Tasmanian Government reveals Hobart Stadium planning legislation

The Tasmanian Government has revealed the legislation that it is introducing legislation to move forward the development of its planned new AFL stadium at Hobart's Macquarie Point.

With costs for the 23,000 capacity venue edging closer to $1 billion, the legislation for the Macquarie Point Urban Renewal Project - which  will sidestep the normal planning process - has today been opened for public consultation.

The Macquarie Point Planning Permit Bill 2025 would enable the Macquarie Point Development Corporation (MPDC) to bypass the pathway overseen by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

If approved by Tasmania's Parliament, it will remove the proposal from the current planning pathway, and allow land to be acquired to develop a northern access road, the consolidation of titles and a permit for development.

The stadium and Tasmania’s plans for the Devils debut in the AFL progressed to the final stage of the Project of State Significance in early May when the Tasmanian Planning Commission drafted an integrated assessment report that went on exhibition.

However, the MPDC was concerned the report “focuses too heavily on the perceived negative aspects of the project” and in turn was “disproportionately impacting on public sentiment”.

The MPDC wanted “significant amendments” made to the report but this would require public consultation and push the commission’s decision deadline past a 17th September, placing “the delivery of the stadium beyond the timelines stipulated in the AFL Agreement and in direct resource competition with Olympic stadia builds in Queensland."

The MPDC response advised that "construction costs will also increase with the further passage of time.”

Tasmanian Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz advised that the Government had “reviewed and acknowledged the concerns and challenges raised within the draft Integrated Assessment Report by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.”

He went on to state “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.”

Public consultation for the Macquarie Point Planning Permit Bill 2025 is open until 16th June.

Image: Concept for the planned new Hobart AFL Stadium. Credit: Macquarie Point Development Corporation.