‘We were hopeful’: Lions disappointed new stadium ruled out so fast

The major tenants of the Gabba have mixed views on the latest plan for the stadium, with the Brisbane Lions reiterating their home ground is “reaching its end of life”.

The independent review of 2032 Games venues, headed by former Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk, this week recommended the Gabba be demolished and a new oval stadium be built at Victoria Park.

The Brisbane Lions are disappointed the Queensland government ruled out a new home stadium so quickly.Credit: AFL Photos

But Premier Steven Miles rejected the Victoria Park plan, opting instead to upgrade the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre to host the athletics, while also spending money to keep the Gabba and Suncorp Stadium operating.

While the Gabba will not be rebuilt, as the government originally planned, it will be given a more modest upgrade, largely to bring it in line with modern building codes.

In response to the latest change in Games plans, the Lions expressed disappointment that the government had dismissed the Victoria Park option so quickly.

“We acknowledge the findings of the Quirk report but were hopeful that its recommendations, including a new precinct at Victoria Park, would be explored further,” the Lions said in a statement.

A previous concept image of the Gabba as the main venue for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.Credit: Queensland government

It said the review had come to the same conclusion as a 2018 analysis – that “the Gabba in its current form is reaching its end of life and requires significant funding to ensure it is fit for purpose”.

“We will continue to work with government to better understand what their capital investment strategy is for the venue and wider precinct moving forward,” the Lions said.

The AFL club’s response contrasted with that of Queensland Cricket, which appeared more relieved that the game would not have to be played elsewhere while the Gabba was demolished and rebuilt under the government’s previous plan.

In December, when it was suggested the RNA Showgrounds be upgraded and used as a temporary home for cricket and AFL, Queensland Bulls captain Usman Khawaja warned that cricket would “be broke in three, four years’ time” due to the loss of income from the Gabba and the need to contribute to the upgrade.

“Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket welcome the findings of Graham Quirk and his panel’s review of Olympic venue infrastructure, and the state government’s subsequent commitment to refurbish the Gabba, as we eagerly look forward to cricket being played at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” a cricket statement read.

“We also acknowledge that the premier’s commitment to invest in the Gabba ensures cricket is not displaced between now and the Games, allowing Brisbane Heat and international cricket matches to continue to be played in Brisbane.”

Athletics Australia and Queensland Athletics previously welcomed the announcement of the QSAC upgrade, saying it was better than “a temporary track dropped into a major football or cricket stadium and ripped up after the Games”.

In parliament on Tuesday, Miles challenged LNP leader David Crisafulli to take a stand on the Quirk review and the government’s plan for the Games.

“If you want this job, you better put your big boy pants on,” Miles said.

“Too weak to even take a position. So weak that he suggests outsourcing that decision to an independent authority.”

Crisafulli said the LNP never supported the Gabba rebuild and wanted to ensure community benefit.

“If [the] government changes in October, we will make sure that an independent infrastructure delivery authority delivers projects that are generational for this state,” he told parliament.

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