Palaszczuk dismisses Lions using Showgrounds during Gabba upgrade
Annastacia Palaszczuk has dug in her heels over a proposal to redevelop the Brisbane Showgrounds so it can host the Lions while the Gabba is being rebuilt for the Olympics.
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Annastacia Palaszczuk has cast doubt on plans for the Ekka’s Main Arena to be redeveloped into a boutique stadium to temporarily host Brisbane Lions games while the Gabba is rebuilt for the 2032 Olympics.
The Premier also conceded the $1bn cost of razing and rebuilding the Gabba would likely blow out, citing “worldwide” building material price hikes and shortages.
RNA chief executive Brendan Christou last month confirmed discussions were under way with Stadiums Queensland and the Lions over his proposal for a 20,000-plus seat stadium at the Ekka, with the AFL club saying it supported the idea.
The venue could not only host Brisbane games in the lead-up to the Olympics, but AFLW and cricket after 2032.
But Ms Palaszczuk appeared to dismiss the $80m proposal when asked about it during a visit to the Ekka on Monday.
“Can I say very clearly that as part of our Olympic bid it (the RNA) will be used for the dressage and show jumping – that is what we actually pitched to the International Olympic Committee,” she said.
“In relation to any further proposals, there is currently a brand new field being built out at Springfield, we also have regional AFL grounds and we have Carrara down in the Gold Coast.”
Pressed further, Ms Palaszczuk said “they have had no discussions with me, the Brisbane Lions, about that (the proposal) – in fact, yesterday, they were talking to me about how great the Springfield campus (in Ipswich) is.”
However, Lions infrastructure, strategy and government general manager Jake Anson said: “Lions fans want to see us play in Brisbane.
“Brisbane must continue to stage sports events leading into the Olympic Games.
“Brighton Homes Arena at Springfield Central is nearly complete.
“It can be expanded, but more needs to be understood about its Olympics role to determine the business case.”
As it currently stands, the Springfield stadium has a capacity of up to 10,000 – well short of the Lions 42,000-strong membership.
Mr Anson confirmed there had been “dialogue with the Queensland government and Stadiums Queensland regarding the viability of a number of venues, including the RNA”.
Ms Palaszczuk said the $1bn figure to redevelop the Gabba had been based on “cost estimates at the time”.
“Of course, now we understand that there’s been a lot of increase in shortages and supply and materials – they’re worldwide issues,” she said.
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