Legislative Council, Wednesday 31 May 2023

Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

My questions relate to the contract signed by the Premier with the AFL.

1. Assuming the stadium project is assessed as a Project of State Significance that may take some time to progress through the entire process:
a. are there any plans to let contracts before the approvals process is complete; and
i. if so, what contracts are they?

2. Where the contract states the training and administration facility must be ‘near’ the Macquarie Point site:
a. How is ‘near’ defined;
b. Are there time-of-completion clauses for the training and administration facility;
c. Has a site been selected; and
d. If so, where is it?

3. The Contract states the AFL reserves the right to move the team if it isn’t successful.
a. How is or will success be defined?

4. Noting the contract specifies a fixed roof, however concern has been raised by cricketers that International Cricket is unlikely to be able to be played under a fixed roof.
a. Is the fixed roof negotiable?

5. With regard to the redevelopment of York Park UTAS Stadium:
a. are there time-of-completion clauses on the redevelopment at York Park?

ANSWER:

1. a) It will be necessary to commission certain work and obtain advice to inform the planning process, for example, that associated with design and cost planning.

1. (a)(i) The Project of State Significance process and work required to effect passage under the State Policies and Projects Act 1993 is currently under consideration. It is likely that contracts for consultancies may ultimately be required to inform the planning process.

2. For clarity, the contract states under clause 20.3 TA Facility Site:

The Tasmanian Government will determine the location of the TA Facility, at a location in close proximity to Hobart central business district.
2. (a) “near” as proxy for “in close proximity” to Hobart central business district is not defined
2. (b) Subject to Schedule 12, and in accordance with clause 19.2(d) The Tasmanian Government has agreed to

Use its best endeavours to achieve Practical Completion of the TA Facility on or before 31 December 2025

2. (c) At the time of writing, the TA Facility site has not been selected.

2. (d) not applicable.

3. The Club Funding and Development Agreement does not state ‘the AFL reserves the right to move the team if it isn’t successful’. Contractually, the AFL’s right to move the club is linked under clause 11 to ongoing funding if required. Ongoing funding in essence relates back to financial viability which will be monitored through a prescribed reporting and review process which is outlined within the Club Funding and Development Agreement. This document has been made public.

4. The Tasmanian Government must ensure that, in accordance with clause 19.3(b)(i) part (B) that the Development Activities associated with the Stadium Build meet the Stadium Specifications as outlined in Schedule 10.

In addition to this, when the stadium project enters the official design phase, considerable work will be undertaken on specific stadium design including the roof structure and stadium functionality for various events. The design phase will also include detailed consultation on stadium and event functionality with key sporting, arts, entertainment and business event stakeholders.

4. (a) Part 1(a) of Schedule 10 notes the requirement for a fixed translucent roof. This is a minimum specification in accordance with the Agreement signed.

5. No.
UTAS is not contemplated as part of the Club Funding and Development Agreement. Redevelopment options for the UTAS stadium are currently under consideration.