Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Lions have called on the state government to provide clarity on the future of the Gabba, amid concerns over the venue’s long-term viability and the potential disruption to their operations. In a joint letter to Premier David Crisafulli, both sporting bodies have urged the government to reconsider its stance on building a new Olympic stadium, advocating for the proposed AU$3.4 billion Victoria Park stadium as the centerpiece for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
The Gabba, which has hosted iconic moments in Australian sport, particularly cricket, is facing an uncertain future. An independent review earlier this year found that the venue is in “poor condition” and may reach the end of its useful life by 2030. While the previous Labor government had planned an AU$ 2.7 billion rebuild of the Gabba for the Olympics, the new Liberal National Party (LNP) government has dismissed this idea, opting for a review of Olympic venue plans instead.
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Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson expressed frustration over the prolonged uncertainty, particularly as the venue’s future affects major international events, including the upcoming 2025-26 Ashes series. He highlighted that the aging facility’s uncertain fate has forced cricket and AFL to scramble for alternate plans, with Queensland Cricket facing potential displacement costs of up to AU$40 million.
“If the Gabba is to be demolished and rebuilt, where will Australian cricket play?” Svenson questioned. “It’s crucial for us to get certainty about our future and avoid financial strain.”
The call for a new venue comes at a time when both Queensland Cricket and the Brisbane Lions are looking for reassurance from the state government to ensure the survival of both sports in the region. Despite Premier Crisafulli ruling out a new stadium, the sporting bodies remain hopeful that “common sense will prevail” and that their concerns will be addressed in upcoming talks.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, while acknowledging the letter, reiterated the government’s position on the 100-day review of the Olympic venue plans. However, he remained firm in backing the government’s stance of not building a new stadium.
With the clock ticking toward the 2032 Olympics, Queensland’s sporting community is left anxiously awaiting a resolution on the Gabba’s future, which remains integral to the success of both international cricket and AFL in the state.
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