News & Updates

Who I have been speak with and what I have been doing

Below you will find my latest efforts speaking with the people of Braddon, asking them what they want and what I am doing to achieve it.

MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday 2 May 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Adam Martin Unveils Game-Changing AFL Stadium Plan for Tasmania’s North

Independent for Braddon, Adam Martin, has today announced a bold new plan that could deliver a $250 million federal investment into York Park (UTAS Stadium) – bringing AFL football firmly home to the North.

Speaking ahead of his video statement and appearance on ABC’s Leon Compton, Martin confirmed that if elected in a hung Parliament, he will negotiate with whichever major party forms government to renegotiate Tasmania’s AFL deal and deliver a fully redeveloped, expanded York Park as the long-term home of the Tasmania Devils.

“Tasmanians have spoken, and I’ve heard your call. This is a game-changer,” Martin said.
“We don’t need a $750 million debt-loaded stadium in Hobart. We need a future-focused, expanded AFL home in Launceston that serves all Tasmanians — not just a few developers or politicians in Hobart.”

Martin’s plan would see a new $250 million federal package committed to expand York Park’s seating capacity by 15,000–20,000, subject to the following clear and fair conditions:

  1. The AFL licence deal must be renegotiated to eliminate the Macquarie Point stadium requirement and designate UTAS Stadium in Launceston as the primary venue for Tasmania’s AFL teams.
  2. The Tasmanian Devils AFL and AFLW teams must be based in Launceston, with a nearby high-performance centre built within agreed timeframes.
  3. The existing $240 million federal funds promised for the Macquarie Point precinct should remain, but reallocated toward long-term urban renewal, not a stadium.

“This is about putting the community ahead of ego projects. Let’s give our people better access to footy, more jobs in the North, and real value for money,” Martin said.

Martin also pointed to the recent Launceston Council-approved York Park upgrade that controversially reduces total capacity despite new seating – from 19,500 to 17,500. “Reducing capacity increases ticket prices and prices out working Tasmanians. That’s not good enough. I’ll fight for more access, not less.”

He argued the stadium decision is not only about sport – it’s about regional equity, jobs, and public trust.

“We’re not just saving money — we’re creating a better deal. More jobs. More access. More sense. Launceston makes sense. And Tasmania deserves better than this Hobart white elephant.”

Martin concluded by calling on the AFL and both major parties to support the sensible shift, highlighting that York Park services over 250,000 Tasmanians more accessible than the southern proposal and would cement Tasmania’s place in the national competition without bankrupting the state.

Media Contact: Adam Martin