City of Launceston welcomes federal funding for UTAS Stadium

May 1, 2023

City of Launceston has welcomed the announcement that along with the Federal Government contributing $240 million towards a new sport stadium in Hobart, $65 million will be committed to upgrading Launceston's UTAS Stadium.

The announcement to provide $65 million funding for stage two redevelopment and expansion of UTAS Stadium comes on the back of an identical commitment from the Tasmanian Government in January – bringing the total expansion funding for the stadium to $130 million.

City of Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson noted the $65 million will "cement UTAS Stadium’s reputation as one of the best regional sporting facilities in the country" adding that “improving the amenity of the ground as well as the seating capacity for the fans is certainly a priority from the Council’s perspective.”

Mayor Gibson said that the City of Launceston will continue to work collaboratively with the Premier on a memorandum of understanding around future content in Launceston, particularly AFL matches.

“The north is and always has been a strong supporter of Australian Rules football and that’s evidenced by the attendance record of fans right across Northern Tasmania,” Mayor Gibson said.

“From the Council’s perspective, it is vitally important that we maintain and indeed expand on what we already have here particularly given the economic value AFL football brings to the region.

“The impact AFL football has had on the city’s economy over the past two decades had been profound. That’s supported by economic modelling that shows that AFL games return more than $30 million to the local economy every year.

“And anecdotally, that’s certainly reinforced by the conversations I have with local business-owners across the city – from restaurant and hotel owners through to cafes and pubs. AFL is good business both on and off the field for Launceston and brings with it vitality and vibrancy to our CBD.”

29th April 2023 - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces $300 million funding for new Tasmanian stadia

27th April 2023 - Federal Government set to contribute $240 million for AFL stadium in Hobart

22nd April 2023 - NBL exploring sale of Tasmania JackJumpers

18th April 2023 - Tasmanian Institute of Sport introduces talent identification testing

23rd February 2023 - AFL makes $360 million commitment for Tasmanian team funding contingent on new Hobart stadium

3rd February 2023 - Directors appointed to new Stadiums Tasmania board

1st February 2023 - First stage of redevelopment of Launceston’s UTAS Stadium to feature new grandstand

20th January 2023 - Cost-benefit analysis says proposed Hobart Stadium would deliver $306 million deficit over 20 years

23rd December 2022 - Tasmania Government presents business case for new Hobart stadium

9th June 2022 - AFL’s Gillon McLachlan says new stadium key to Tasmania’s bid for 19th competition team

23rd August 2021 - Launceston’s UTAS Stadium to host AFL elimination finals

13th February 2021 - Tasmanian Premier calls for solid timeline for Tasmania getting its own AFL team

8th February 2021 - $200 million plus redevelopment plan proposed for Launceston’s UTAS Stadium

5th June 2019 - Project team appointed to build case for Tasmanian AFL

21st March 2018 - ‘Hard decisions’ ahead for AFL in Tasmania

13th April 2016 - Unanimous approval for $90 million UTAS performing arts hub

29th January 2014 - New lighting unveiled at Aurora Stadium

14th April 2013 - Bumper crowd demonstrates economic benefits of AFL

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