Tasmania spends $375 million every 45 days on health—the same amount set aside for the construction of a stadium at Macquarie Point.
The project, which will primarily house the state’s AFL and AFLW teams once complete, has faced criticism from some who consider it a waste of money.
Others have suggested the funds could be better spent elsewhere—an unlikely scenario given the AFL and federal government money has been specifically earmarked for Macquarie Point.
Breaking down the figures, Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the state spends $8 million on health every day.
“And that will continue to grow, as will be evidenced in the budget on September the 12th this year,” he said.
“We are committing and investing $375 million, one-off, into a Macquarie Point precinct, which of course, is the stadium.”
“$375 million invested once to transform a wasteland into something truly special and iconic, bringing with it growth in our economy, jobs, the visitor economy … and our own AFL-AFLW team. Investing once.”
The remaining $340 million of the $715 million development will come from the Federal Government ($240 million), AFL ($15 million) and private sources ($85 million).
Rockliff said the state’s investment was set aside in last year’s budget, along with elements of the high performance centre planned for Rosny.
“We are committed to the stadium at Macquarie Point … I’ve been overwhelmed by the feedback of the designs as released on Sunday,” he said.
“There’s broad support from Tasmanians in all corners of the state. This is an exciting opportunity … that supports the construction jobs of some 4,000 construction jobs, adding enormous value to the growth in our economy.”
“And indeed, securing not only major events for our tourism industry, but also our own AFL and AFLW team as well.”
Labor leader Dean Winter said he will be holding the Premier to his election price-cap promise.
“He promised a $375 million cap and now he has to deliver that,” Winter said.
“He also said that there’d be a private investor and we’re looking forward to seeing what the progress is around that.”
