Richmond chief govt Brendon Gale needs Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to contemplate the “seismic impact” a brand new AFL membership would have on Tasmania when weighing up whether or not to assist fund Hobart’s proposed new stadium.
The Tasmanian Liberal authorities has promised to foot half the invoice for the $750 million challenge, which might see a 23,000-seat venue constructed at Macquarie Point.
But the federal Labor authorities is but to decide on whether or not it should contribute, or how vital its contribution might be.
Stadium funding is the most important highway block between Tasmania and a nineteenth licence, with the AFL adamant a brand new venue should be a part of the deal.
Originally from Tasmania, Gale mentioned an AFL group would have far-reaching advantages for the state and highlighted the Socceroos’ latest success when mentioning that sport has the facility to unite communities.
“I think it would be wonderful for football, it would be wonderful for the AFL, but I think there would be incredible outcomes for health, participation in sport, education and a whole range of other factors in Tasmania,” Gale mentioned.
“I think the impact would be seismic for the state. That’s what I would be saying to Anthony Albanese.”
There has been some opposition to Tasmania’s bid from current AFL golf equipment, with Collingwood president Jeff Browne final week suggesting that awarding a nineteenth licence now could be “premature”.
But Gale rejected solutions Tasmania’s bid is shedding momentum, saying there’s “very strong support” from AFL golf equipment.
Richmond are already on document as being supportive of Tasmania.
“I think the AFL clubs have generally felt there’s a legitimate right for Tasmania to be included in the competition and I think that has been supported by a very, very strong and thorough business case,” Gale mentioned.
“I think we have a willing partner in the (Tasmanian) state government who is willing to invest in the vicinity of three quarters of a billion dollars over the life of the term, so it’s significant.
“There’s some native politics taking part in out with the stadium and I’m not too positive the place it will find yourself, however I feel there’s quite a lot of enthusiasm.”
