The Mercury has published (outside its paywall) an opinion piece by Nicholas Gruen, the independent economist who was commissioned by the Tasmanian Government to conduct an independent review of the Macquarie Point Stadium proposal.
The piece includes his recommendations to the Tasmanian Government:
- First, negotiate with the AFL for a more realistic timeline. The current rushed schedule is driving up costs and preventing proper consideration of alternatives that could work better for Tasmania.
- Second, develop a proper plan for how the stadium fits into Greater Hobart’s future. This isn’t just about one precinct – it’s about transport, housing, tourism and the overall urban environment.
- Third, only use private sector involvement where it makes financial sense – not to disguise the true costs to the Tasmanian public. And introduce genuine competition by considering alternative stadium proposals alongside Macquarie Point. This includes evaluating options like the Mac Point 2.0 proposal that might deliver better outcomes at lower cost.