Macquarie Point Stadium, also known as Mac Point Multipurpose Stadium,[1] is a proposed multi-purpose stadium in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Macquarie Point is prime real estate located between Hobart's historic waterfront, and one of the city's major arterial roads. The proposed stadium is part of an agreement between the Tasmanian state government and the Australian Football League to establish an AFL team for the state. The stadium was originally scheduled to begin construction in 2025 and to open in 2029 as the home ground of the Tasmania Football Club.[2][3] It is now accepted the stadium will not be completed by 2029.[4]
Macquarie Point was an industrial site that ceased being used as a freight transport hub in 2014. The closure of the South railway line terminal and opening of the Brighton Transport Hub[5][6] led to the site's identification as a location for urban renewal. The Macquarie Point Development Corporation (MPDC) is the statutory authority and state agency responsible for the remediation and redevelopment Macquarie Point.[7] MPDC received $50m in initial funding from the federal government.[8] Various proposals for the site, including a 2016 masterplan by Australian architect John Wardle were developed, primarily with a focus on retail, hospitality, public space and residential. These developments would likely have complied with the relevant planning scheme, unlike a stadium which is not permitted under the scheme. No stadium was planned for the site, but by 2019, the slow pace of activity at the site[9] prompted third parties to publish unsolicited designs including a stadium.[10]
Decision to build
The proposal to construct a stadium at Macquarie Point was the result of negotiations between the Australian Football League and the Tasmanian government for the establishment of a Tasmanian AFL team.
Tasmania is a heartland AFL state, with deep historical and cultural roots to Australian Rules Football. The state has produced many legendary AFL/VFL players, including Darrel Baldock, Peter Hudson and Matthew Richardson. Both historically, and currently, it has strong local leagues, including the Tasmanian State League. Unlike states like NSW and Queensland, where rugby league and rugby union dominate, Tasmanians have remained largely loyal to AFL, reflected in their strong junior and grassroots participation and attendance at AFL games played in the state.[11]
Despite this, until 2023, Tasmania's concerted efforts to establish a Tasmanian AFL team were rejected by the AFL. Instead, the AFL prioritised expansion into larger markets like Queensland and Western Australia.[12] A breakthrough came in 2021 when the Carter Report highlighted Tasmania's strong case for a standalone AFL team. In 2022, in response to the Carter Report, the AFL announced that it would work with the Tasmanian Government to see what a potential model for a Tasmanian AFL team might look like. This included the expectation that any model must include construction of a purpose-built stadium.[13]
In response to these developments, in 2022 the Tasmanian Government commissioned a report to select a stadium site. The primary locations were Regatta Point and Macquarie Point,[14] with Macquarie Point confirmed as the preferred location in September 2022.[15]
Agreement for a Tasmanian-based AFL and AFLW club
On 3 May 2023, the Tasmanian Government signed a "Club Funding and Development Agreement"[16] with the AFL for the establishment of a Tasmanian-based AFL and AFLW club. It included a requirement for construction of a new purpose-built stadium with the following conditions:
Construction of a new, purpose-built stadium at Macquarie Point
Seating for 23,000, expandable to 30,000, and adaptable to different types of events, including both circular and rectangular configurations
Retractable roof
Contemporary media facilities
Financial contributions:
$25m from the AFL.
$460m from the Tasmanian government.
$240m from the Federal government.
Ongoing funding of $12m annually over 12 years by the Tasmanian government.
The Tasmanian government is solely responsible for any cost overruns associated with the stadium construction, as well as a penalty for late delivery of $4.5m pa to the AFL. The AFL retains the right to terminate the Tasmanian licence or waive the stadium requirement if the government withdraws stadium funding.[17]
Progress on construction
The final business case for the Stadium at Macquarie Point was released in December 2022. This included a total, final financial commitment from the Tasmanian Government of $375m.[18] Construction was to commence in 2025 with completion in 2029, in time for Round 1 of the 2029 AFL premiership season.[19]
In October 2023 the Tasmanian government declared the project a Project of State Significance. This empowers the state Parliament to make the final decision on a project, rather than local government, with the Tasmanian Planning Commission required to undertake an integrated assessment of the project which must be made publicly available.[20] The MPDC submitted the development plan application for the stadium precinct to the state Planning Commission in September 2024.[21] The application identifies a construction budget of $775 million. In November 2024 the Tasmanian Planning Commission made a request forsubstantial additions to the information provided by MPDC on the project. These were submitted by the MPDC in February 2025.[22] The Tasmanian Planning Commission will prepare a draft integrated assessment report, and once that has been completed, it will hold a public exhibition process inviting representations.
In 2025, an independent report commissioned by the Tasmanian government from economist Nicholas Gruen, found total expenses would exceed the projected figure by $321 million, bringing the overall cost to approximately $1.1 billion.
Controversy over the cost and site
The decision to build a new stadium at Macquarie Point has polarised the Tasmanian community.[23] Concerns centre on site selection, the high cost and long-term impact on the State's debt, project timelines and lack of government transparency.[24]
On 12 May 2023, members of parliament Lara Alexander and John Tucker resigned from the Liberal Party to sit as independents, in part due to their concerns over the proposed stadium project.[25]
The Tasmanian RSL are opposed due to the impact of the Stadium on the site lines to the Hobart Cenotaph.[26]
The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra anticipates the Stadium will disturb performances and threaten future operations.[27]
Surveys show Stadium supporters are in the minority.[28]
The Tasmanian Greens unsuccessfully sought to advance a bill in the Tasmanian parliament to halt the project.[29]
Independent Tasmanian politicians, including the Jacqui Lambie Network, Andrew Wilkie[30] and Meg Webb[31] have all voiced their opposition to the Stadium at Macquarie Point, with Jacqui Lambie describing the Agreement with the AFL as a 'dud'.[32]
In late 2024, an independent report by economist Dr. Nicholas Gruen criticised the stadium project, stating that costs have been underestimated, timelines were unrealistic, and benefits overstated. The report suggests that the project could exceed $1 billion and recommends reconsidering the location and timeline.
Alternative proposals
A number of alternative proposals have been developed for the Macquarie Point site.
Our Place presented an alternative vision for the Macquarie Point site on 20th April 2023, launched by former governor, Kate Warner, and designed as an iconic, internationally significant urban renewal project which answers the needs of Tasmanians, including housing.[33]
Jacqui Lambie, a Senator representing Tasmania, has proposed that rather than locate the stadium at Macquarie Point the state should instead invest in the UTAS stadium in the northern Tasmanian city of Launceston.[34]
Events
The proposed stadium is designed to host a variety of events beyond AFL matches. It will be a multi-purpose facility capable of accommodating other sports, concerts, conferences, and events. New sporting events hosted at the stadium could include Australian Football League, Big Bash League, A-League, international cricket, international rugby and National Rugby League.
The events held at the stadium could include up to 7 AFL matches per season, 3 AFLW matches per season, 4 BBL & WBBL matches per season, 1 test match every 4 years, 1 Men's ODI & T20 every 2 years, 1 Women's ODI & T20 every 2 years, 1 A- League match per season, 1 Socceroos match every 4 years, 1 Matildas match every 4 years, 1 NRL match per season, 1 NRLW match per season, 1 State of Origin every 5 years, 1 Super Rugby Pacific match per season, 1 Wallabies match every 4 years, & 1 Wallaroos match every 4 years.[35] These predictions have been criticised as over-optimistic and are disputed. Some of these events would simply be moved from other facilities in Tasmania. [36]
↑ Hess, Rob; Stewart, Bob, eds. (1998). More than a game: an unauthorized history of Australian rules football. Carlton South, Vic., Australia: Melbourne University Press. ISBN978-0-522-84772-7.
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