Tasmanian budget backs AFL Team Taskforce and stadium feasibility study

As the state continues to push for an AFL team, the Tasmanian Government’s 2022/23 budget has provided $1.3 million for the AFL Team Taskforce and the feasibility study for a new Hobart stadium.

Announced this week, the budget contains no funds for the planned $750 million venue, proposed for a location on reclaimed land at Regatta Point on the Hobart waterfront.

The budget also provides funds for the recently formed Stadiums Tasmania agency, approved by the state Parliament in March with an equity contribution of $65 million for the new body to be used on upgrades to Launceston’s UTAS Stadium.

The budget has also provided funding for Tasmania to stage the Ironman 70.3 event in Hobart in February 2023 while the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery will receive an extra $1.3 million over four years.

For tourism, there is an extra $10 million to help the tourism sector recover from COVID-19, and $2 million to support a direct Air New Zealand service between Hobart and Auckland.

Image: The concept for the proposed stadium on Hobart's foreshore. Credit: Philp Lighton Architects.