Macquarie Stadium Delay Sparks New Planning Review

The Tasmanian Government’s attempt to fast-track the proposed Macquarie Point AFL stadium has been delayed, allowing the original Project of State Significance (PoSS) assessment to resume. The government had previously paused the PoSS process in favour of special enabling legislation but has now confirmed it won’t move forward with the bill before Parliament receives the final planning report.

The Tasmanian Planning Commission is now expected to deliver its final report by 17 September 2025. That report will be made public and tabled in Parliament before any vote on stadium legislation takes place.

During public hearings earlier this year, nearly 30 stakeholders provided input on the proposal. Following this, the Macquarie Point Development Corporation submitted a 38-page draft outlining new conditions addressing key concerns raised in the commission’s draft report, including transport, governance, and environmental impact.

Independent MLC Bec Thomas welcomed the delay, calling it a “blessing in disguise,” as it allows lawmakers to make informed decisions based on expert advice. While Labor continues to support the fast-track bill, some crossbenchers suggest any future legislation may now incorporate the revised PoSS conditions.

The final decision on the $715 million stadium will depend on the outcomes of the commission’s report and whether a revised bill gains majority support in both houses of Parliament.