Prime Minister Julia Gillard today announced the Australian Government would provide $15 million towards the redevelopment of Bellerive Oval.
This Commonwealth funding will contribute to the extension of the Southern Stand boosting the capacity to about 20,000.
The Members and Players Pavilion will also be extended and allow other sports including AFL to house their Tasmanian headquarters at the oval.
Bellerive Oval currently has a capacity of around 16,000 and over past summers has regularly sold out major sporting contests.
Once the redevelopment is complete, more Tasmanians will get to see more sporting matches right here in Hobart.
In 2015, Bellerive Oval will be ready to host matches as part of the Cricket World Cup. In addition the upgrade will lock in North Melbourne AFL matches at Bellerive.
The project will also boost tourism in and around Hobart.
The Prime Minister thanked the Member for Franklin, Julie Collins, for her continued representations on behalf of the people of Tasmania.
Bellerive Oval is a much-loved ground for Tasmanians and the Federal Government is proud to be working with the State Government in this redevelopment.