A way to reduce Hobart's massive potential stadium debt

 

How can Tasmania help ease its tremendous debt should the controversial new Macquarie Point Stadium get the go head?

User pays would seem to be be a very fair system to all should Hobart's contentious multi-purpose stadium eventually be built. 

The proposed stadium has critics who says who sat it is too expensive, in the wrong location, poorly planned and atrociously ugly. And does not need a roof. 

Others says it is essential for the state. Both for the progress of Tasmania's finances, tourism, and for the AFL dream to become a reality 

Fair enough. 

Let those who are keen on the stadium and want to attend events help pay for it to be build, and kept maintained. And those who do not want it can completely ignore it. 

To help cover costs every person buying a ticket for an event could pay maybe a $50 user premium. Each time they attend an event. Kids maybe $25, or even $10. 

The sports fans and concert goers will be able to pay for the right to attend the shiny new 23,000-seat stadium and enjoy all of its its benefits.

Because surely Tasmanians would not want the hopes and dreams of their children to be carried on someone else's shoulders.

And visitors splashing out on air fares and hotel rooms would be unlikely to be dissuaded by paying an extra $50 for a match, or concert ticket. 

Think what happens now. If you want to catch a bus, you pay for it. Or decide not to travel. . 

If you wat to go into a restaurant and eat, you pay the price. Or decide not to eat.

If you want to visit a national park, you choose to visit it and pay a fee, or have the freedom not to enter.

Similarly if you want to upgrade your airline flight. You pay a premium. 

Those who decide they want to attend one of the seven AFL matches to be held each year in Hobart could easily pay $50 (or even $100) per person extra per event. Or choose to go to a match in Launceston without a roof instead.  

They would get to see to see games they would otherwise have to travel to Melbourne so see. That said, they would be saving a lot of money on flights, hotels etc while also boosting the local economy. 

The same when Bruce Springsteen or Maria Carey, or a Creedence tribute band, play a concert under the expensive roof. 

Those who want to attend and pay a premium payment would be happy about for not having to travel interstate. Those who prefer not to attend do pay anything. 

For seven home AFL fames fans would play $350 each season, or maybe $700. Same with cricket same, and concerts.  

All perfectly equitable. 

In fact, what could be fairer?  All the while helping the state and reining in that potential massive debt.