10 Ways the AFL Stadium Plan Could Impact Hobart & Your Rates

Tasmania's proposed $375 million AFL stadium at Macquarie Point isn't just about football—it's a decision that could reshape Hobart's finances, traffic patterns, and daily life for decades to come. Here's how the stadium could directly impact you, your family, and your community.

1. 4% council rate rise projected by City of Hobart finance paper

The Financial Reality

Internal City of Hobart documents obtained through Right to Information show a projected 4% increase in council rates to service the stadium debt. For the average Hobart household paying $2,400 in rates, this represents an additional $96 per year—or $8 per month.

How the Rate Rise Breaks Down

• Low-value properties ($300k): Additional $60 per year
• Average properties ($600k): Additional $96 per year
• High-value properties ($900k): Additional $144 per year
• Commercial properties: Increases of $500-2,000 annually depending on valuation

Long-term Financial Commitment

The City of Hobart has committed to contributing $50 million to the project, requiring 25-year borrowing that ratepayers will ultimately fund. This means the rate increase could persist until 2050, affecting current homeowners and future residents.

Alternative perspective: Stadium supporters argue the economic benefits—increased tourism, job creation, and property values—will offset the rate increases through broader economic growth.

2. 2,000 construction jobs at peak year 2026-27

Employment Opportunities

The stadium construction is projected to create 2,000 jobs at its peak, providing significant employment opportunities in Tasmania's construction sector during 2026-27.

Job Categories and Skills Required

• Skilled trades: 800 positions (electricians, plumbers, carpenters, steelworkers)
• General construction: 600 positions (laborers, machine operators, concrete workers)
• Specialized roles: 300 positions (engineers, project managers, safety officers)
• Support services: 300 positions (security, catering, logistics, administration)

Local vs Interstate Workers

The Master Builders Association Tasmania notes that many specialized workers may need to be brought in from interstate due to local skills shortages, particularly in:

• Stadium-specific construction techniques
• Large-scale roofing and structural steel work
• Advanced electrical and audio-visual systems
• Specialized concrete and facade work

Economic Multiplier Effects

Beyond direct construction employment, the project is expected to support an additional 1,200 indirect jobs in:

• Building materials supply and transport
• Accommodation and hospitality for interstate workers
• Professional services (legal, accounting, consulting)
• Equipment rental and maintenance

3. Match-day traffic gridlock: +35 min on Brooker Highway

Traffic Modeling Results

Independent traffic modeling commissioned by the Department of State Growth suggests AFL match days could add 35 minutes to travel times on the Brooker Highway during peak periods, with flow-on effects throughout Hobart's road network.

Affected Areas and Routes

• Brooker Highway: Severe congestion from Granton to Hobart CBD
• Tasman Bridge: Additional 15-20 minute delays for Eastern Shore residents
• Southern Outlet: Backup extending to Kingston during major events
• City streets: Davey, Macquarie, and Elizabeth Streets experiencing gridlock

Event Day Schedule Impact

With 23,000 stadium capacity and limited parking at Macquarie Point (only 500 spaces), most fans will drive from suburban areas. Peak congestion periods include:

• Pre-game (1-2 hours before): Heaviest inbound traffic
• Post-game (30 minutes after): Exodus creating outbound delays
• Concert events: Later finish times extending congestion into evening

Public Transport Mitigation

Proposed solutions include additional bus services and ferry connections, but critics argue public transport capacity remains insufficient for major events. The current Metro bus fleet would require significant expansion to handle 15,000+ additional passengers per event.

4. Hotel-bed boost of 60,000 extra visitor nights per year

Tourism Economic Impact

Economic modeling projects 60,000 additional visitor nights annually, primarily from mainland AFL fans attending matches and concerts. This represents a 3% increase in Tasmania's total visitor nights.

Visitor Breakdown by Event Type

• AFL matches (11 home games): 35,000 visitor nights
• Major concerts (4-6 annually): 20,000 visitor nights
• Other events (conferences, exhibitions): 5,000 visitor nights

Economic Benefits Distribution

The Tourism Industry Council Tasmania estimates this could generate $18 million in additional tourism revenue, distributed across:

• Accommodation: $8 million (hotels, Airbnb, camping)
• Food and beverage: $5 million (restaurants, cafes, bars)
• Retail and attractions: $3 million (shopping, tours, activities)
• Transport: $2 million (car rental, taxis, tours)

Seasonal and Regional Impact

The stadium could help address Tasmania's tourism seasonality, with AFL matches occurring during the traditionally quieter winter months (May-September). However, benefits may be concentrated in Greater Hobart, with limited flow-on to regional areas.

5. $3 ticket levy proposed to service stadium debt

Levy Structure and Revenue

A proposed $3 levy on all stadium tickets would help service the construction debt. For AFL matches with 20,000 attendance, this generates $60,000 per game—but also makes tickets more expensive for families.

Annual Cost Impact on Fans

• Season ticket holders: Additional $69 per year (23 home games)
• Casual AFL fans: $3 per match attended
• Concert-goers: $3 per concert ticket
• Family of four: $12 additional cost per event

Comparison with Other Venues

Similar levies exist at other Australian stadiums:

• Adelaide Oval: $2.50 stadium levy
• Perth Stadium: $5 infrastructure levy
• Marvel Stadium: No specific stadium levy (incorporated in ticket pricing)

Revenue Projections

Based on projected annual attendance of 300,000 (AFL, concerts, other events), the levy could generate $900,000 annually—contributing approximately 5% of the stadium's annual operating and debt service costs.

6. Loss of 2.4 ha waterfront parkland at Mac Point

Environmental and Recreational Impact

The stadium will consume 2.4 hectares of current parkland at Macquarie Point, reducing public green space in central Hobart. This represents approximately 6 AFL football fields of lost recreational area.

Current Parkland Usage

• Daily users: 200-300 people (walking, jogging, cycling)
• Weekend activities: Family picnics, dog walking, photography
• Events: Small community gatherings, outdoor fitness classes
• Tourism: Cruise ship passenger visits, wedding photography

Compensation and Alternatives

Compensatory parkland is planned elsewhere, including:

• Expanded Cenotaph area: Additional 0.8 hectares
• New pocket parks: 1.2 hectares across multiple sites
• Enhanced waterfront access: Improved walking/cycling paths

However, critics note these alternatives won't have the same waterfront location and harbor views that make Macquarie Point unique for recreation and tourism.

7. Delay of 530 planned waterfront apartments to 2029

Housing Supply Impact

The stadium construction will delay planned residential development at Macquarie Point, pushing back 530 apartments until at least 2029. This could worsen Hobart's housing shortage in the short term.

Planned Development Details

• Apartment mix: 200 one-bedroom, 250 two-bedroom, 80 three-bedroom units
• Affordable component: 15% (80 units) designated as affordable housing
• Price range: $450,000-$1.2 million depending on size and water views
• Target market: Young professionals, downsizers, investors

Market Impact

The Tasmanian Planning Commission had identified this site as crucial for addressing housing supply constraints in central Hobart. The delay means:

• Continued pressure on rental markets
• Reduced housing options for city workers
• Potential price increases in nearby developments
• Delayed urban consolidation goals

8. State debt lifts by $375m; $19m per year interest bill

Debt and Interest Analysis

Tasmania's state debt will increase by $375 million, with annual interest payments of approximately $19 million based on current borrowing rates of 5.1%. This represents money that could otherwise fund hospitals, schools, or infrastructure.

Opportunity Cost Comparison

The $375 million stadium cost could alternatively fund:

• Healthcare: 750 additional nurses for 10 years
• Education: 15 new primary schools
• Housing: 1,500 social housing units
• Transport: Major highway upgrades statewide

Credit Rating Implications

The state's debt-to-revenue ratio will rise from 85% to 92%, potentially affecting Tasmania's AA+ credit rating. A downgrade could increase borrowing costs for all future state projects.

Long-term Financial Commitment

The 25-year debt repayment schedule means Tasmanians will be paying for the stadium until 2050, with total interest costs of approximately $475 million over the loan term.

9. Concert noise curfew set at 10 p.m. may cap revenue

Noise Restrictions and Revenue Impact

Residential proximity means concerts must end by 10:00 PM, potentially limiting the stadium's ability to attract major touring acts who typically perform later. This could reduce non-AFL revenue streams crucial for stadium viability.

Comparison with Other Venues

• Adelaide Oval: 11:00 PM curfew (residential buffer)
• Perth Stadium: 11:30 PM curfew (industrial location)
• Marvel Stadium: 11:00 PM curfew (CBD location)
• Hobart stadium: 10:00 PM proposed curfew

Artist and Promoter Concerns

Major touring acts typically prefer:

• Later start times (8:00-9:00 PM) for better atmosphere
• Flexibility for extended performances or encores
• Multiple show options in larger markets

Revenue Projections

The early curfew could reduce concert bookings by 20-30%, limiting annual non-AFL revenue to $8-10 million instead of the projected $12-15 million.

10. Metro bus fleet upgrade: 12 new electric buses promised

Public Transport Improvements

The government has committed to purchasing 12 new electric buses specifically to service stadium events, improving public transport options for all Hobartians beyond just match days.

Fleet Enhancement Details

• Bus capacity: 80 passengers per bus (960 total additional capacity)
• Environmental benefit: Zero emissions, reduced noise pollution
• Technology features: WiFi, USB charging, real-time tracking
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, low-floor design

Service Improvements

Metro Tasmania will also implement:

• Express services: Direct routes from major suburbs to stadium
• Extended hours: Late-night services after events
• Upgraded stops: Better shelters and digital displays
• Integrated ticketing: Combined event and transport tickets

Broader Network Benefits

The new buses will operate regular services when not needed for events, improving:

• Frequency on popular routes (Glenorchy, Kingston, Eastern Shore)
• Reliability during peak commuter periods
• Capacity for growing ridership demand
• Environmental sustainability of public transport

Frequently Asked Questions

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Published 15 January 2025. Economic projections based on government feasibility studies. Compare party positions on the stadium in our policy comparison guide.