NBL backers promise DEC access to all

THE financial backers behind Tasmania’s proposed NBL team say the Derwent Entertainment Centre will remain accessible to community groups if they obtain controlling rights.

Glenorchy City Council aldermen voted unanimously on Monday night to put the venue — which cost taxpayers more than $1 million last financial year — on the market.

This is despite a number of public members at the meeting voicing their disapproval.

Former Hobart NBL player Justin Hickey and business partner Michael Sutton had previously lodged an unsolicited offer for the DEC, which is a key component in the state’s bid to join the NBL, via their company Hydraplay.

Mr Hickey and Mr Sutton are leading the consortium behind the Southern Huskies, which has already attracted more than 5000 members and 13,000 followers since launching the brand late last month.

The consortium has pledged to outlay an initial $3 million to $4 million immediately to bring the dated DEC up to international standard, as part of an overall $80-$90 million investment to transform the area into a sport and entertainment precinct.

“I have $4 million to put into this initially to bring it up to scratch in a particular time frame but also to ensure none of the community events or events that are booked already are interrupted,” Mr Hickey told the Mercury.

“Basketball is only a cog in the wheel, we want to get the team going and everyone has been talking about being NBL ready in a few years’ time.

“I understand what that means and what that takes to do it, that is the reason we have said we want to buy the DEC.

“It’s also a bit past that in a way now as well that Tasmania is missing out on so many epic events, both sporting and cultural, music and the arts etc because that place is not up to standard.

“For us, we need to bring it up to scratch so Tassie doesn’t miss out any more … at the same time being mindful the community needs to have access.

“If we manage to strike a deal, we want to [ensure] everyone that has a good idea or needs a venue … can have access to it.”

The Mercury understands Hydraplay drafted a threepage Executive Summary to Heads of Agreement document to GCC Mayor Kristie Johnston outlining the benefits of all proposed DEC development, which wasn’t tabled to the rest of the council.

The council has also valued the DEC at $18.6 million, a figure Mr Hickey has questioned.