Jane Howlett,Minister for Sport and Recreation
Elise Archer,Minister for Building and Construction
Tasmania will finally re-enter the National Basketball League for the first time in 25 years after the league finalised its agreement with the Tasmanian Government to issue a license to participate in the 2021/2022 NBL Season.
We will now begin the exciting process of building the Tasmanian club and engaging with the local community to help choose the team name.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Jane Howlett said the Sponsorship Agreement provides for 14 home games in Tasmania, 11 of which will be at the Derwent Entertainment Centre and the remainder in the north of the State.
"It paves the way now for the recruitment process of players and coaches to ensure the team is competitive on the National stage," Minister Howlett said.
"The Tasmanian Government is the greatest supporter of fostering genuine pathways from grassroots to elite level sport, and there is no doubt a Tasmanian NBL team increases the profile of basketball in our state, which will benefit home-grown talent in players, coaching and administration."
The announcement is significant for the State's Building and Construction sector also, with the Derwent Entertainment Centre to undergo a $68.5 million upgrade, including $20 million for a community four court multisport facility.
"At a time when Tasmania needs jobs we are delivering. This project is set to generate hundreds of local jobs, attract investment and generate significant economic activity," Minister for Building and Construction, Elise Archer said.
"Our Government is currently working to finalise the detailed design agreement for the Derwent Entertainment Centre, between the Crown and LK Group, which will inform a Development Agreement that will cover the carrying out of the upgrade works. It's hoped that this Development Agreement will be finalised in August."
Tenders for works are expected later in the year and subject to planning and approvals being achieved, construction is set to commence late in 2020 or early in 2021.
The terms sheets require tenders to include a buy-local criteria and local businesses will be used on the project wherever possible.
Today's announcement is significant for all of Tasmania as the State recovers and rebuilds from COVID-19.
