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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.”

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