Previous government costings for the stadium have ranged from $715 million to around $754 million, however, today the state government flagged a substantially higher cost of $945 million, an increase of $191 million.
The government said the higher cost factors in improvements to the development which will enhance the experience for stadium users, allow the venue to host cricket matches and cover the cost of various fit outs required for the venue, including audio visual, kitchen and food and beverage fit outs.
Alongside providing a home – and being a requirement for – Tasmania’s own AFL team, the stadium will provide space for business events, including a function room with capacity for up to 1,500 attendees.
The stadium development has encountered criticism, with an independent review of the project and the Tasmanian Planning Commission both raising issues this year.
The independent review by economist Nicholas Gruen suggested the stadium would cost over $1 billion, while the planning commission raised a variety of concerns including around the size of the stadium, the constraints of the site and the disruption the operational venue could cause to existing infrastructure in Hobart.
The commission also determined the cost of the stadium would be around twice its benefit.
In a media statement this morning, announcing the publication of the draft legislation that will allow the stadium development to sidestep existing planning processes, Tasmania’s business, industry and resources minister, Eric Abetz, said “the government has reviewed and acknowledged the concerns and challenges raised within the draft Integrated Assessment Report by the Tasmanian Planning Commission”.
“This draft Bill and subsequent planning conditions addresses these points and demonstrate the efforts by the government to ensure the legislation is comprehensive.
“The enabling legislation and supporting materials are hundreds of pages long, carefully addressing concerns, permits and conditions.
“We are confident that this legislation provides the necessary details for the Parliament to provide their support.”
In Tasmanian Parliament the contents of the draft bill and the revised cost of the stadium were points of contention on Tuesday, including for the leader of the Tasmanian Greens, Rosalie Woodruff, and independent member Rebekah Pentland.
The draft legislation and other related documents are available to view online, with consultation closing on June 16.
