AFL working closely on stadium deal
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has confirmed the league is working hand-inhand with the Tasmanian government to find the best site and the cost required for a new, roofed multipurpose stadium.
Speaking on FoxFooty on Tuesday night, McLachlan also confirmed that a final decision on Tasmania’s bid to become the league’s 19th AFL licence was on track to be made next month.
One of the biggest pieces of the push for a Tasmanian team in the AFL is a stadium on Hobart’s waterfront.
The Tasmanian government this year unveiled a proposal for a 27,000-seat stadium at Regatta Point, at a cost of about $750m.
When in Hobart last month to meet Premier Jeremy Rockliff for the first time, McLachlan said a licence was contingent on a new stadium.
A combined AFL and Tasmanian Taskforce working group are currently working through the 11 work streams, including the stadium, to present to the league commission.
“The stadium is one of the biggest issues,” McLachlan said. “My team led by (the AFL’s general manager property development) Matthew Chun is working with the Tasmanians on all the options.
“We are looking at possible sites, costs and doing a report to come back because it is a critical piece of it.
“That's the largest piece of the outstanding stuff. There’s a spot for it, I know that.”
It is understood the state government’s preferred position for a new stadium is at Regatta Point, while the AFL was leaning towards Macquarie Point.
To become the league’s newest club, Tasmania first needs the support of the AFL commission and then from the majority of presidents of the 18 existing clubs.
Asked if the campaign was on track for a decision next month or if it was too soon, McLachlan replied: “It will be in August some time ... I think it is on track, yes.”
The Tasmanian government has put an offer on the table for $10m a season for the first 10 years to help with operational costs, as well as $50m for a high-performance centre.
“It will be in August some time ... I think it is on track, yes.”
GILLON MCLACHLAN