Earthworks have started at Hobart’s Macquarie Point, marking the first physical step toward a $1.13 billion AFL stadium the Tasmanian government wants finished by late 2030.

Hazell Bros is managing the preliminary soil work. Managing director Geoffrey Hazell told the assembled crowd a truck would leave the site every eight minutes to shift roughly 100,000 cubic metres of material to local waste facilities. Premier Jeremy Rockliff attended and said it marked “a new era of economic opportunity for Tasmania”, though actual construction is still about a year away, according to ABC News.

Two firms are competing for the main construction contract: Besix Watpac and Constructure Joint Venture, a collaboration between WeBuild and China Construction Oceania. Both are due to lodge bids with the Macquarie Point Development Corporation (MPDC) next month. A preferred contractor is expected to be named in October, with a final contract signed by year’s end.

The tender has drawn scrutiny over WeBuild’s legal situation in New South Wales. SafeWork NSW has launched two separate criminal proceedings against the Italian-headquartered infrastructure firm in the NSW Industrial Court, alleging it put several workers at risk of death or serious injury. WeBuild has pleaded not guilty. MPDC chief executive Anne Beach said the company had declared everything required during the expression of interest process. “The things that have been raised are allegations, are untested before the court,” she said. “They are not a reason for us to not proceed with a qualified party for a project in a different jurisdiction.” The Tasmanian Greens and independent MP Kristie Johnston had argued WeBuild should have disclosed the charges earlier and should not have been included as a tenderer.

The stadium is a condition of the Tasmania Devils entering the AFL in 2028. Because the venue won’t be ready until late 2030, the Devils will play their first Hobart home games at Bellerive Oval. Ken Hinkley has been appointed the club’s inaugural coach.

For tradies, a project of this scale means years of work across civil, structural, electrical, plumbing, and fit-out trades. The contractor decision in October will be the clearest signal yet of who gets on the tools, and when sub-trade packages start moving.

Frequently asked questions

When will the Hobart AFL stadium be finished?

The Tasmanian government wants the $1.13 billion Macquarie Point stadium completed by late 2030. Actual construction is still about a year away; earthworks are the first phase.

Who is bidding to build the Macquarie Point stadium?

Two firms are competing: Besix Watpac, and Constructure Joint Venture, a collaboration between WeBuild and China Construction Oceania. Both are due to lodge bids next month, with a preferred contractor expected in October.

What are the WeBuild safety charges about?

SafeWork NSW has launched two separate criminal proceedings against WeBuild in the NSW Industrial Court, alleging the company put several workers at risk of death or serious injury. WeBuild has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Where will the Tasmania Devils play before the stadium is ready?

Because the Macquarie Point venue won’t be finished until late 2030, the Devils will play their first Hobart home games at Bellerive Oval after entering the AFL in 2028.

Sourced from ABC News. Original article.