Chris Rowbottom
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Articles by Chris Rowbottom
BESIX Watpac chosen as builder of Hobart's Macquarie Point stadium, ABC understands
Construction firm BESIX Watpac has won the tender to construct Hobart's Macquarie Point Stadium, the ABC understands. An official announcement is expected today. The Australian-based firm was one of two shortlisted bidders vying for the stadium contract and has edged out a rival consortium headed by Italian firm WeBuild to progress to the second and final stage of the tender process. The One.NZ Stadium at Te Kaha in Christchurch, New Zealand, a project by BESIX Watpac.
Tasmania's WNBL return is 30 years in the making with the Jewels' debut
It was one of the most rapid declines in Australian sport. In 1991, the Hobart Islanders were champions of the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) and the toast of Australian basketball. But five years later, having won just three games in the previous two seasons, the Islanders were $45,000 in debt and resorting to rattling tins to survive. The Islanders had a short run in the women's national basketball league in the 1990s.
Tasmania Devils confirm first ever AFL signings with elite eight
He's the 202-centimetre 17-year-old West Australian, who was the raging favourite to be taken at pick No.1 in next year's AFL draft. His name is Axel Walsh, and if Tasmanians are unfamiliar with the baby-faced beanpole, they won't be for much longer. Axel Walsh says he's excited about playing with the Devils.
Fremantle captain and Tasmanian export Alex Pearce leads team into AFL Grand Final
If Fremantle wins the AFL premiership, the year 1995 will not only be known as the year the Dockers entered the AFL. It'll be known as the birth year of the club's first-ever premiership captain. Ruth Forrest was not only there on June 9, 1995, at the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie — she was the midwife who delivered Alex Pearce into the world. "He was a beautiful, big baby," she says.
Cricket Australia to green light BBL privatisation despite opposition from NSW and Qld
The Big Bash League will be partially privatised, in what looms as one of the most significant shake-ups of Australian cricket in decades. Cricket Australia will defy heavyweight states New South Wales and Queensland to forge ahead with plans to allow states to explore sell-offs of 49 per cent stakes in their BBL franchises. The decision to proceed was effectively made at a Cricket Australia board meeting last week, and will be officially green lit on Monday night.
Program: Tasmania Devils make first season finals
The Tasmania Devils VFL team will play a home final on Saturday, having finished fourth in the team's first season in the competition. It is a feat that has well and truly eclipsed expectations of the team, which still trains out of a chicken shed. Featured: Robbie Fox, Tasmania Devils VFL captain Xavier O'Neill, Essendon VFL captain Aaron Pidgeon, Devils VFL boss The Tasmania Devils V-F-L team began their inaugural season with record-setting crowds, and momentum has only grown since
Tasmania Devils hail a 'miracle' as team heads to VFL finals in its first season of competition
Despite having no players or playing jumper a year ago, the Tasmania Devils are on the brink of VFL finals history. If Tasmania beat Geelong this weekend, the Devils will earn a home preliminary final. Even the Tasmania Devils hierarchy is happy to concede the team's first year finals berth is nothing short of a minor miracle. "I don't care what anybody says," Devils VFL boss Aaron Pidgeon declares.
JackJumpers Roth's advice for inaugural Tasmania Devils AFL coach Ken Hinkley
Visibility will be key for incoming Tasmania Devils coach Ken Hinkley, according to the man who led the state to National Basketball League glory in 2024. JackJumpers coach Scott Roth has implored Hinkley to hit the road, listen to the locals and find out what Tasmania means to the people who call it home when he commences the role from November. "This state is big and people want to see you," Roth said.
Former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley to be announced as Tasmania Devils inaugural coach
Former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley will be formally unveiled as the inaugural coach of the Tasmania Devils this morning. It completes a year-long hunt for a senior coach for the AFL's newest club, that included strong interest from high-profile candidates John Longmire and Nathan Buckley. It is understood Hinkley will join the club on a five-year deal, that will take him through until the end of the 2031 season.
Tasmania Devils VFL captain Jye Menzie on growing up in Bridgewater
If Jye Menzie had listened to the naysayers, he may never have been drafted into the AFL. And he likely never would have become captain of the Tasmania Devils VFL team. Growing up in Bridgewater, on the far outskirts of Hobart, the 23-year-old Menzie encountered his fair share of detractors growing up. Menzie is the captain of the Tasmania Devils VFL side. (Supplied: Tasmania Devils) In the minds of the doubters, nobody from Bridgewater ever amounted to much.
Tasmania Devils AFL coaching choice is a blessing and a curse
The Tasmania Devils AFL team has been confronted with a unique problem in its hunt for an inaugural coach. Rather than needing to woo a big name to the island state, the Devils find themselves beset by the tyranny of an insanely hard choice: Nathan Buckley, Ken Hinkley or John Longmire? It's an incredibly formidable trio, and one that any club in the AFL would like to have knocking at its door. So why Tassie for these three, who realistically could walk into just about any football job they wanted?
Confidence assured in Macquarie Point Stadium delivery at meeting of AFL presidents
A meeting between the AFL and 18 club presidents — billed as a potential showdown over the future of Tasmania — has failed to deliver any fireworks, as the league doubles down on its commitment to welcoming the Devils into the AFL men's competition in 2028.
How Tasmania's planned new stadium could trigger deal for the Hobart Hurricanes
Cricket Tasmania (CT) remains supportive of a pro-privatisation push that would see stakes in the eight Big Bash League clubs sold off to big money investors, as the split between cricket's stakeholder states deepens. Not only does Tasmania remain committed to the privatisation process, but it believes it could be one of the biggest players at the table as officials eye a potential deal for the Hobart Hurricanes centred on a planned fixed-roof stadium at Macquarie Point.
After booting Hawthorn out of Tasmania, the Devils must deliver for Launceston
The Tasmania Devils aren't scheduled to play their first AFL game until 2028, but the fledgling club has already claimed its first scalp, lobbying successfully to block Hawthorn from playing games in Tasmania after 2027. The Devils' prize? Exclusive access to the northern half of Tasmania, a football heartland which the Hawks have been able to call their own since 2001, when they started playing state-sponsored fixtures at York Park.
Head coach of the Tasmania Devils Women's VFL side's tarot reading pastime
It's clear within minutes of meeting Georgia Walker that she isn't a typical football coach. There's not much in her living room that indicates she's about to make history as the inaugural coach of the Tasmania Devils VFLW team, or that she's played in the AFLW or grown up in love with Australian Rules. What you will find, though, is burning sage, candles, crystals and a deck of tarot cards. Walker straddles the sporting and spiritual worlds in a unique way.
Master plan for Tasmania's new Macquarie Point AFL stadium unveiled
Two major construction companies will bid for the right to build the $1.13 billion Macquarie Point Stadium, as part of the upcoming formal tender process. An assessment of major firms which expressed interest in competing for the build is almost complete and follows an expression of interest process that wrapped up in March.
15-year-old Tasmanian cricketer Mia Barwick set to ride wave of women's sporting boom
There's an ease about Mia Barwick that cricketers her age just don't have. It's a warm Tuesday afternoon, and she's participating in a net session at Bellerive Oval with the Cricket Tasmania pathways team, a collection of the state's most promising up-and-coming female cricketers. But it's evident early that Mia's ability is on a different level from the others, who try as they might, are struggling to lure her into a false shot or find the edge of her bat.
The Tasmania Devils won't play AFL at Macquarie Point earlier than 2031. Should we be surprised?
When it comes to Tasmania's deal with the AFL for a team of its own, the devil really is in the detail. Especially when it comes to the construction timeline for the new Macquarie Point stadium, which will serve as not only the financial linchpin for the club, but also its biggest player attraction magnet. You could be forgiven for thinking the Devils would be playing at the venue from 2030.
Hobart Cup result under investigation after Elwick course 37 metres short
An investigation has been launched into Tasmania's premier thoroughbred race following the discovery that Sunday's Hobart Cup had been run almost 40 metres short of the advertised distance. In a notice to industry, TasRacing confirmed the starting position barriers for the $250,000 cup were not placed within the intended position within the starting chute.
The Tasmania Devils start selling memberships later this month - how will they work?
The Tasmania Devils insist there is a "method to the madness" ahead of the release of club memberships later this month. The Devils have advertised a range of membership options that will allow fans the chance to secure a seat for 2028 when the team is scheduled to make its AFL debut. But the release of details has been met by some confusion, anxiousness and trepidation from some supporters who are desperate to secure seats for the team's historic entry into the big league.
Tasmania Devils could play extra year in existing venues during Macquarie Point stadium construction
Tasmania's entry into the AFL is confirmed, but it is unlikely the Devils will be playing at their newly approved Macquarie Point stadium in 2029, as planned. Instead, the club now appears likely to spend its first two years in the AFL playing home games at Bellerive Oval and a redeveloped York Park in Launceston. "There's probably an assumption internally that we'll be playing [AFL] games in Hobart at Bellerive and York Park for probably two years," club CEO Brendon Gale said.
Is Tasmanian AFL team a holy grail or poisoned chalice? Time will tell
Tasmania has an AFL team. It's a sentence that only five years ago existed only in the realm of parody or satire. But now it's real. Of course, Tasmania has technically had an AFL team since 2023, when the agreement for a licence was signed by the Tasmanian government and the league. That was a result of more than three years of negotiations, which came after more than three decades of banging on the AFL's door. However, the team licence has always come with a caveat. It's only ever been technical.
Cricket Tasmania and stadium proponent say they've found a solution to roof concerns
Cricket Tasmania and the Macquarie Point Development Corporation believe they have found the solution to concerns about shadows cast by the roof of the proposed stadium. A matte finish applied to the roof pillows is expected to almost completely dissipate shadows cast by the structure, paving the way for cricket to be staged in the new arena.
Macquarie Point stadium goal at risk on eve of crucial AFL team vote
In three weeks members of Tasmania's upper house will decide the fate of the Macquarie Point stadium and the state's AFL team. A majority "yes" vote from the Legislative Council's 15 members will green-light the $1.13-billion build and accelerate Tasmania's entry into the AFL and AFLW competitions. A vote of "no" will consign the stadium — and the Devils team — to the dustbin of Tasmanian history.
The draft order to approve Hobart's stadium has been released. So what's in it?
Tasmania's parliamentarians have received a draft version of the order they will vote on to determine the fate of the Macquarie Point Stadium project. The order lays out the conditions that the project must adhere to if it is greenlit to proceed by the parliament. Most parliamentarians already know which way they will vote but some have been waiting to see the order. The draft order cannot be amended by the parliament but the Liberal government can make tweaks before it is formally tabled.
Will it happen? Crunch time imminent for Tasmania's proposed Macquarie Point stadium
The Tasmanian Planning Commission will hand down its final report into the Macquarie Point Stadium on Wednesday. It'll make a recommendation on whether or not the stadium should be built, and what conditions should apply. But the final decision will ultimately lie with parliamentarians. Both major parties support the stadium. A final vote of both houses is expected to be held later this year.
Stewards placed hundreds of bets on Tasmanian races, integrity investigation finds
A Tasmanian racing integrity investigation has found a number of racing stewards, including the acting chief thoroughbred steward, placed more than 200 bets on Tasmanian horse races across a two-and-a-half-year period. And a separate investigation has found "sufficient evidence" that a steward had made both serious and minor breaches of TasRacing's codes and policies, as well as matters constituting "serious misconduct".
Tasmanian racing stewards stood down pending investigation over bets, ABC understands
At least two Tasmanian racing stewards, including the chief thoroughbred steward, have been stood down as part of an investigation into betting on races, the ABC understands. It is understood the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner has conducted a betting audit of racing stewards. At least five stewards were alleged to have bet on races. The ABC understands two stewards, including chief thoroughbred racing steward Michael Castillo, have been stood down while the investigation is ongoing.
Tasmanian government to end funding for greyhound racing by 2029
The Tasmanian government will end its funding for greyhound racing in the state by 2029, the ABC understands, effectively winding up the industry. The timing coincides with the end of the current funding deal for the code, which concludes in 2029. The ABC understands the gradual approach has been taken to allow time for trainers and industry participants to transition. It will also allow for the rehoming of dogs.
North-West Thunder to risk club closure in high-stakes solo bid for basketball licence
The North-West Thunder will reject a merger with the Launceston Tornadoes, and make a solo bid to secure the sole northern Tasmanian NBL1 licence. If unsuccessful, it could spell the end of the Thunder — a fate that chair James Leslie is prepared to accept. The licence submission deadline is August 29.
Death of Tasmanian champion greyhound Raider's Guide prompts renewed calls to shut down the industry
The death of champion Tasmanian greyhound Raider's Guide has led to fresh calls for greyhound racing in the state to be wound up. Raider's Guide was euthanased after suffering cervical spinal injuries from a fall on Monday night in Launceston. New Zealand and Wales have moved to ban greyhound racing, but the Tasmanian government and Labor opposition both support the industry.
Delayed decision on Macquarie Point stadium reopens door for planning commission process
A revival of the planning process under which the Macquarie Point stadium was previously being assessed could be on the cards, as the state's planning commission prepares to hand down its final report on the contentious project. Hobart's proposed AFL stadium was initially being assessed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission under the Project of State Significance (PoSS) process, which would have required both houses of Tasmania's parliament to give it the green light.
What we learnt from the Macquarie Point stadium Planning Commission hearings
They've been staged in the shadow of a state election, but the Tasmanian Planning Commission hearings into the Macquarie Point stadium have provided perhaps the sharpest level of detail about the proposed project. Held over the past two weeks, the hearings have formed part of the Project of State Significance process and provided almost 30 stakeholders with the opportunity to present evidence to the planning commission panel assessing the stadium.
Why York Park is not considered an alternative to the proposed Macquarie Point Hobart stadium
Of all the questions asked by Tasmanians throughout the stadium debate, a couple stick out. Why does a new stadium need a roof? Why does Tasmania need a stadium at all? But perhaps the most often asked question relates to the team location. Why can't a Tasmanian AFL team be based in the more geographically central city of Launceston and play out of York Park? It's been regularly raised by ABC's state election Your Say respondents.
Stadium dominates Tas election campaign - ABC listen
In less than three weeks, Tasmanians will vote in their state election. The state's finances, health system and education are on the minds of many voters, but judging by the feedback the ABC has been getting through its Your Say project, the hot button issue is the planned Hobart stadium for the state's fledgling AFL team. Samantha Donovan: In less than three weeks Tasmanians will vote in their state election.
Macquarie Point AFL stadium issue a vote changer, YouSay polling reveals ahead of Tasmanian state election
More than 1,000 Tasmanians have responded to the ABC's state election YourSay survey — and the stadium was the hottest topic. Tasmanians from all corners of the state have signalled they intend to change their political allegiances due to parties' stadium stances. The state election will be held on July 19. For Tasmanians, the proposed Macquarie Point stadium is likely to play at least some role in who they vote for at the upcoming state election.
Jeremy Rockliff strikes deal with cricket authorities for Hobart AFL stadium roof solution
A new agreement struck between Cricket Australia, Cricket Tasmania and Premier Jeremy Rockliff aims to ensure all forms of cricket will be able to be played at the Macquarie Point stadium, should the proposed arena earn planning approval and eventually be built.
Labor's Dean Winter says he won't give up the proposed Macquarie Point stadium 'for anything'
The leaders of both major Tasmanian political parties remain staunchly committed to a new Hobart stadium, and AFL team, even if it costs them a shot at governing the state. Both Labor leader Dean Winter, and Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff have re-affirmed their support for the Macquarie Point stadium and Tasmania Devils AFL club, in the midst of political upheaval triggered by a successful no-confidence motion in the premier by Labor.
Now that Rockliff is toppled, what will happen to Devils AFL team and stadium?
As political turmoil continues to engulf Tasmania, the Devils AFL team remains at high risk of becoming collateral damage. But depending on who you speak to, the level of danger for Tasmania's fledgling AFL club varies. On one side, there is a view that the no-confidence motion moved against Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff has no material effect on Tasmania's plans to build the Macquarie Point stadium and, thus, enter the AFL.
What the political turmoil means for the Tasmanian Devils AFL team and Hobart stadium
Tasmania's AFL licence hangs by the barest of threads, following a day of mass upheaval in the state parliament. A no-confidence motion against Premier Jeremy Rockliff, moved by the Labor opposition and supported by a majority of the house, was being debated into Wednesday evening. The outcome is likely to result in the ousting of Mr Rockliff as premier, potentially sending Tasmanians back to the polls, a little over a year since the last election.
The Tasmanian budget has been handed down. What's in it?
The Tasmanian government has released its 2025-26 state budget, which paints a picture of a challenging economic environment. New investments for this year's budget and over the next four years include more than $1 billion for health services, including to support "demand pressures" and improve elective surgery wait times. Schools will receive additional funding, largely because of a funding agreement signed with the federal government.
High hopes Hobart's new 7 Mile golf course could become 'a top 10 course in the world'
Tasmania's new 7 Mile Beach golf course has welcomed its first paying customers via a three-day 'preview' ahead of a full opening in December this year. The course has been more than 10 years in the making, and is slated to be amongst the best in the world — further enhancing Tasmania's growing golfing reputation. The course will open to the general public in December, with those behind it hoping it could play host to a future Australian Open.
Premier's 'not a red cent more' claim re Macquarie Point stadium funding under fire
It has caused outrage amongst stadium supporters and opponents alike. On Monday, the ABC revealed the Tasmanian government had finalised its preferred funding method for the proposed Macquarie Point stadium, settling on a debt-funded model to pay for the project, which would include borrowing any shortfall of funds through the Macquarie Point Development Corporation (MPDC).
Seven West Media to buy Tasmania's Channel 7 and other Southern Cross TV assets
Media conglomerate Seven West Media has struck a deal with Southern Cross Media Group that will see it purchase the rival media company's regional television assets and licences, including in Tasmania. Assets and licences in Darwin, Spencer Gulf, Mount Isa, Broken Hill and across central and eastern Australia will be sold to Seven West for $3.75 million.
Tasmania to seek loan for Hobart stadium funding shortfall in pivot away from 'private-public partnership'
The Tasmanian government will resist the temptation of partnering with the private sector to fund and build its proposed Hobart stadium — and instead go it alone via a Macquarie Point borrowings bonanza. The ABC can reveal the government will fund construction of the stadium via debt obtained through the Macquarie Point Development Corporation (MPDC), on top of $630 million of already committed state, federal and AFL funding.
Star AFL recruiting pair Derek Hine and Todd Patterson will be in charge of Tasmania Devils list
The Tasmania Devils have pulled off a stunning double coup, securing the services of a pair of recruiting gurus who will construct the club's inaugural AFL, VFL, AFLW and VFLW lists. Former Collingwood list manager and head recruiter Derek Hine has been lured to Tasmania and will take the role as the club's first ever head of recruiting, while Tasmanian-born Melbourne AFLW list manager Todd Patterson has also committed as the team's first head of list management and strategy.
Hobart will reap 'significant' economic benefits from stadium, council report finds
A new economic report commissioned by the Hobart City Council has found the proposed Macquarie Point stadium would deliver more than $140 million in economic impact to Hobart per year during the construction phase, and $178 million per year when operational. The economic analysis, undertaken by AEC Group, was commissioned by the council as part of its submission to the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC).
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff says he 'no longer has faith' in two Hobart stadium reports
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff says he no longer has faith in two reports critical of the proposed Hobart stadium, firming up speculation he may rip the project from its current planning assessment. A draft assessment of the stadium by the Tasmanian Planning Commission, released last week, underscored a range of planning issues with the proposed Macquarie Point stadium, and determined it would cost more than $1 billion to build and also potentially risk Tasmania's credit rating.
Jacqui Lambie suggests putting a 'tent-like' roof on Launceston's York Park stadium
Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie believes she has an answer to the AFL's mandated roofed stadium — and it involves a "tent-like" structure. Senator Lambie has long advocated for Tasmania's AFL team, the Devils, to be based in Launceston, and is now seeking advice on how a roof could be added to York Park. The proposed Macquarie Point stadium is currently in the Project of State Significance planning process, but the government has hinted at fast-tracking that process via special legislation.
Independent Hobart Macquarie Point stadium assessor amends report to include anti-stadium meetings
The author of an independent economic review into Hobart's proposed Macquarie Point stadium was encouraged to meet with anti-stadium activists by a senior Jacqui Lambie Network staffer, weeks before he was formally appointed to conduct the review, and before that appointment was public knowledge.
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