NEWS that the state government is in the final stages of negotiations to secure a new three-year contract for the V8 Supercars at Symmons Plains will be welcomed by many Tasmanians.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Even those without an interest in motor sport can recognise the value of Tasmania being part of such a major series.
The exposure on television alone is one of the best tourism advertisements going around and perhaps Tourism Tasmania should be running advertisements interstate at the same time as the broadcasts to maximise the message.
It appears that some upgrades to the 2.4-kilometre track are part of the deal, which explains the final negotiations moving closer to the August state budget.
The V8s attract about 50,000-60,000 fans, which makes it the state's biggest sports event and the spin-off, especially in Northern Tasmania, is huge.
However, of more concern is news that talks between the AFL and the state government could result in Launceston losing a Hawthorn game back to Melbourne in a new deal beyond 2016.
Hawthorn hit a record Tasmanian membership this season and every game is worth millions of dollars to Northern Tasmania.
The AFL has made no secret of its wish to semi-relocate the struggling North Melbourne to Tasmania with three games in Hobart and three games in Launceston.
It is a business model that may suit the AFL but would disrespect the 14-year partnership between Hawthorn and Tasmania.
Despite erroneous reports that Hawthorn hasn't done enough in the Tasmanian community, those much closer to the partnership have nothing but praise for Hawthorn's commitment.
Northern Tasmania must fight to retain its existing four Hawthorn games and the premier should, in fact, be exploring our contractual options for a fifth game at Aurora Stadium.
