The Tasmanian government has fast-tracked the much-anticipated $715-million Mac Point Multipurpose Stadium, described as a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for the state.
The government has approved an order to progress the 23,000-seater stadium as a Project of State Significance after political uncertainty earlier in the year over its future.
Projects of State Significance application reviews are conducted by the Tasmanian Planning Commission as opposed to an independent panel, and its decisions are not subject to appeal except under judicial review.
The commission liaises with the Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies before recommending approval and any conditions.
The final decision is made by the government and the agencies responsible for enforcing the conditions specified, although a press release from the Tasmanian government said the Mac Point community consultation would be “at arm’s length” from the government.
The Tasmanian government called the Mac Point stadium “game-changing” for the state and the “centrepiece” of an important precinct.
It is projected that at least 44 events, of which 28 would be new to Tasmania, could be hosted at the new stadium, with estimates of 587,000 attendees annually, including 123,500 overseas and interstate visitors.
To fund the project, the Australian government has committed $240 million and the Tasmanian government will tip in $375 million.
Meanwhile, the AFL will contribute $15 million as part of a deal that will allow Tasmania to participate in its national league.
It is proposed a further $85 million will be funded through borrowings against land sale or lease for commercial uses.
It is estimated that the stadium “could operate at break-even or generate a small profit annually”.
The stadium is part of a much larger renewal project for Macquarie Point, managed by Macquarie Point Development Corporation, a Tasmanian government agency set up in 2012.
The government last month released a draft plan for the $2.3-billion redevelopment of Hobart’s Macquarie Point, which revealed space for a private hospital, social and affordable housing, transport interchange, an RSL museum and infrastructure for Hobart Regatta, as well as hotels, apartments, restaurants and other retail and commercial tenancies.
The next step for the stadium will be the development of guidelines for the assessment by the Tasmanian Planning Commission during the coming four months.
