Tasmania’s Premier has praised Adelaide Oval as a blueprint for the Macquarie Point stadium development, following a tour of the South Australian sporting landmark.
“What a tremendous spot. What a fantastic investment for Adelaide,” the Premier said while visiting the precinct with tourism officials and former premier John Olsen this week.
The visit comes as Tasmania pushes ahead with plans for its own AFL team and stadium, with the Tasmania Devils expected to join the competition in 2028.
“Being here to be able to visualise what a fantastic facility this is, a huge contributor to the local economy, to the brand of South Australia … the proximity to the CBD of Adelaide … is exactly what we’ll have at Macquarie Point,” the Premier said.
While the Hobart project has faced its share of criticism, the Premier pointed to Adelaide’s once-divisive $535 million Oval redevelopment as proof that big visions can pay off.
“Adelaide was no different. In fact, some would argue more controversial than even the Macquarie Point Stadium,” Rockliff said.
“Thanks to the ambition, thanks to the vision and persistence of the leadership of the state then, everyone now is on board with this magnificent redevelopment.”
Former South Australian Premier John Olsen, now President of the Adelaide Crows, said the Oval has had an immense economic and social impact.
“It was a troubled journey … no one would want to take away what has been delivered here for South Australia now,” Olsen said.
“Some 200 people are permanently employed at Adelaide Oval, another 1,600 to 1,800 people are casual employees. We welcome something like 2 million visitors to this stadium each year.”
He noted the stadium’s crucial role in securing the AFL Gather Round, which brought 45,000 visitors and 90,000 hotel room nights to South Australia.
“Those that were opposed to it now recognise the overall economic and social and community benefit really outweighed their opposition to it,” he said.
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania CEO Amy Hills, who joined the tour, said the entire precinct experience beyond just sport was important to the city.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing what not only what the stadium can be, but what the precinct can be to really electrify and activate that whole area,” Hills said.
“Because here that we’re seeing people are having a drink, going out for meals 365 days of the year, into the evenings and really activating the entire site.”
“Talking to my South Australian colleagues, they describe this development as a step change in what has been their visitor economy. It’s led to 10 years of investment in pipeline and hotel developments.”
Premier Rockliff left the visit saying he was more confident than ever.
“I have to accept that there will be people that will always be opposed until they can see the benefits. What I have learnt here is to stick to your guns,” he said.
“I can see here quite clearly that persistence pays off, that you’ve got to stick to your guns and absolutely sell and celebrate the vision as much as possible.”
Labor Leader Dean Winter is also currently in Adelaide.
