AFL unmoved as cricket raises ‘significant concerns’ about Tasmanian stadium

Earlier this month, The Age revealed club presidents had demanded the right to another vote on the Tasmanian licence, if previously agreed parameters changed.

St Kilda’s Andrew Bassat, Sydney’s Andrew Pridham and outgoing Collingwood chairman Jeff Browne have been the most vocal critics of the 19th team in Tasmania, particularly if the stadium doesn’t go ahead.

The letter from cricket authorities, obtained by the ABC in Tasmania, states Cricket Tasmania and Cricket Australia “remain committed to and supportive of the stadium project, and wish to see it progress”.

Drop-in pitches and turf growth have been listed as cricket’s major design-related issues.

Cricket Tasmania had rubber-stamped the designs released by Cox Architecture in 2024, but concerns about potential shadows emerged earlier this year.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said this month that he was operating on the assumption that the Devils would be ready for the start of 2028. This is despite concerns about the stadium reaching the proposed timetable (during 2029) from club presidents and other stakeholders.

“On the information I’ve got to hand now, it’s 2028 [that] is the start date,” said Dillon, who said the Tasmania bid document had “contemplated” the possibility of delays to the stadium. There are financial penalties if certain project timelines are not reached.

Macquarie Point Development Corporation, which is running the project, said the design process is ongoing.

“The Macquarie Point stadium is the first proposed roofed venue designed to accommodate all forms of cricket, alongside other sports and events, as part of a truly multipurpose facility. The design process is ongoing and incorporates input from a wide range of stakeholders through extensive engagement and workshops, to ensure the stadium meets its intended purpose and delivers long-term benefits for the state,” a MPDC spokesperson said.

“A variety of options are being explored, including structural considerations, roof materials, and adaptive measures to ensure consistency in lighting and shadowing for players and spectators. All stadia feature roofs to varying extents, primarily for weather protection and to support lighting, speakers and other operational functions. Engagement with users, including Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania, is ongoing.”

Plans for the new stadium have divided public opinion.

Macquarie Point Development Corporation chair Kim Evans and chief executive Anne Beach will appear before a state parliamentary committee on Wednesday.

Economist Nicholas Gruen, whose independent assessment of the project found the cost would blow out to more than $1 billion, will also give evidence.

Dr Gruen’s report in January said the stadium was being built in the wrong spot and its economic benefits had been overstated.

The Liberal state government, which signed the deal with the AFL, has pledged to cap its spend at $375 million.

The federal Labor government is chipping in $240 million for development at the site, while the AFL is contributing $15 million.

The state government, which is contractually liable for any cost overruns, said private investment would be sought to make up the funding shortfall.

The project is being assessed by an independent planning body that is expected to provide a draft report by the end of March and a final report in September.

The project must then be voted through state parliament, including an independent MP-heavy upper house, to get the green light.

The Labor opposition supports the stadium but has raised concerns about the Liberal government’s financial management.

With AAP

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