Gabba deal will not be torn up

Premier Anna Bligh and Sport Minister Judy Spence both confirmed today that the contract which ties a second South East Queensland AFL team to the Gabba until 2015 will not – as reported - be torn up.

“I recently met briefly with AFL boss Andrew Demetriou but gave no commitment to tear up the Gabba deal,” said the Premier.

“If - the AFL were to 100% fund a new Stadium - we would be prepared to have another look at our current arrangements.

“I am not aware of any AFL commitment to do so,” she said.

Ms Spence said: "Whether the AFL builds a stadium on the Gold Coast, or upgrades existing facilities, is a matter for it."

“The AFL has stated publicly they acknowledge the existence of the agreement and don't ever try to walk away from agreements.

“I take the AFL at its word, but obviously the AFL will want to understand the implications of the Gabba agreement for a second team.

“The AFL is in the process of doing this with meetings it held last week with Stadiums Queensland, which included a briefing on the hiring arrangements that apply to the Gabba.

“Stadiums Queensland and the AFL indicated they will continue to meet to move this issue forward in the recognition of a possible second team on the Gold Coast,” Ms Spence said.

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