Anonymous
Years ago

Tassie the next NBL team. Official

According to the ABC the NBL has done a "secret" deal with the Glenorchy City Council to buy the DEC. How that is possible I don'y know. What the NBL get's I don't know. The ratepayers of the Glenorchy Municipality should be furious.
The Government has already agreed to commit $10mill. for basketball. The word is they will commit to another $15mill. to upgrade the DEC.
Why does the NBL need an Entertainment Centre? No more concerts?

Rest assured the Huskies will be pissed and I would imagine that they may walk from all Huskies teams.

See article here.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-18/purchase-of-the-dec-to-get-tasmanian-nbl-team/11222566

Topic #45370 | Report this topic


Anonymous  
Years ago

I wonder how long it will take before we see Canberra and Wellington.

Reply #747605 | Report this post


Anon  
Years ago

Secret deal? The entire site was on the market and it seems they've found their buyer.

LK is big boy rich. He will do everything the Huskies said they would do before baulking at the price tag, and then some.

Huskies could still be involved yet I’m some way too?

Either way, a bonafide Tas team is happening and that’s great news for Tas ball fans

Reply #747607 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

who's Tassie first player signing?

Reply #747608 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Haha. Gotta love the fans. How about they actually get the deal done first.
There is a secret deal trust me. It will never be disclosed to the public, that's why it's a secret deal.

Reply #747611 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Rumour been around for a while but I believe it's true. Where this leaves the huskies who knows, does LK bring his own people in or deal with Hickey. Bartlett could be LK man.

Reply #747612 | Report this post


NBL Fan  
Years ago

LK does property development too so great to incorporate basketball and presumably the building of a hotel/apartments too.

Reply #747615 | Report this post


Woody  
Years ago

I wish I could post a picture of my David Close Hobart Tassie Devils jersey on here.

Reply #747617 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Great news which ever way you look at it. I don't like to get to excited but LK has put basketball on the map Australia wide.

Reply #747621 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Bartlett. Never.

Reply #747623 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

"Rest assured the Huskies will be pissed and I would imagine that they may walk from all Huskies teams."

I don't know all the details but why would the Huskies get pissed? The article says:

"Last year, the Southern Huskies basketball consortium led by tech entrepreneur Justin Hickey and business partner Mike Sutton expressed interest in joining the league, and made an unsolicited bid to buy the sport and entertainment precinct.

But a falling out over the valuation of the centre with the council saw the Huskies withdraw their interest in purchasing the stadium."

Sounds like they couldn't reach an agreement?

Reply #747626 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

for all the chargers and huskies tried to do to enter the NBL, it will end up being a new, different entity

Reply #747629 | Report this post


Perthworld  
Years ago

Checkmate LK.

Reply #747630 | Report this post


D2.0  
Years ago

Purchasing the DEC has always made sense.
By all accounts its a dump that is way below the standard required for NBL. So why would you spend money renovating something you don't own and can't profit from.

The only real issue was that the Huskies wanted it cheap.
Of course the fanboys will deny that, but I guess the proof will be if LK pulls it off.

Reply #747639 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Ahhh Dazz. Just stop commentingon you know nothing about.

This: "The Mercury understands National Basketball League owner Larry Kestelman, one of Australia's richest people, wants to buy the DEC. The centre and Wilkinsons Point was approved for sale by the Glenorchy City Council as a complete site, in a bid to attract a project of "real significance" to the Northern suburbs."
The Huskies put in a bid for the DEC (only). If you had been to the DEC it is an old facility, not a dump. They still bring Elton John there!
The LK interest in the WHOLE precinct of Wilkinson's Point PLUS the DEC.


Idiot.

Reply #747646 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Who will coach the new franchise, lots of unanswered questions here. Bartlett and now Hickey have done a lot leg work to get basketball popular again, not certain how Tasmanian supporters going to react to outsiders coming in.

Reply #747649 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Bartlett will now be all over Kestkeman. He destroyed the Chargers. Let's hope Larry is as smart as he is meant to be.
Bartlett was dumped by the Huskies and is fast running out of options.

Reply #747650 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Bartlett destroyed the chargers lol. They won the the last seabl competition.

Reply #747653 | Report this post


Reality  
Years ago

LK wants to lot as he is a property developer first and foremost with the NBL being a side plaything for his spare time.

This move for LK is a larger play with the NBL team being the carrot that allows the government to provide a massive sweet heart deal to LK.

Don't get it twisted its all business!!!

Reply #747654 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Exactly, it's big business, it’s now a contest and unless Hickey has the capital he could end up losing what was his initial concept.
Bartlett has government contacts so imo will probably front the LK dealing. As i said, it’s an opinion as I really don’t know.

Reply #747656 | Report this post


D2.0  
Years ago

"the DEC it is an old facility, not a dump."

Then why did Hickey plan to spend $90M rejuvenating the place??

"They still bring Elton John there!"

My bad, clearly I misunderstood the benchmark for an NBL venue.

"The Huskies put in a bid for the DEC (only).
The LK interest in the WHOLE precinct of Wilkinson's Point PLUS the DEC"

Ah, you've rumbled to LK's secret. He only bought the league because he wants to be a property developer.

"Hickey could end up losing what was his initial concept."

Yes, clearly he is the only person to ever think of basing an NBL team in Hobart.

Reply #747661 | Report this post


Food for thought  
Years ago

Is it possible he could buy the venue with absolutely no thought of running a team through it?

Reply #747663 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Hickey was going to spend $10mill on the DEC upgrade and the rest was new ventures on the land that the DEC occupies. I really wish that people understood what is going on here rather than the Chinese whispers they hear and are therefore true.
BTas will be shitting themselves now.

Reply #747666 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

With the Mt Gambier Pioneers looking fairly likely to be accepted into the NZNBL, they are now well on track to achieve their plan to become the eleventh NBL franchise.

Reply #747670 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

"Tell them he's dreaming"

Reply #747671 | Report this post


KET  
Years ago

LK seems to keep plowing $$& into the NBL. I wonder how much he's losing taking into account any tax write offs etc.

Creating a development alongside DEC if that works in favour of LK property developer wise AND hep bring an NBL team in then that’s a good result.

If this news come true it will be an interesting step, how’s the search for bullets ownership going?

Along with some of the big next star gets, things are really on the up for the NBL.

Reply #747673 | Report this post


proud  
Years ago

Is LK planning on knocking the DEC down and rebuilding?

Could he build a 10k capacity stadium?

Could Goulding go home to play for a Tasmanian team with him being Kestleman's golden boy?

Reply #747740 | Report this post


Haz  
Years ago

I'm a bit concerned about another regional team coming in (potentially) given the uncertain nature of Cairns and Illawarra and the shift in dominance to the clubs playing in bigger markets.

Are there enough fans to really get behind a Tassie side and stick with them if they're not winning games.

Will they be able to attract sponsors and key players and be marketable enough?

I'm hoping YES, and would love to see this happen to Hobart, but regional teams do have a history of really battling hard to survive.

Reply #747743 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Proud. That will never happen.
Kestleman will have access to the $10mill the Gov has promised to develop a purpose built basketball stadium. It was always intended to be built in the DEC area. Win for everyone. Plus there will be extra money available to improve the DEC. It won't be Kestleman's money.
They (LK) do need to pay full market value for the whole precinct and that needs to be publicly communicated. If not this is the last roll of the dice.

Reply #747744 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

For the ill informed here like Dazz.

"In February last year the Liberals pledged $10 million to design, plan and construct a multisports indoor centre in Glenorchy, which would be used for sports including basketball, netball, gymnastics, volleyball, futsal and martial arts. It is unsure whether Mr Kestelman would seek this funding as part of his development vision at Wilkinsons Point, but the NBL boss said on a Melbourne sports radio program in February that markets like Tasmania "definitely need their biggest business involvement, which is government"."

Reply #747780 | Report this post


paul  
Years ago

"Ah, you've rumbled to LK's secret. He only bought the league because he wants to be a property developer."

This is one of my favourites of all time! Kestelman is a property developer!

Reply #747781 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Some would say he has no cash Paul.

Reply #747784 | Report this post


Reality  
Years ago

DEC is a property play with the potential NBL team in Tassie blinding everyone to the fact its a tax payer gift to the developer of the precinct!

If the gift of the precinct isn't forthcoming then no NBL team for Tassie...its a smart play re passion/politics/sport to get a business deal done that advantages an entity/owner but perhaps not the tax payers

Reply #747797 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

The reality is Reality the GCC were given this facility by the state Government for $1.
Anything they get will be a bonus and save the GCC from losing $1mill+ per year.
No one is being blinded other than the people who pretend to know what is happening and know nothing.

Reply #747802 | Report this post


proud  
Years ago

Thanks for the reply anon, this story intrigues me immensely as I've wanted a basketball team back down there for 20 years and I truly think that Tasmania deserves a national team (outside of cricket) and think NBL should take the gamble.

As for Southern Huskies, really fascinated where they fit it I all of this

Reply #747830 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Why should a private entity get the benefit of the cheap property? The council made the investment, took the risk. Why shouldn't they be the ones to benefit and use the sale of the property to fund other areas of their own community?

"But it was only $1!!!!"

If it was such a great deal that couldn't miss, why didn't you buy it???

Reply #747834 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Private companies have been getting government land for free and developing for decades, why shouldn't the basketball get the same advantage. Crown casino got probably the most expensive piece of land in Australia to develop for nothing, not even a tender process.

Reply #747835 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

This notion of councils or private developers getting something for 'free' is flawed.

Yes, the GCC got the Dec and surrounds for $1 but they also took on the asset/business which costs them $1m a year to run.

They voted unanimously to sell it off, and their only taker was the Huskies group which pulled out as they couldn't agree on what it was worth.

To make the site as a whole more tempting to purchasers, they included the Wilkinsons Point area for development.

It would seem now that LK is the only interested party in purchasing the lot.

The council itself just does not have the capacity to develop the land/site into anything of real worth. The private sector can, and LK through this upcoming negotation process will no doubt cough up millions to secure the site.

Of course this is a property deal with an NBL team attached. But make no mistake, a deal will include checkpoints that LKs group has to meet (amount of dollars invested by a certain time etc etc) while ensuring appropriate community needs are met. Part of LKs desire is of course to base a team in tassie, and through this method he can be directly invested and involved in its fortunes.

I dont see how letting the site sit there under council management doing nothing is good for anyone. LK is proven, is quality, and gets things done.

This is huge news for Tassie and Tasmanian ball. I lived in the area for 30 years before moving interstate and this has me pondering my options!

Reply #747838 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

It looks like LK has the money and the Hickey group doesn't, or the Hickey group thought they could get it for near nothing and LK saw the potential and will pay what its worth.
Where to now for the Huskies, do they continue to play nznbl if they miss the nbl licence? Lots questions.

Reply #747841 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

They disband after this season and morph in to whatever LK wants. Wouldn't be the first team to be owned by the NBL.

Reply #747844 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

It's a shame that the Hickey group were excluded from the process underway now. It will also be a deal done behind closed doors with no sale price publicly revealed apparently.
Monday is the closed council meeting rubber stamp the deal allegedly.

Reply #747855 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

LK might not have liked Hickey business style, perhaps the money isn't what appeared. Wonder where Stewart is in all this? What about the huskies in nbl1 ? Can’t see Hickey hanging around if he doesn’t get the nbl licence.

Reply #747856 | Report this post


Perthworld  
Years ago

The Tasmanians were playing checkers while LK was playing chess.

Reply #747858 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Maybe LK stole the Huskies idea!
Why have a middle man when you can do it yourself. Unfortunately LK has no relationship with the local basketball community. All he can do is buy out the Huskies and rename it to the Tassie Devils.So then he will have 4 teams in Tassie Is that what he wants? He will have to have local feet on the ground to run it. There is no one better known in basketball circles than Stewie. Coach? GM? Who knows. Not sure that he has thought it through at all. The land he is buying has local exclusions as well. Can't do this, have to keep this access open. A lot to consider.

Reply #747865 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Bartlett has a lot connections in Tasmania probably more than anyone else, got on well with Stewart, they put a team together to win a premiership. LK doesn't make many bad decisions.

Reply #747866 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

I would suggest that since Barlett killed the Chargers the relationship between the 2 is far from amicable. Barlett has burnt so many bridges in the basketball community together with the parents, kids, sponsors and volunteers. Hhe is a liability and no longer to be trusted. He did a great job over 3 seasons in buildiing the club and winning a championship, but they were still / are broke.

The Huskies realised that after a while whilst connected he went from being their spokesman to meh.
Q: How do you tell when a politician is lying?
A: When they open their mouth.

Bartlett is still a politician.

Reply #747867 | Report this post


Scout  
Years ago

Lot of hate for Bartlett anon 867, i am part of 'the basketball community' in Tas and totally disagree .

I could post the same sort of vitriol about other parts of basketball in Tas but that would not serve any purpose.

If we get an NBL , licence i would be happy for Bartlett to be part of it. Would also hope for the community to get behind it.

Reply #747884 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Sorry Scout. Bartlett killed the Chargers. Never to be forgotten.
The ego's of he and McCoy saw Barlett take his basketball home.
The other teams exist quite comfortably in the new NBL1 structure.
Anyway last I heard was that Bartlett hadn't spoken to LK for over 2 months. Pheeeew.

Reply #747886 | Report this post


Paul  
Years ago

Larry always has a plan. He hasn't only been meeting wit GCC whilst in Hobart. Think what you like there are connections between LK and the Huskies.

Did Bartlett really kill the Chargers or was he the puppet for someone else who had a gripe with BTAS?

Reply #747888 | Report this post


Scout  
Years ago

Dont think the demise of the Chargers was about someone having a go at btas, they were active participants

Reply #747942 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Barlett was the Chargers President. Came in and in the almost 3 years he turned the club around. Their debt was massive and I for one was suprised they lasted that long. When the NBL1 stuff came alone, Bartlett and BTAS / McCoy clashed.
The end result that totally unexpectedly Bartlet and only Bartlett withdrew the Chargers from entry into NBL1. Whether the Board knew or not I am unsure.
He / they were prepared to let all clubs in Southern Tasmania have no elite pathway.

Reply #747951 | Report this post


Scout  
Years ago

Anon 951, you are re writing history that leaves out btas, the 'clash with McCoy ' is btas

Reply #747955 | Report this post


Scout  
Years ago

Anon 951, you are re writing history that leaves out btas, the 'clash with McCoy ' is btas

Reply #747956 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

See the bit where I said Bartlett and BTAS/McCoy clashed?

Reply #747971 | Report this post


Scout  
Years ago

971 Then you go on to blame Bartlett for no elite pathway in the south

Reply #747992 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Yes that's right. TFG The Huskies took it over. BTAS are also running clinics here with Stewie doing that work.

Reply #747996 | Report this post


Scout  
Years ago

That the Chargers where told not to by BTAS

Reply #747997 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

It's a shit fight that needs LK to sort out.

Reply #747999 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

The Chargers have always done what ever they wanted to do, despite what BTAS always dictated. NOthing in that what so ever other than Bartlett's spin.

Reply #748001 | Report this post


D2.0  
Years ago

"In February last year the Liberals pledged $10 million to design, plan and construct a multisports indoor centre in Glenorchy"

Notwithstanding that Political Pledges aren't worth shit, even in Tasmania, $10M would barely get you a shed.
But either way, so what?

Whether or not they come through on their promise, and whether or not its to renovate the DEC, or build a whole new stadium, simple fact is that even with guvment help Hickey was never going to get it done, whereas LK can. End of story.

Reply #748002 | Report this post


D2.0  
Years ago

"This is one of my favourites of all time! Kestelman is a property developer!"

Yes, we know this, what's your point?

I highly doubt he's that desperate for opportunities that he would need to go around deceiving people,obtaining access to land only be feigning interest in the NBL.

Especially when it comes to Tasmania. They have plenty of land, just not enough people wanting to build things.

Reply #748004 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Yet again Dazz. STFU about stuff you know nothing about.

Reply #748006 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

I'm not certain any of us really no what’s going down but every one is entitled to opinion. You don’t have to agree with it but if you know let us all know but you like the rest of us are guessing. :)

Reply #748008 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Rest assured I know you don't know what's going on. Very few do in fact.
However there are a few that do. Nuff said.

Reply #748025 | Report this post


Scout  
Years ago

Anon 8001 does that include BTAS telling the CAMs in correspondence that tge Chargers should not be providing development for under 18s when they started to then going to the media saying that the Chargers do nothing for juniors in the South??

Not about Chargers doing what they wanted, btas played politics then people like you blame Bartlett, he was in an absolute no win situation.

Anyway Kestleman doesnt need to worry bot that but there does need to be structure for basketball in Tas

Reply #748052 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Guys, say something interesting.

Reply #748056 | Report this post


robt.  
Years ago

Each time I read, "we say, they say", posts I can't help but think of a very old Mills Brothers' song, "I Heard". Avail on Spotify. Have a listen!

Better still just found vision on utube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtqpyMvI3D4.

Should honestly make a thread, just for that. Applies to all subjects.

Reply #748059 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

You miss the point that BTAS was paying the Chargers to run those clinics, as they do now!AFAIK Stewie is running under 15 and Under 18 clinics this year. So Bartlett and the BTAS thing is BS.
"Not about Chargers doing what they wanted, btas played politics then people like you blame Bartlett, he was in an absolute no win situation."
How is killing the Chargers by Bartlett a no win situation? He had a choice, accept the conditions to enter the NBL1 which he didn't want to do. That is a far more relevant point than regurgitaing old news.
It will be iteresting when LK gets the nod who will run the new Tassie Devils. LK or the Huskies.

Reply #748082 | Report this post


Perthworld  
Years ago

Has to be Devils.

Reply #748123 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

It will be.

Reply #748128 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Not if AFL have got copyright on it.

Reply #748135 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

They don't. NO one does it seems.

Reply #748136 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Won't be Devils I suspect, will be a name that isn't already taken by a sporting team.

Reply #748138 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

I actually like Huskies, with the we the South.

Reply #748142 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Tonight is the final D Day. Last roll of the dice.

Reply #748166 | Report this post


Tom  
Years ago

Tasmanian huskies

Reply #748167 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Huskies is already taken.

Reply #748181 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Southern huskies we the south

Reply #748190 | Report this post


Paul  
Years ago

What if Bartlett, LK and Hickey all work together on the Tasmanian Huskies?

Reply #748207 | Report this post


D2.0  
Years ago

"Rest assured I know you don't know what's going on. Very few do in fact.
However there are a few that do. Nuff said"

ROFL

What's kinda sad is that I think the anonytroll meant for that comment to be taken seriously

Reply #748213 | Report this post


D2.0  
Years ago

Location-Name wise, it depends on what you're aiming for.
Having a team to represent ALL of Tasmania is a nice idea, but is it feasible?
Would splitting games between Hobart & Launceston even work, or would it be a logistical nightmare? Is there even a NBL-level venue up north??

If the team ends up being effectively based in Hobart, I still think they could brand themselves as "Tasmanian", and at least keep the door open to Northern support and increased sponsorship and govt funding.

One thing for sure though, don't brand yourself as Southern, then enter a team called the Hobart Huskies, and then claim to represent all of Tasmania.

As for the basic team name, it doesn't really matter all that much.
The most successful team in the League is called the "Wildcats."
It was originally simply an alliteration on "Westate". Plus there are no actual wild cats in Australia, other than feralised domestic cats that we are actively trying to eradicate.
The only thing I would say is they should not overthink it too much.
Having to explain some tenuous link to the use of Huskies in Antarctica, was a bit of a stretch, especially after the last Huskies were all euthanised.

Devils are certainly iconic, but they probably want to ensure unfettered access to all the trademark and merchandising opportunities.

Reply #748214 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Dazz. You shouldn't comment on stuff you know nothing about.

"Would splitting games between Hobart & Launceston even work, or would it be a logistical nightmare? Is there even a NBL-level venue up north??"
You do know the Southern Huskies spilt there games betwwen HBT and LTN? No I guess not. Yet you want to be taken seriously with your opinion.
Tassie Devils it is. Kestleman is meant to explain it all tomorrow.

Reply #748218 | Report this post


Perthworld  
Years ago

The only thing I would say is they should not overthink it too much.

Could you do the same with your rants?

Reply #748232 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Glenorchy Council voted in favour of selling to Kestelman tonight. It's on

Reply #748249 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Unfortunately and yet again the GCC don't understand what Kestleman wants. If they do they are deluded.
"Ms Johnston said Mr Kestelman had made it clear his proposal was contingent upon support from the Tasmanian Government."
Read into that Kestleman wants $20mill+ from the Liberal Government. IMO that will never happen.
Kestleman has no skin in the game of basketball here and that's a serious issue for them with the Huskies holding that card. At the level we are talking now BTAS and BA and every other sporting code that wants to use this new sporting precinct will need to have skin in the game.
There is still the issue of the Govt's $10mill election promise to build anew multi purpose courts out there as well.
Interesting times ahead and Larry has 120 days to extract that Government support. More time wasted. with the outcome already decided. Except Larry doesn't know it yet.

Reply #748256 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

The press have access to Kestleman tomorrow and all the hard questions will hopefully be asked. Most importantly the GCC if they ever reach settlement will need to show full disclosure of the T&C of the brokered deal.

Paul. Hickey will never work with Bartlett. He essentially "forced" Hickey to take on 2 extra teams which he had no intention of doing. This has cost them an absolute bomb.
Barlett is a nothing figure now in basketball despite being quoted today as the "President" of the Chargers (which has no financial members). Will they pay back the Government money that they were given to run clinics which they haven't run? $10,000's involved there.

Reply #748258 | Report this post


D2.0  
Years ago

"You do know the Southern Huskies spilt there games betwwen HBT and LTN?"

ROFL

Yes, do you understand that the NZNBL is not the NBL???

Reply #748295 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Who cares it's already been done idiot. Both venues and their games are live streamed.

Reply #748300 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Kestleman spoke with the press today. The Mercury will have that coverage and the tv news tonight.

Reply #748340 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

The latest here.
https://www.themercury.com.au/realestate/nbl-boss-has-grand-visions-for-his-200-million-redevelopment-of-wilkinsons-point/news-story/74de398bdf149eefc2252f4e385a2907

Reply #748353 | Report this post


D2.0  
Years ago

"Who cares it's already been done idiot"

Is it School Holidays Already??

Reply #748361 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Dazz. Stay out of topics you know nothing about.

Reply #748364 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Boti's thought on another Tassie team.
http://www.botinagy.com/blog/tassie-happy-as-larry/

Reply #748368 | Report this post


Charon72  
Years ago

Hobart Charges

Reply #748373 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Tasmanian Tigers

Reply #748376 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Devils2.0

and they will hang around for years despite everyone being sick of their endless dribbling after just a couple of months

Reply #748378 | Report this post


Tassie Devil  
Years ago

Very surprised that this not a hot topic.

Reply #748402 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

From today's Mercury.
"Kestelman's grand vision of the completed sporting precinct will include a refurbished DEC, at least a five-court multisport facility and high performance centre.
He believes it could all lead to basketball becoming the most popular sport in the state.
"A big part of this is to actually make basketball the number one sport in Tasmania. That’s what we would like to see that’s what we’ve talked to Chris [McCoy] from Basketball Tasmania about.
“We really want to have an opportunity if we do end up putting an NBL team there, I think basketball can be by far the number one sport in Tasmania but that needs facilities and it needs a pathway."

Reply #748432 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Froling playing last 4 games for huskies. Telling everyone he's much better player now and beat players that got drafted, said didn’t play summer league due to some contract issues, sounds a bit suss. Interview on huskies face book page.

Reply #748436 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

He said that if he didn't get a FT contract with and NBA team he wasn't allowed under his contract to play G League or anything else.Full time or nothing.
I doubt he will be a 6'ers p[layer next season. Nothing suss about that.

Reply #748450 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

That good news for the huskies. Can they still make the playoffs?

Reply #748451 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Mathematically they can. They need to keep winning and other teams lose. H won't be eligible for the finals.

Reply #748457 | Report this post


D2.0  
Years ago

""Kestelman's grand vision of the completed sporting precinct will include a refurbished DEC, at least a five-court multisport facility and high performance centre."

Well that part sounds great.


"He believes it could all lead to basketball becoming the most popular sport in the state.
"A big part of this is to actually make basketball the number one sport in Tasmania."

That part sound delusional, but I guess more realistically he i the master of generating positive press.

"if we do end up putting an NBL team there"

That sounds less than 100% commitment, but hopefully he's just being coy. Hard to imagine he'd be spending the money without that being a hard goal.

Reply #748458 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

He said he was beating nba drafted players, one on one and three on three, if he was a chance of summer league, nba Adelaide would've had a nice buy out, that does seem suss. He’s full of it imo.

Reply #748470 | Report this post


SCOUT  
Years ago

will not make the finals this year, to state the obvious it has been a learning experience

Reply #748564 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

From The Mercury. July 1.

"But it is believed Mr Kestelman's plans for a Tasmanian NBL team are so advanced that in the near future he will travel to Launceston to check out the Silverdome and other possible venues about hosting NBL games as he aims for the new franchise to capture the entire state’s support."

Todays Mercury not long ago
"....was full of praise after his day of meetings.
"We’ll get through the 120 days and work with the Government but I couldn’t be more pleased with the process and the goodwill and the support from both the Tasmanian Government, the council and everyone seems to be onboard with what we are trying to achieve," Mr Kestelman said.
“I think we can make it a reality, there is a lot of work to go under the bridge.”
NBL owner Larry Kestelman in Salamanca Square before having a meeting at the Executive Building. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS
The Government and Mr Kestelman have agreed to enter into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to advance discussions, including what role the State Government may play.
Mr Hodgman described the meeting as productive.
“We warmly welcome Mr Kestelman’s plans to invest in Tasmania, and look forward to continued discussions with the NBL and the Glenorchy City Council,” Mr Hodgman said.

Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston was equally enthused but would not disclose if a value was discussed at the first meeting.

“We had really positive discussions and we are looking forward to working with both him and the State Government over the coming months,” Ms Johnston said.

“We started discussions around a whole range of things that need to be negotiated and discussed.”

Mr Kestelman said once he and his team had an understanding of the DEC’s requirements he could then approach the Government for support."

Reply #749016 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Deal is done.

Reply #749048 | Report this post


Paul  
Years ago

Amazing what can be achieved if there are no ego's brought to the table. Exciting times ahead.

Reply #749049 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

I'd expect the Blitz to be in Tassie this year

Reply #749052 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Yes LK is one smooth operator, has great foresight and certainly comes as humble. Great roads ahead for the nbl.

Reply #749062 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Will they debut in 20/21?

Reply #749067 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

^^^[
I doubt it probably more likely 21/22. Lot of work to set up team, starting with modernising the stadium to senior management positions, coaches, doctors, physios etc.

Reply #749069 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

The Blitz is a curse.

Reply #749073 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Anyone think Wellington would be ready also for 21/22?
Would the NBL allow 2 new teams in same season?

Reply #749074 | Report this post


D2.0  
Years ago

Nice to see things moving ahead.

With LK's backing the team should at least have solid beginnings. Brisbane has shown it isn't easy, and twill be interesting to see how SEM go next season, but hopefully with a good start they too can be competitive. (Brisbane made finals in their 3rd season back, so not bad.)

Realistically a team needs to be able to kick off, with Coach and GM in place and maybe a signing or two, before the end of the previous season.
But by the sounds of it, there will be substantial development of the DEC precinct, so I guess depends on whether they want to take to the court before that is completed?

Reply #749079 | Report this post


Perthworld  
Years ago

LK you've done it again!

Reply #749128 | Report this post


Perfworld  
Years ago

I can't see Avatars on my phone so I don't know which Perthworld is real and which is fake.

Safe to assume they're all idiots.

Also having an avatar doesn't make you superior to others.

Well done Larry.

Reply #749130 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Kestleman wants $25mill to renovate the DEC. This is where it immediately becomes BULLSHIT.

Reply #749146 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

The other day Gentleman said we will need to hire architects etc. Then yesterday it's now $25mill.
Pretty sure this will end up in tears. The current Government are in the midst of a housing crisis, health crisis and transport crisis. Football is drawing fewer and fewer people.
Hodgman is under seige everywhere and
The last thing on his mind won't be giving an already wealthy man a $25mill handout.

Reply #749224 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

LK IN town on Wed trying to to find investors. No success.

Reply #751142 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Think Wellington is a better option for team 10.
Taste seems like a long term project.

Reply #751144 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Tassie investors probably took one look at his arms race salary rules and said hell no.

Reply #751151 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Any investors don't necessarily need to be from Tasmania.

Reply #751152 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

I'd say it’s dead unless the preseason is a roaring success, not certain what happened to the Huskies but players and coach were not happy at seasons end.

Reply #751153 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

"LK IN town on Wed trying to to find investors. No success."

Heard the opposite. Tas team will enter in 2021/22

Reply #751157 | Report this post


D2.0  
Years ago

"The last thing on his mind won't be giving an already wealthy man a $25mill handout."

Except that's EXACTLY how it works.

A guy with a few million, a lot of hot-air, and idea to raise money selling tee-shirts, comes begging for money, the Government tells him to piss off. They're a dime a dozen.

A guys worth almost a Billion, with a history of success, who just so happens to own the league, comes along and proposes to sink squillions of his own dough into the real-estate and redevelopment, THEN the govt sits up and pays attention.
Obviously LK will squeeze every cent he can from the govt, that's how it works.

Reply #751201 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

The lastest from today's Mercury.

"
DISCUSSIONS between the NBL and the State Government surrounding a Tasmanian team rejoining the competition are about to hit "crunch time", league boss Larry Kestelman says.

The huge success of the pre-season Blitz in September has only fuelled further positivity about the potential for the NBL's 10th licence being awarded to the state.
Talks between Kestelman, the Government and the Glenorchy City Council continue to bubble away in the background, with Kestelman remaining confident a decision will be made by the end of the year.

However he concedes ultimately it will come down to whether the Government is willing to invest in upgrading the Derwent Entertainment Centre to bring it up to world class standard.

“I think we’re now getting down to the pointy end. I think a lot of it is just going to come down to what does the Government feel about that venue?” Kestelman told the Mercury.

“That’s probably what I feel is our biggest challenge. As we experienced in the Blitz it is a challenging one, it is a 30-year-old venue that is really, really tired, it’s non-compliant.

“It is a very old shell so the investment that’s going to be needed into that venue will be substantial and that will be probably the biggest factor.

“I think the Government is very much on board, it’s obviously just going to come down to budget.

“We’re finally getting our reports back from architects who’ve done all their assessments on the venue as to what needs to be done, so, yeah, I think it’s down to crunch time, sort of the next 30 days, 45 days is where it’s all either going to happen or probably not.

“It’ll get decided soon.”

Reply #771266 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Doesn't look like they are doing much to derwent at all.

Reply #772807 | Report this post


KET  
Years ago

https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/basketball/nbl-releases-first-images-of-its-proposed-derwent-entertainment-centre-refurbishment/news-story/529818fd3095fce58212a955f32275dc

This looks smaller than "5-7,000" It looks half that!

Realistically they need to make it 6,500, so that if they consistently get 4,500 it doesn't look too empty, but can take a sustainable 6,500 should they manage that kind of crowd.

If they can't achieve 4,500 on average, then they aren't going to be capable of sustaining an NBL side.

Reply #772812 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Man you don't know anything. Why not just sit in the corner and go back to COD or whatever.

Reply #772813 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Today: TASMANIA will house the best boutique stadium in the NBL outside the major capital cities if the State Government commits to upgrading the Derwent Entertainment Centre. League boss Larry Kestelman, who is in exclusive negotiations with the Glenorchy City Council to purchase the dated venue and Wilkinsons Point, will need a significant contribution from the Government to refurbish the building."

Reply #772873 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Half the building is missing, huskies had a better looking stadium when done.

Reply #772874 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Huskies while a great idea just didn't have the money and weren’t patient enough, wanted it to happen all over night and LK worked out real quick they were presenters.

Reply #772879 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Hardly. Where do you think LK got the idea from?
Why is half the building missing?

Reply #772892 | Report this post


paul  
Years ago

"This looks smaller than "5-7,000" It looks half that! "

What is this, a stadium for ants?

Reply #772896 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

It's 5000 in basketball mode and about 7000ish in concert mode.
Chargers had about 3300 there last season for one of their SEABL finals.
Great venue and despite what Kestleman is saying, the ol girl isn't as bad as he is making out.

Reply #772902 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

"the best boutique stadium in the NBL outside the major capital cities"

Okay so it will be better than Cairns?

NB: It always seems to me that when used i this context, "boutique" is French for "Too small and shit" or "sorry, we couldn't afford anything better"

I'm a bit confused by what LK is saying.
Much of what he says makes sense, that the DEC needs to be fixed, the government needs to spend the money, and should do so sooner rather than later.
But why would the government(s) spend the money and then give it to him?

Reply #772958 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

He is trying to buy the DEC and the surrounding land.
He is expected to spend $250mill in that precint.

Oh "If they can't achieve 4,500 on average, then they aren't going to be capable of sustaining an NBL side." Don't tell Illawarra that will you or the NBL.

KET please don't compare what happens in other large venues around Australia.
Remember KET that LK will OWN the land and the venue and the TEAM.

Clearly you have missed that point. Equally the renatl cost of the venue will be substantially less than anywhere else in Australia.
I would guess a 3000 crowd would be more than adequate.
Hell the AFL games (at times) struggle to get 10,000 people to a game in Hobart and you want 6500!!

Reply #772987 | Report this post


KET  
Years ago

That's not sustainable

Reply #772991 | Report this post


paul  
Years ago

KET, ticket revenue isn't going to be a major factor in the overall venture.

Reply #772993 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

A lot euro clubs have no 5000 seat stadiums, some less.

Reply #772994 | Report this post


KET  
Years ago

If you're a local business, how the team connects with the public/market is what will determine whether they clean be confident enough to put money in as a sponsor. That’s identified in some way by people voting with their feet. Ticket revenue isn’t really the point.

I don’t think "LK owns it s’all good" is a sustainable model

Reply #773002 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Yeah so no United bullets or phoenix

Reply #773008 | Report this post


paul  
Years ago

"If you're a local business, how the team connects with the public/market is what will determine whether they clean be confident enough to put money in as a sponsor."

Sponsorship isn't going to be a major part of the overall venture either. This is a major development with a basketball team attached. The basketball team will attract support, don't worry about that, but the plan is much bigger than that.

Reply #773013 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Last I heard they were targetting 5 x $500,000 sponsors.

Reply #773014 | Report this post


ME  
Years ago

If you listen to the tone of his recent interviews, he seems to be losing his patience with the government and he's more or less said that if they're not willing to invest in the center, they can forget having a team.

Sounds to me like things aren't really progressing quite as he hoped with them.

But what he is saying is true. If Tasmania isn't willing to put the money down to make it happen, why is he bothering?

Reply #773024 | Report this post


Reality  
Years ago

Its Tassie and Government things take a long time to get done!

Reply #773026 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

There spending it all on north Melbourne and hawthorn.

Reply #773029 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

"Oh "If they can't achieve 4,500 on average, then they aren't going to be capable of sustaining an NBL side." Don't tell Illawarra that will you or the NBL."

So if you're walking down the street and you tread in dogshit, do you kneel down and rub your face in it also? - Illawarra is the prime example of what they need to be better than, not something they should emulate. - There is only one way to make a sustainable NBL club, and that is bums on seats.

Reply #773137 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

"KET please don't compare what happens in other large venues around Australia.
Remember KET that LK will OWN the land and the venue and the TEAM."

OMG you are a fucking moron - please stop posting.
Who gives a flying shit what LK owns - is that your recipe for success? - Creat a complete basketcase of a club and then expect LK to prope it up for all eternity. - cos clearly LK is as big a moron as you and has made his Billions by pouring money down the toilet.

Reply #773138 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

"Sponsorship isn't going to be a major part of the overall venture either. This is a major development with a basketball team attached. The basketball team will attract support, don't worry about that, but the plan is much bigger than that."

Paul just shut up, your posts don't make any sense.

The NBL club needs to be sustainable. End of Story.

Reply #773139 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Man there are a lot of crackheads here.
"Creat a complete basketcase of a club and then expect LK to prope it up for all eternity."

Why did LK create and own the Bullets and the Phoenix? Take over United?

You simply don't get it do you. Stay off the crack man and clean your act up.

Reply #773142 | Report this post


paul  
Years ago

Some people here who just don't understand the model. The venture will generate a huge amount of its revenue from non-basketball operations.

Initially it will be from owning Hobart's number one indoor venue, then there will be commercial operations attached to the venue, then there will be the commercial development of the overall site.

This is a huge plan with far more than basketball involved, but the NBL side is the lure that gets the government funding to get it started.

Sure, they'll want the basketball club to generate revenue, but it will be chicken feed compared to the other aspects.

Reply #773148 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Don't foregt the hotel and (possible) student accomodation. The latter will be a massive earer, trust me.

Paul is right in this case. If this gets off the ground there will be nothing like it for any sport in the country.

Reply #773178 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

The from yesterday's "The Mercury" - Brett Stubbs (Paywall)

"Call to act on DEC or lose investment and national side
BRETT STUBBS
SPEND taxpayers' money now on the Derwent Entertainment Centre and get a $200 million investment and an NBL team in return or spend it in five years’ time and get nothing.
That’s the message from Tasmanian NBL advisory board member and former premier David Bartlett as negotiations over the sale of the DEC between NBL owner Larry Kestelman, the Glenorchy City Council and the State Government heat up.

Kestelman has promised an investment in Wilkinsons Point of $200 million that would create a hotel, shopping, restaurant and sporting precinct and 1100 jobs if he lands the sale of the DEC and surrounds for about $18 million and gets Government support for the redevelopment of the centre - believed to be in the range of $20-$30 million.
If all proceeds, Tasmania would reenter the NBL for the 2020-21 season in a brand-spanking new DEC.

The 30-year-old venue is the state’s only 5000-seat arena capable of hosting indoor concerts and sporting events, but urgently needs millions spent on lighting, audio and visual aspects as well to become disability compliant.

Mr Bartlett said if he was Glenorchy mayor, he would simply shut the doors and hand the keys back to the Government if this deal failed.

"Whether or not this happens, Tasmania cannot be without a modern 5000-seat arena," Mr Bartlett said. “It is hard enough to get bands and concerts down here as it is.

“This money is going to be spent on the venue in one way or another, and it is going to be spent by the taxpayer. The opportunity here is by doing it now to also receive more than $200 million of capital investment – the investment of scale of another Mona — into the city of Glenorchy over the next five years.”

He said unlike the AFL and the ALeague pushes, there was an NBL licence on the table with Tasmania’s name on it.

“This is a real opportunity for Tasmania to have another team in a national competition, and I think it is absolutely vital we don’t fumble the ball now.” Mr Bartlett said there was only one aspect missing from making Hobart a great city.

“Great cities of the world have culture, great food and a national sporting team,” he said.

“The only missing ingredient to make Tasmania and greater Hobart great is an all-year-round sporting franchise that plays in a national league – and basketball is ready to fill that void.”

Reply #773372 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

It's summed up here very well by LK.

For the usual doubters here it is. Some nobody said earlier that nothing was happening about the DEC. Nothing could be further from the truth with the LKG meeting the Premier this week!

https://www.facebook.com/WINNewsTasmania/videos/2151189268508946/

#makeorbreak

Reply #773394 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Hopefully those that know nothing about the DEC stuff will finally desist posting their stupid comments. It will all come out by years end I would expect. #patience

Reply #773695 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Today's "The Mercury" latest on the NBL stuff.

"FEDERAL funding could be required to break the impasse between the NBL and the Tasmanian Government over the redevelopment of the Derwent Entertainment Centre.
NBL owner Larry Kestelman was in Hobart yesterday for another meeting with the State Government that would see an upgrade of the 30-year-old venue and the state's re-entry to the league. Mr Kestelman is in exclusive negotiations with the owner of the DEC and surrounding Wilkinsons Point — the Glenorchy City Council — but is seeking state funding to bring the venue up to standard.

Premier Will Hodgman said talks were continuing but no agreement had been reached as yet. "Today’s presentation provided further detail on potential opportunities for our state, which would require funding from all levels of government," Mr Hodgman said.

“As we have maintained, any deal with the NBL would need to represent value for money and it is with this in mind we will review the proposal before our next meeting with the NBL.”

Mr Kestelman plans to build a $200 million shopping, food and sporting precinct around the DEC site at Wilkinsons Point should he acquire the venue and gain state funding.
The NBL declined to comment on yesterday’s meeting.

The two will meet again later this month with a decision to be made before Christmas.

Reply #773826 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Why is the state government stuffing around so much when they hand money over to afl at will. It's time Tasmania, stop stuffing around.

Reply #773837 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Hopefully the state government doesn't muck this up,they have several upgrade versions to look at including leaving it at the current 5400 seat capacity and 7000 including standing room with some smaller changes or spending a higher amount to upgrade it to a 10000 all seater.These options are all been looked at and I believe they should get it right the first time by upgrading it to the 10000 all seater version,this will help attract some of the bigger artists that don't currently come to tassie.I noticed the artists impressions released a week or so ago only showed half the seating currently in the stadium,which was a little silly,just imagine what the stadium would like at double its current capacity,please get it right.

Reply #773876 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Many artists don't go to Tassie because of the freight issues. Not because it's not a 10,00 seat stadium.

Reply #773900 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

It doesnt need to be a 10000 seat stadium. It can currently hold 7500 people when not in basketball mode.
Then of course if you get 3-4k to a basketball game it will look empty.

Reply #773911 | Report this post


Reality  
Years ago

Its a bad deal for Tassie....note that the tassie government fund the revelopment of DEC and the area around it is developed with private money but it requires the DEC to be handed over as part of the deal!


So the tax payer renovates and then hands over an asset for $0 after its all said and done, not to mention ongoing government support of the NBL club, thats a very very hard sell to voters!

Great deal for the main man if he can get it up, a free fully renovated venue is great for the portfolio!


Reply #773912 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Fuck me dead, governments have been handing over tax pay land for years.

The Sydney entertainment centre was knocked down and given to private developers to build units, and a shit small entertainment hall. The original entertainment centre was 30 years old and had years left in it, went from around 12000 to 2500 capacity It made the owners of Qudos Bank Arena happy as now they have got the only decent centre in Sydney, also built on government land. Packers crown casino is on the best piece of real estate in Sydney, also free government land. The new stadium at parramatta is the same and there are others in all states.

I'm not saying it’s the right or wrong way to do business but it’s been happening for decades.

Reply #773913 | Report this post


paul  
Years ago

The DEC generates little for Tasmania as a GCC asset, and they are responsible for the maintenance.

If the state wants a decent-level indoor stadium it is going to have to either fund a new one or pay for a significant upgrade to the DEC.

This alternative delivers an upgraded facility but also brings an economic boost through the further redevelopment.

So I don't think it's a bad sell to the taxpayer, just a case of the govt choosing what its priorities are.

Reply #773914 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

On today's ABC radio Tassie was the lowest spending government on state infrastructure. The C
DEC should be part of that spend.
Life is far more than hospitals, teachers nurses police etc.
Lifestyle is an important path. Equally the ongoing $1mill + spend on maintaining the DEC will eventually become the Government's issue

Reply #773928 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Seems the argument here is that one way or another the Govt is going to need to invest in the DEC to get it up to date. They can either do that, and have LK invest $200M in the state through the proposed deal, or they can do that and have a loss making asset and none of LK's investment money.

Either way, the Govt are going to need to spend taxpayer money on the DEC.

Reply #773932 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Today's "The Merury" news.

"CONSIDERING the very justified political heat at the moment over the state of care at Tasmania's two big public hospitals, it’s going to be a very big ask for the Hodgman Government to do what it probably should and invest a lazy 20 or 30 million dollars into upgrading the Derwent Entertainment Centre for the National Basketball League.

That is the amount of cash being requested upfront by NBL boss and developer Larry Kestelman as the initial public contribution to his offer to not only base a team from Tasmania out of the DEC, but to spend $200 million redeveloping the surrounding Wilkinsons Point area. Estimates put the result of that investment as potentially being 1100 new jobs in Glenorchy — and a $40 million increase in annual gross regional product.

And so it sounds a pretty good deal — with the activation of Wilkinsons Point into a shopping and sporting precinct a massive opportunity for a part of our capital city that could really do with it.

Having our own team in the NBL again would also be a feather in Premier Will Hodgman’s cap — and an upgraded DEC would be another benefit, particularly for attracting big acts to tour here. The Mercury is editorially supportive of the redevelopment proposal, as a concept.

But Mr Kestelman’s latest pitch meeting with the Premier came on Monday, smack bang in the middle of the latest political firestorm over the performance of our hospitals. And that’s the problem. Mr Kestelman has been consistent in saying that he wants bipartisan state support for his proposal — including, most importantly, that pretty sizeable public contribution (plus $1.5 million annually to support the team). To put it bluntly, he does not want to be accused of putting a basketball team ahead of the needs of sick kids. And that’s fair enough. That would certainly be a pretty easy case for the Labor Opposition to make, should it not also be supportive of a public contribution to upgrading the now-30-year-old DEC.

It doesn’t matter what the positive outcomes are, at this time in our political landscape it would be too easy to be critical.

That’s probably why the Premier made a very interesting shift in his language after Monday’s meeting — saying that progressing the NBL’s idea "would require funding from all levels of government". And now that adds a challenging roadblock, because there is little political reason for the Federal Government to make any investment in the proposal as it sits in the middle of the seat of Clark that is held by progressive-leaning independent Andrew Wilkie.

So what we are left with is this: the state is being offered a $200 million new precinct in a part of our capital city that could really do with it for a one-off public contribution of about $30 million, and then an annual $1.5 million commitment to underpin another team in a national sporting competition. The estimated return for the local economy would be 1100 new jobs and $40 million a year, according to the proponents.

But the deal is now caught up in politics — with the state tentative about making such an investment and it being hard to see why the feds would get involved. All that being said it’s probably time the Labor Party told us what they’re thinking about all this."

Politics taking over now.

Reply #774006 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

"It is understood Mr Kestelman and the DEC and Wilkinsons Point owner, the Glenorchy City Council, have come to terms, but Mr Kestelman won't progress without a commitment of state funds from the Government.
"We remain excited by the opportunity this presents," Mr O’Byrne said.
“But we have always qualified that with wanting to understand what the commitment from Government would be. We are yet to be informed on that.”
From today's Merury.

Reply #774027 | Report this post




You need to be a registered user to post from this location. Register here.



Close ads
Little Streaks - The fun and interactive good-habits app designed especially for kids.
Serio: Tourism photography and videography

Advertise on Hoops to a very focused, local and sports-keen audience. Email for rates and options.

Recent Posts



.


An Australian basketball forum covering NBL, WNBL, ABL, Juniors plus NBA, WNBA, NZ, Europe, etc | Forum time is: 2:59 pm, Tue 19 Mar 2024 | Posts: 968,026 | Last 7 days: 754