Editorial: Without a new stadium, Brisbane is a cricket also-ran

Queensland’s cricket hosting credentials are facing their biggest challenge in decades, and decisive action is needed, writes the editor.

A concept for a Victoria Park Olympic precinct

The debate does not need any more proof that a new stadium is needed in Brisbane, regardless of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

But here is some anyway.

In the summer after next, Australia’s third-biggest city – and its fastest-growing state – will not host a cricket Test match. It will be the first time that has happened in half a century. That is because Brisbane’s now seriously ageing Gabba is ranked the fifth venue in the nation by Cricket Australia, and the 2026-27 summer will see a only four-Test series against New Zealand.

But there is also another threat emerging for normal five-Test summers. The brand new Hobart stadium being built for their future AFL team could leapfrog the Gabba into fifth place. That would relegate Brisbane to Hobart’s fate currently – that of a city that only infrequently hosts a Test match. It is difficult to imagine, but that is the reality.

Premier David Crisafulli is a mad cricket fan. He knows all of this. We can only hope this shocking reality plays on his mind when it comes time to consider the findings of the 100-day independent venues review he has just commissioned.

Outgoing Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley deserves credit for having finally said what everyone has suspected – that his organisation believes there is a need for a brand new stadium in Brisbane to host cricket (and AFL) – and that he thinks the best location would be at Victoria Park, the old council golf course on the far side of the central business district from the Gabba.

Mr Hockley’s vision for how this all plays out is almost beautiful in its apparent simplicity too. He thinks the Gabba should host the finals and then the gold medal match for cricket at the Brisbane Games, and then the sport moves across to the new stadium once the world’s biggest party leaves town.

Premier David Crisafulli, seen here on this year’s campaign trail, is mad about cricket.

How fitting that Queensland’s beloved Gabba – which first hosted a Test in 1931, and 66 matches since – would bow out with one last show on the biggest stage on Earth.

But this romantic idea covers up the harsher reality here, as spelled out by Mr Hockley yesterday in his interview with our chief sports writer Robert Craddock. He said: “It’s clear the Gabba is coming to the end of its useful life.”

As we have covered extensively, just ensuring it can continue in its present state beyond 2032 will cost at least $1bn – for almost no benefit other than keeping the lights on. Surely that is a worse option for any politician than investing the $3bn or so – that is already in the budget – on a brand new stadium that will mean Brisbane can again compete on the national stage for sporting events and others, such as concerts, that are already bypassing us for better stadiums in the other states.

Mr Hockley again: “The Brisbane 2032 Games presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop a world-class stadium that delivers strong legacy benefits for Queensland by providing cricket and football fans with the facilities that they deserve.” Touche.

As we have always said, hosting the biggest event on Earth in 2032 is a gift to Brisbane and Queensland that as a community we have to make the most of. Indeed, it might never happen again.

We have what remains (for the moment at least) one of the world’s best rectangular venues in Suncorp Stadium. But our main oval venue is quite literally falling apart, and is less than a decade away from its end of life. There is no doubt at all that a replacement is necessary. Well done to Mr Hockley for saying so.

QLD MOURNS RACHEL, MATTHEW

We all owe our safety to the brave and dedicated member of our state’s police service. These are men and women who choose to put their life on the line every day to protect our community.

Perhaps that is why, a full two years on, it is still so painful to think of Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold – two constables who were gunned down by three conspiracy theorists at Wieambilla, four hours west of Brisbane.

Seeing the new photographs of the pair shared by their families to mark the occasion, we are reminded of their youth and vitality – two young Queenslanders posing in ways so familiar to every family album or iPhone camera roll.

There is Matthew, a silly green paper crown on his head straight from the Christmas cracker as he smiles for a selfie with his extended family before lunch. There’s Rachel – a typical young woman at a pub in a Queensland summer, posing playfully as young women do.

It is so easy to forget when we see our men and women in uniform that they have lives the same as ours. Matthew and Rachel were extraordinary in their courage and in their career choice. But they were also just so ordinary; so like us that their loss feels entirely relatable.

Rachel’s family used a statement provided to The Courier-Mail to mark the anniversary of her death today to lament the void that will always be in their lives, “a forever hole in our heart”. It is little solace, no doubt, but they should know all Queenslanders mourn with them.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here