Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Lions have joined forces to urge Premier David Crisafulli to reconsider his ban on new stadiums and support the construction of a $3.4 billion Victoria Park venue as the centerpiece of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
The sporting bodies have sent a letter to the Premier expressing their concerns over the future of the Gabba, which was initially slated for demolition and rebuilding under the previous Labor government but has since been put on hold. They argue that the Gabba is in poor condition and will reach the end of its life by 2030, and that a new stadium is essential for both cricket and AFL to thrive in Brisbane.
Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson said the sporting bodies are seeking assurances from the government that they will have a viable venue to play in, regardless of the Gabba’s future. “We’re hoping to meet with the new premier and his team over the next couple of weeks,” Svenson said. “It’s just really to talk about what our expectations are but I guess more the frustrations that we have had over the last 18 months.”
The uncertainty over the Gabba’s future has already had a negative impact on Queensland Cricket, which is struggling to attract prestige international cricket matches due to the venue’s aging infrastructure. Svenson said the sporting bodies need a decision on the Gabba’s fate sooner rather than later so they can plan for the future.
“If displacement is back on the table we actually need to have that conversation with the government,” Svenson said. “If this place gets knocked down and rebuilt where do the Lions play, where does Australian cricket play? It’s important for us to have certainty that it doesn’t send us broke.”
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said he had not seen the letter but was “happy to look into it.” However, he reiterated the government’s stance that there will be no new stadium built for the Olympics.
