Photo Credit: Instagram Photo of @thegabbabrisbane
Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Lions have jointly called for a new Olympic stadium in Brisbane, following concerns about the future of the Gabba. The two organizations sent a letter to Premier David Crisafulli urging him to reconsider his ban on a new stadium, supporting the proposed AU$3.4 billion Victoria Park venue as a centerpiece for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
They are seeking a meeting with the Premier to discuss the Gabba’s future and to ensure a viable plan for both sports, expressing their concerns about the potential financial impact of any changes.
After winning the October 26 election, Premier Crisafulli rejected the previous Labor government’s plan to rebuild the Gabba for AU$2.7 billion and instead initiated a 100-day review through an independent body to develop a new venue plan. However, Crisafulli has consistently ruled out the construction of a new Olympic stadium.
Queensland Cricket and the Lions are optimistic that “common sense will prevail” when they meet with the Premier. “We’re hoping to meet with the new premier and his team over the next couple of weeks,” said Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson. “It’s really to talk about our expectations and, more importantly, the frustrations we’ve had over the last 18 months.”
The Gabba was initially slated for demolition and rebuilding under the Labor government to serve as a key venue for the 2032 Games, but this plan was abandoned due to rising costs. Another proposal for a $600 million Olympic upgrade was also scrapped, leading to uncertainty about the venue’s future under the new LNP government.
An independent review earlier this year stated that the Gabba would likely reach the end of its life by 2030 and is in “poor condition.” The lack of clarity about the Gabba’s future has created challenges in scheduling international cricket matches at the venue, which is currently Australia’s fifth-ranked Test venue.
Svenson emphasized the need for timely decisions, noting that both Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Lions would face substantial costs if they had to relocate. “If displacement is back on the table, we need to have that conversation with the government,” he 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 acknowledged the letter but reiterated support for the ongoing review process, sticking with the government’s stance of not pursuing a new stadium.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
