Gabba forecast to end ‘useful life’ by 2030, Lions’ plans in ruin

In good news, the Brisbane Lions won’t be homeless for five seasons after a government backflip, the bad news, they appear trapped at a stadium which is running out of time.

The Brisbane Lions will no longer be left homeless for as many as five AFL seasons – but the Queensland government’s disastrous backflip on building a new $3.4 billion stadium will leave them trapped at the dilapidated Gabba for the foreseeable future.

The Lions had completed a lengthy cost analysis and planning exercise with the government on finding a temporary solution for the planned deconstruction of the Gabba after the 2025 Ashes Test match against England.

They were set to play at RNA Showgrounds, which boasted a central location that was supported by public transport, close to the club’s membership base and a driver for night-time economy.

Premier Steven Miles’ decision to blow up the recommended construction of a 55,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park has provided the Lions with short-term stability because they will remain at the Gabba. But Graham Quirk’s independent Sports Venue Review – seen by the this masthead – has outlined a myriad of problems with the Gabba, which in 2018 was forecast to reach the end of its useful life by 2030.

The Lions look set to stay at the Gabba. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Practically, there are issues around getting injured players from medicabs into ambulances and unsatisfactory facilities for handicapped patrons. The Quirk Report found: “The Gabba structure has not had any major upgrades or capital enhancements for nearly 25 years and many changes to the building code have occurred in that time. The stadium is not compliant with current Disability Discrimination Act requirements or with modern building codes.

“The Gabba’s back-of-house operations are severely compromised by poor connectivity and lack of space and facilities for stadium hirers, staff, athletes and other stadium users are in many cases appalling.

“Accessibility at the Gabba is poor. It has 200 fewer accessible seats than is required to meet today’s standards and no accessibility to the field of play for patrons in wheelchairs. At the conclusion of AFL matches when the kids run on to the field to have a kick of the football or a play, they cannot be joined by any kids in wheelchairs.”

The Lions recently hit 50,000 members and are on track to sign up a record 60,000 this season.

By 2040, Brisbane’s population could reach four million and the city desperately needs a tier-one stadium, in line with Adelaide Oval, Perth Stadium and the MCG. But the Gabba’s 42,000 AFL capacity has shrunk to 37,000 due to the installation of video boards and coaches’ boxes.

Brisbane sold-out its opening round clash against Carlton and limited tickets are remaining for next week’s Easter Thursday blockbuster against Collingwood at the Gabba.