After Tasmanian Labor leader Dean Winter changed his stance on the proposed multi-purpose Macquarie Point stadium, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed the shift.
Winter announced on Monday that Labor’s position has changed under his leadership and would not “stand in the way” of the current proposal.
Speaking in Launceston on Saturday, Albanese urged the Tasmanian Government to “get on with” construction as “not much has happened” at the site since he set aside $50 million as Infrastructure Minister in 2012.
“Mac Point is an extraordinary asset for the state of Tasmania,” Albanese said.
“Hobart should be somewhere where the CBD flows down onto the waterfront of the Derwent in a way that captures the wonderful asset that the city of Hobart is. But at the moment, that hasn’t happened.”
The Prime Minister said having a waste treatment plant, rocks and mess at the current industrial site was “not what you expect of a great city like Hobart in the 21st century”.
“I want to see an outcome. I want the State Government to get on with it and to make sure that it’s delivered in an appropriate way,” he said.
“And the Commonwealth Government have made it clear that we’re prepared to be a part of that.”
The planned stadium will have 23,000 seats, a roof and will be the home ground of the Tasmania Devils AFL team.
As part of the deal with the AFL, 60% of the stadium must be completed by November 2027, with full completion expected between 2028 and 2029.
Albanese also welcomed the appointment of Brendan Gale as CEO of the Tasmania Devils, praising his successful tenure at Richmond Football Club.
“He transformed them into a team of champions,” Albanese said.
“I can’t think of anyone who has a more extraordinary record. What he did with Richmond was quite remarkable.”
