An independent review of Hobart’s proposed Macquarie Point stadium has found the project is “already displaying the hallmarks of mismanagement”.
Conducted by Dr Nicholas Gruen at the request of the Jacqui Lambie Network, the review suggests the stadium’s cost estimates are significantly understated, the projected benefits overstated and the proposed timeframe unrealistic.
The report attributes much of the mismanagement to the Tasmanian Government’s efforts to stick to its $375 million funding cap.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff made this commitment during the last state election when the total project cost was estimated at $715 million, $15 million of which would come from the AFL and $240 million from the federal government.
Dr Gruen, however, now estimates the project will likely exceed $1 billion.
“I expect that the Government and the AFL believe they have been acting in good faith to deliver a big project despite the inevitable naysayers,” Gruen wrote.
“But their haste has undermined the prospects to minimise costs and maximise benefits and for different parties to craft constructive and well-informed compromises.”
The report also questions the stadium’s location, saying it “seems likely that the wrong site has been selected”.
It notes the site at Macquarie Point has created divisions among veterans, Indigenous groups and football supporters.
Premier Rockliff has remained confident in the face of the report, taking to social media to say that the stadium “stacks up”.
“We will not be deterred from creating jobs, prosperity and opportunity for Tasmania. Especially young Tasmanians that want a future in our beautiful state,” he wrote.
“The stadium and the entire Mac Point urban renewal project will be a game changer for our state, creating jobs, boosting our economy and offering a world class precinct for generations to come.”
Labor, which initially opposed the stadium, has expressed fresh concerns following the report and requested a briefing from the Premier on the findings.
“Labor wants to see a stadium built in Hobart … We want to see it delivered on time and on budget, but for that to happen the project needs to be managed properly,” sport spokesperson Luke Edmunds said.
“The last thing Tasmania can afford is a repeat of the Spirits fiasco when it comes to the stadium, but many are rightly worried that’s exactly where we’re headed.”
The Tasmanian Greens said the report has confirmed their concerns.
“We desperately need more investment in health and housing, not over a billion dollars poured into a stadium that’s in the wrong place and that won’t bring the benefits that were promised,” MP Vica Bayley said.
The project is currently awaiting assessment by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
