The AFL Commission has held a “really positive” discussion about Tasmania being awarded the 19th license, as the state’s government pledges more money towards a team and a stadium.
Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff is hoping to build a 23,000 seat boutique stadium on Hobart’s waterfront at Macquarie Point, the agreed-upon site for the venue which remains the crucial factor for the bid.
The AFL is yet to tick off the bid but on Monday held discussions with the Commission and the 18 club presidents and CEOs, giving them information on the business case.
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On Monday Tasmania committed extra money to the deal, upping their funding from $10 million a year over 10 years, to $12 million a year over $12 years, plus $60 million for a high performance and team administration complex, for a total commitment of $204 million.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has said a stadium deal must be agreed upon for the bid and premier Rockliff has talked up the Macquarie Point precinct as the perfect option.
Tasmania would commit $375 million with the other $375 million coming from federal government funding and private investment.
However Rockliff has received criticism from some in Tasmania, including Greens leader Casey O’Connor who said it was “an insult” to spend so much money on a football ground.
“News that they want to put a $750 million stadium on this site is an insult to Tasmanians who can’t pay their rent or are living in a tent,” she said.
“It’s an insult to people who are languishing on the elective surgery waiting list or worried about an ambulance arriving on time when they need help.
“It’s pretty clear that what’s happened here is that the Premier has allowed himself to be railroaded by the AFL.”
Agreement on how to fund the stadium is now critical, with the AFL yet to ask the federal government to commit any cash.
“We believe that we have resolved and finalised 10 of the 11 workstreams and the final piece is resolving the stadium,” Gill McLachlan said.
“While those discussions are ongoing with the Tasmanian Government we are confident that we can continue to resolve that issue to the satisfaction of all parties.
“We and the Tasmanian Government agree that a new stadium is important to the success of a new club and the Tasmanian economy – and we agree that we will solve that together at the right time.
“The Federal Government has made no commitment at this stage, and we haven’t asked them to make a commitment.
“We have briefed the Federal Government on the process and where we are at in looking at the business case for a 19th team, but we have made no approach to them for funding and will not seek any support until we work through all the ongoing requirements around the stadium design and feasibility.
“When we are at the point where there is more clarity around the stadium, we will have those conversations with the Federal Government but – as I said earlier – we have agreed to work together with the Tasmanian Government and together we will solve the stadium issue.”
