Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced $240 million in funding for development of a stadium precinct in Hobart, to go alongside a new AFL team in Tasmania.
The funding will go towards developing the Macquarie Point precinct in Hobart, with the stadium as its centrepiece.
"It's not an Australian football league if it leaves off the South Island, and that's what has occurred for too long," Albanese said.
While a new Tasmanian team has not been formally confirmed, AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan told club presidents last night that a Tasmanian team would be going ahead.
An estimated 4200 jobs are expected to be created during the construction process.
Much of the funding will also go towards housing in Macquarie Point, including some designated as affordable housing.
Details of the stadium has not been revealed, and it has not been disclosed how much of the funding will go towards the stadium and to the housing.
Albanese also announced $65 million will go towards upgrading UTAS Stadium in Launceston, in anticipation some AFL games will be played there.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said it was "a truly remarkable moment in time for the wonderful city of Hobart, but for all Tasmanians".
"All Tasmanians can come here and be entertained and watch their favourite footy team, which will be their own Tasmanian AFL team after decades of wanting, hoping and dreaming to have our own side," he said.
Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.
