Overview
- The 23,000-seat roofed venue was approved 9–5, delivering the final parliamentary sign-off for the $1.13 billion project tied to the Tasmania Devils’ AFL/AFLW licence.
- Funding includes $240 million from the federal government and $15 million from the AFL, with Tasmania’s contribution capped at $875 million under a deal with independent MP Bec Thomas.
- Project proponents will now move to secure a head construction contractor, with completion targeted for the 2029 season and the Devils set to begin in 2028 at Bellerive Oval and York Park.
- Premier Jeremy Rockliff says design changes may be used to stay within the cap, and any additional state funding would require fresh approval from both houses of parliament.
- Opposition persists after the Tasmanian Planning Commission recommended against the stadium, and groups such as Our Place have pledged ongoing campaigns despite a pro-stadium rally estimated at 15,000 people.