Article-Kingston favoured for AFL facility

November 26, 2024

Kingborough Chronicle | 26 November 2024; pg 1,2.

Kingston favoured for AFL facility

Kingston’s Twin Ovals has officially been chosen as the site for the AFL High Performance Centre (HPC) and Training Facility.

Rosny Parklands was nominated the preferred site for the HPC at the end of last year, but after months passed with a development application yet to be lodged, the State Government has now switched their preference to Kingston.

“This is a foundational step towards establishing Tasmania’s first dedicated AFL and AFLW teams,” Minister for Sports and Events Nick Duigan said.

“This facility will support elite player development, enabling Tasmanian athletes to compete at the highest levels while inspiring future generations.

“It will help create a legacy for local football and elevate Tasmania on the national sports stage.”

Clarence City Council stated they were “extremely disappointed” by the decision.

“If there was any doubt about the viability of the Rosny sites this should have been communicated to Council at the earliest opportunity to inform our decision making – particularly in relation to the elector poll which cost Clarence ratepayers nearly $150,000,” they said.

“No concerns regarding cost or timing of the delivery of the project were ever raised with Council.”

Minister Duigan said the Kingston site means practical completion can be completed on or before October 31, 2027, which is the date agreed to by the AFL.

Kingborough Mayor Paula Wriedt said Council was thrilled to welcome the HPC to Kingston.

“This is a monumental announcement for Kingborough, the AFL High Performance Centre (HPC) will provide an incredible platform for the growth of Australian Rules Football in Tasmania,” Cr Wriedt said.

“This will also provide an economic and community benefit to Kingborough.

“We are very proud of our sporting community in Kingborough; the precinct is home to 33 different groups, including the Tasmanian JackJumpers.

“The arrival of the HPC will bring a new sense of pride to Kingborough.

“It’s an opportunity to create lasting connections between the AFL and our vibrant community.”

Clarence City Council acknowledged that some in the Clarence community will also be celebrating the decision to move the HPC site to Kingston.

Just under half (48.61 per cent) of those who voted in the electoral poll in August rejected situating the HPC in Rosny Parklands.

“It is a matter of deep regret that the division this project has created could have been entirely avoided,” Clarence City Council said.

“It is also a matter of fact that this municipality will now miss out on many millions of dollars of economic stimulus and a once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

Cr Wriedt said Kingborough Council is working with all stakeholders through the process of moving the HPC site to Kingston and have had some initial discussions with potentially affected user groups.

“Our commitment to the community remains at the heart of this development,” Cr Wriedt said.

“With plans for two additional ovals and a new clubroom for the Kingborough District Cricket Club, we’re ensuring that this upgrade benefits everyone, from grassroots players to elite athletes.

“No longer will cricket club juniors need to travel to Brighton for home games, our community clubs will be better supported than ever.”

Independent member for Nelson Meg Webb MLC was also excited by the announcement.

“It is incredible to see Kingston confirmed as the southern home of sport, and there’s no better location and no better community to embrace both the JackJumpers and the Tasmania Devils,” Ms Webb said.

“A home base in Kingston for both these elite sports teams will be an inspiration to local children and young people and provide a real injection of energy and pride in our exceptional region.”

View the article as published in the Kingborough Chronicle, pg 1,2: