Tasmania Moves Away From Public-Private Relationship, Seeks Loan For Hobart Stadium

The Tasmanian government has decided to forgo potential private sector partnerships in favour of funding the proposed Hobart stadium independently, utilising borrowings through the Macquarie Point Development Corporation (MPDC).

This decision, reported by the ABC, reveals the government’s intention to construct the stadium primarily using debt rather than engaging in a public-private partnership (PPP).

The latest approach seeks to leverage existing commitments of AUD$630 million from state, federal, and AFL funding, with the cabinet approving the transition last week after a market-sounding exercise informed by advice from Perth’s Paxon Group and the Melbourne-based Infrastructure Advisory Group.

Shifting away from a PPP model, which the government deemed carried excessive risk and could jeopardise tight timelines, the strategy involves a “design and construct” approach.

The government plans to recoup some funds by selling parcels within the broader Macquarie Point precinct, including 17,000 square metres of mixed-use and Antarctic precinct space, alongside an underground multi-storey car park at Regatta Point.

Nonetheless, these sales are unlikely to fully cover the anticipated loan, believed to exceed AUD$200 million.

The current stadium cost estimate stands at AUD$775 million, though external quantity surveyors have hinted at figures closer to AUD$900 million.

With the state government contributing AUD$375 million, the federal government’s share at AUD$240 million, and the AFL supplying AUD$15 million, a shortfall of at least AUD$145 million, potentially more, remains.

While numerous public infrastructure funders, including Tetris Capital and Capella Capital, expressed interest in a PPP, Business, Industry and Resources Minister, Eric Abetz, reaffirmed that the government’s experts advised against such partnerships, claiming they would ultimately disadvantage the state financially and prolong the project timeline.

However, opposing views persist, Plenary Group’s managing director, Damien Augustinus, contended that a PPP could yield enhanced innovation and investment while ensuring more efficient delivery timelines, where he asserted that the government’s choice obstructs the potential for a coherent, integrated approach to the Macquarie Point precinct.

Independent economist, Saul Eslake, provided a critical perspective on PPPs, suggesting that while private sector efficiencies are often assumed, they can carry hidden costs that ultimately impact the public sector financially.

Eslake argued that using the MPDC for borrowing could obscure true public debt levels, injecting complexity into fiscal accountability.

Independent MLC, Ruth Forrest, expressed cautious approval of the government’s direction, signalling that rejecting a PPP could sway her vote, though she still seeks clarity on operational aspects of the stadium.

Strong public sentiment on transparency resonates, with some advocating for a more open discussion about the financial implications for Tasmanian taxpayers.

As contention surrounding the project continues, the government insists on maintaining its pledge of a AUD$375 million cap, where the Greens have voiced disappointment, labelling the revised funding model a significant betrayal of promises made to the public, arguing that the entire stadium funding proposal warrants reconsideration.

This situation highlights the complexities and inherent challenges of public infrastructure financing and underscores the ongoing scrutiny on governmental decisions amid evolving financial landscapes.

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