The world’s first timber-roofed stadium will be “fast-tracked” after the Tasmanian government confirmed it will introduce key legislation next week, bypassing the established planning process. The 23,000-seat Macquarie Point stadium—a key condition of Tasmania’s entry into the AFL—comes after a report found that construction costs would exceed $1.2 billion, far beyond the $775 million original price tag.
It comes after Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who inked the deal with the AFL, today announced his government will introduce “enabling legislation” to progress the stadium rather than continuing with the Project of State Significance process.
Under the current process, the commission will provide an assessment report in September after public hearings. The stadium would then need to be passed through both houses of parliament to get the green light.
“We cannot afford not to deliver this project. And we cannot afford delays.”
Earlier this month, Rockliff told Tasmanian parliament that he had sought advice on progressing the stadium outside the current process: “I am considering all options. Given the significance of this project for Tasmania and Tasmanians … I have sought advice, and why wouldn’t I?”
Premier Rockliff said he remained committed to ensuring the stadium would face a parliamentary vote and that the current goal remains to follow the process. On Tuesday, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon and Rockcliff were unmoved on the stadium’s roof – a contractual agreement for the AFL licence. However, both parties acknowledged that it has a tight timeline.
In February, Wood Central reported on updated renders showing the $160m timber roof—a combination of ETFE pillows and a glulam timber system. At its apex, the roof will stand 51 metres above the ground before cascading down into the seating. Dubbed a “once in a generation” chance to revitalise Hobart’s CBD, the stadium must be functional by the 2029 season, with the state government liable to penalties if it is not met.
“After two days of grilling … the premier has finally admitted he is looking at fast-tracking the stadium by using special legislation to directly approve the project,” according to Tasmanian Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff, who opposes the stadium. “The fact (Mr) Rockliff is considering special rubber-stamp legislation is a stunning admission from him that the stadium can’t withstand the community’s scrutiny.”
The Labor opposition, which needs to vote for the stadium to pass the lower house, says it will “support the stadium through the parliament”. However, the party has criticised Rockliff’s project management and said a change to the process would “risk the AFL deal.”
Last week, Wood Central revealed that the current roof design was in doubt after Cricket Australia wrote to the Rockliff government urging Cox Architecture, the stadium architect, to redesign the roof or remove it completely over sight lines caused by the glulam framing in the roof.
In a letter obtained by ABC, Cricket Tasmania and Cricket Australia raised “significant concerns” about the effects of shadows cast by the roof’s supporting structure which they said will severely impair the stadium’s capacity to stage cricket matches at the venue.
“We are of the view that the current roof design will mean the stadium is unlikely to be conducive to hosting test matches and could also be challenged in hosting One Day (50 over) and T20 (20 over) fixtures,” the letter reads. “This is not an outcome that either CA (Cricket Australia) or CT (Cricket Tasmania) wants, and CT will be strongly challenged by its members to advocate for an alternate solution.”
“For this reason, we would like to discuss with you what opportunity there is to consider a stadium design option that does not have a roof or that has an operable roof.”
- To learn more about the Macquarie Point Stadium, click here for Wood Central’s special feature.
