Tasmanian Parliament Approves Controversial $1.13bn Hobart Stadium Plan
Hobart, Tasmania – Teh Tasmanian parliament has given the green light to the contentious $1.13 billion Hobart stadium project, paving the way for a potential 19th AFL team and sparking renewed debate over the state’s financial priorities. The vote, secured after a lengthy and frequently enough heated political battle, marks a significant step forward for the project despite ongoing concerns about escalating costs and potential impacts on Tasmania’s budget.
The approval comes after months of political turmoil and public protest, with the stadium’s price tag ballooning from an initial estimate of $715 million to $1.13 billion. The project’s future hinged on securing additional state funding, which now requires parliamentary approval from both houses. The decision directly impacts Tasmanian taxpayers, AFL expansion plans, and the future of sporting infrastructure in the state, with construction expected to begin imminently if funding is secured.
An estimated 15,000 people rallied in support of the stadium on Sunday,demonstrating significant public backing for the project. However, opposition remains strong, notably from groups concerned about the financial burden on Tasmania, Australia’s smallest and poorest state.
Upper house Greens MP Cassy O’Connor expressed deep disappointment with the outcome, stating, “It is so highly regrettable, bordering on tragic, that something we’ve all longed for, a Tasmanian AFL team, has become so divisive.” She argued the AFL had “shafted” Tasmania.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has indicated the stadium design could be adjusted to remain within the $875m budget, despite the current cost exceeding that figure. He had previously pledged the state would not contribute “one red cent more” than $375m.
Funding for the stadium will be a tripartite effort: the Tasmanian government contributing $375m, the federal government providing $240m, and the AFL contributing $15m.
Roland Browne, a spokesperson for the anti-stadium group Our Place – Hobart, acknowledged the lack of legal avenues to challenge the decision but signaled plans for continued protests.
