MONEY MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND ... THE WORLD GO ROUND

 

This is in reference to a 'footy ground' that ratepayers have sunk millions into essentially at the whim of a bunch of 'footy tragics' on Council. All kinds of rhetoric has been trotted out when infrastructure has been enhanced for big bucks.

The metrics have always been a tad dodgy and as for ratepayer getting a return on their investment, that will be debated until the tragics and opportunist go blue in the face. 

What went on and why is ever likely to be the subject of rumour and innuendo. Money flying around is always there to think about.

The question hanging now is how much is being given away in this 'handover'? Sure ratepayers might be spared the costs involved in maintaining this place. BUT $millions are being handed over with apparently no compensation for the debt the city and ratepayers have worn – not to mention the opportunities lost along the way.

All the negotiations for all this have been basically going on in camera and well away the court of 'public opinion'. So when some consider all this in coming weeks they might well dwell on what is going on here, and why and what for? 

There is legacy here and once the PR shine is looked past there, it seems, there are a few things to consider.

IN THE EXAMINER

UTAS Stadium transfer expected this year, AFL D-day looms By Hamish Geale September 6 2022 - 4:00am

Launceston's UTAS Stadium is one of five venues set to come under Stadiums Tasmania ownership in coming months. Picture by Paul Scambler Launceston's UTAS Stadium is one of five venues set to come under Stadiums Tasmania ownership in coming months. Picture by Paul Scambler The transfer of Tasmania's major stadiums to a new state body is edging closer as D-day looms for the state's AFL bid. ....................................... Stadiums Tasmania was set up earlier this year to centralise the ownership, management, and future development of the state's leading venues. ....................................... The authority will take responsibility for up to five venues across Tasmania, including the state government-owned Silverdome and MyState Bank Arena. ....................................... Transfer negotiations for Bellerive Oval, Dial Park and UTAS Stadium are ongoing, however, Hospitality and Events Minister Nic Street said talks with City of Launceston regarding the latter were "well-advanced". ....................................... City of Launceston mayor Albert Van Zetten said he expected the transfer would occur before 2023. ....................................... "Council will continue to operate and manage UTAS Stadium until such time as both parties mutually agree to an official transfer, which we expect to happen later this year," Cr Van Zetten said. ....................................... "All council staff currently employed at UTAS Stadium will have the opportunity to transfer to the new entity." ....................................... Several "minor amendments" to the Stadiums Tasmania Act 2022 are required before any transfer can take place. ....................................... Minister Street said the amendments were in their final stages of development and would be put to parliament shortly. ....................................... Behind the scenes, a recruitment firm is putting together the inaugural Stadiums Tasmania board. ....................................... Recruitment for board members begins on Tuesday, while the search for a chief executive is likely to begin in October. ....................................... Minister Street said there has been strong interest in the chairperson role, for which applications have closed. ....................................... "At the present time we are awaiting recommendations from our executive recruitment firm on the applications and shortlisting," Minister Street said. ......................................... "However I can confirm a number of high-quality candidates have expressed an interest in the position." ....................................... Meanwhile, news regarding Tasmania's bid for an AFL team is expected in the coming days. ....................................... AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said last week that the league would meet with club presidents about Tasmania's bid by Tuesday at the latest. ....................................... Mr McLachlan has maintained that a new purpose-built stadium would be required in the state should a 19th licence be issued. ....................................... It is understood such a stadium won't be part of the plans submitted to AFL club presidents, however, the state government has committed to a $1.25 million feasibility study into a new stadium.