthy outcomes.

It will need federal, state and council backing and support from the community, but the dream is now so close we can touch it — and only hope the AFL is also watching on a little nervously.