Published Tuesday, 22 July, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Spence: AFL gives the Gabba a tick of approval before every game
Sport Minister Judy Spence has rejected claims by Brisbane Lions Coach Leigh Matthews that the Gabba surface is unsafe for playing AFL.
Ms Spence said: “Prior to every game played at the Gabba, the AFL inspects the surface. At no stage have they said that it does not meet the safety requirements established by the code.
“Measurements are taken across the entire playing surface, including the centre square, prior to each AFL game. Week after week the surface consistently meets the standards put in place by the AFL.
“The Gabba ground staff work very hard throughout the week to ensure the ground is safe and given the ‘all-clear’ by the AFL on the day of each match.
“The Gabba ground staff are experts in their field and the process they have adopted in preparing the pitch is considered best practice in their industry.
“Prior to the game the pitch is watered and the water then allowed to soak in, making the centre area softer under foot by the time the first AFL game commences.”
Ms Spence said the Gabba is a multi-use stadium and ground staff constantly explore ways to deliver a field in the best condition for both sports, including using special covers to induce grass growth this year.
“The Gabba has a reputation as being one of the best cricket grounds in the world, attracting overseas visitors for cricket internationals. I am not prepared to dig-up a pitch that is held in such high regard by the cricket fraternity around the globe,” Ms Spence said.
“The Gabba as a cricket ground is part of the heritage of this city, as much as it has become synonymous with the development of cricket in this country.
“Not only would a drop in wicket reduce the integrity of the Gabba as an international cricket ground, it would also prove a logistical nightmare.
“There is no area available within the precinct of the Gabba where a nursery capable of producing a drop-in wicket could be established and then transported into the ground.
“The recent media coverage surrounding this issue has made it even clearer to me that Queenslanders are extremely passionate about cricket and the integrity of the wicket at the Gabba.
“Cricket represents around 70% use of the Gabba whilst AFL game days account for around 30%,” Ms Spence said.
Media contact: 3239 6172
Ms Spence said: “Prior to every game played at the Gabba, the AFL inspects the surface. At no stage have they said that it does not meet the safety requirements established by the code.
“Measurements are taken across the entire playing surface, including the centre square, prior to each AFL game. Week after week the surface consistently meets the standards put in place by the AFL.
“The Gabba ground staff work very hard throughout the week to ensure the ground is safe and given the ‘all-clear’ by the AFL on the day of each match.
“The Gabba ground staff are experts in their field and the process they have adopted in preparing the pitch is considered best practice in their industry.
“Prior to the game the pitch is watered and the water then allowed to soak in, making the centre area softer under foot by the time the first AFL game commences.”
Ms Spence said the Gabba is a multi-use stadium and ground staff constantly explore ways to deliver a field in the best condition for both sports, including using special covers to induce grass growth this year.
“The Gabba has a reputation as being one of the best cricket grounds in the world, attracting overseas visitors for cricket internationals. I am not prepared to dig-up a pitch that is held in such high regard by the cricket fraternity around the globe,” Ms Spence said.
“The Gabba as a cricket ground is part of the heritage of this city, as much as it has become synonymous with the development of cricket in this country.
“Not only would a drop in wicket reduce the integrity of the Gabba as an international cricket ground, it would also prove a logistical nightmare.
“There is no area available within the precinct of the Gabba where a nursery capable of producing a drop-in wicket could be established and then transported into the ground.
“The recent media coverage surrounding this issue has made it even clearer to me that Queenslanders are extremely passionate about cricket and the integrity of the wicket at the Gabba.
“Cricket represents around 70% use of the Gabba whilst AFL game days account for around 30%,” Ms Spence said.
Media contact: 3239 6172