A controversial AFL stadium will get a free kick through laws designed to bypass planning processes and fast-track the development.
The Tasmanian government will introduce the laws to push through the Macquarie Point Urban Renewal Project, which includes the AFL stadium, after concerns were raised about the planning process.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said delays were impacting the development of the 23,000-seat roofed venue, which is a requirement for the island state to be granted its own AFL team - the Tasmania Devils.
“We cannot afford not to deliver this project, and we cannot afford delays," he said on Sunday.
Mr Rockliff said the delays were undermining confidence in development.
“It’s time we got on building it," he said.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources Eric Abetz said a planning commission report relied on information tainted by bias and it had undermined confidence in the project.
"There is a significant likelihood the concerns raised will lead to lengthy legal challenges regarding any final recommendation and significantly delay the final decision by the minister to approve the stadium," he said.
Mr Abetz said the government would work with the planning commission to ensure effective planning decisions for the stadium.
Labor MP Luke Edmunds said the party would support the stadium through the parliament but Mr Rockliff needed to provide more information.
"The premier needs to outline how he's going to actually work with the parliament to get this over the line," he said.
He said more details were also required about the project timeline and the previously proposed spending cap, adding support didn't mean Labor wouldn't scrutinise the plan.
Master Builders Tasmania said the project would create "a huge number" of jobs.
“This stadium isn’t just a win for sports fans - it’s a lifeline for our industry and a catalyst for Tasmania’s future,” chief executive David Clerk said.
Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania also backed the development, which is expected to be the home of the Tasmania Devils by 2029.
Chief executive Andrew Winch said the completed project would boost the Tasmanian economy through events, conferences and tourism, and any delays risked stalling its current momentum.
“We urge swift approval by parliament and all parties,” he said of the proposed legislation.
The Tasmanian Greens said the announcement to fast-track legislation for the stadium showed the government was desperate and designed to avoid genuine assessment. "Nobody has asked for this, not even the AFL, who repeatedly said they were happy with the timeline underway," leader Rosalie Woodruff said.
Northern independents Miriam Beswick and Rebekah Pentland said the plan to bypass the planning process was frustrating, disappointing and predictable.
“The Tasmanian Planning Commission has identified a long list of issues that need addressing before work can commence," Mrs Beswick said.
The commission's draft assessment released earlier in the month as part of scrutiny before a vote in parliament found the stadium's benefits had been overstated.
It said its true construction cost was more than $200 million greater than the government's $775 million estimate and would ultimately leave Tasmania with an extra $1.8 billion of debt.
The legislation is expected to be released for public consultation next month.
