Media Release: Upper House Demands Release of Stadium Revised Construction Costs

October 28, 2026

Upper House Demands Release of Stadium Revised Construction Costs

28 October 2026

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today welcomed her successful motion calling on the Rockliff Government to provide the Legislative Council the final expected total construction costs before the contract with BESIX Watpac is signed.

“The Upper House voted to place the public interest front and centre, by calling on the Government to come back to the House with the final total constructions cost of the stadium, as well as any revised State contribution, before they sign the contract with BESIX Watpac,” Ms Webb said.

“We all know it is highly unlikely that the Macquarie Point stadium can be built for $1.13 billion.

“Tasmanians deserve to know exactly how much the preferred builders and the Macquarie Point Development Corporation consider is needed in order to deliver.

“This in turn could have serious ramifications for the state’s contribution, as we know that neither the Federal government or the AFL intend to pitch in to help cover any funding gap.”

Ms Webb said by supporting her motion, the Upper House put the Government on notice that it also needs to disclose any variation in the current $875 million Tasmanians will need to contribute.

“The Government has three more sitting weeks to deliver the requested information. There should not be any issue with providing this information to the Parliament before it rises in early December.

“We know the Macquarie Point Development Corporation CEO has indicated that the current negotiations should end around mid-November, after which the final cost will be taken to the government.

“There should be no impediment to the government then informing the Parliament during the last two weeks of November or the first week of December.  Well before the contract is signed.”

Text of Ms Webb’s Motion which passed the Legislative Council on Tuesday, October 27 can be viewed here.

Further Information: Office of Meg Webb MLC on (03) 6212 2290