Spence: Queensland Government and AFL agree to new terms for Gabba agreement.

The Queensland Government and the AFL today reached an agreement that will ensure any new Gold Coast AFL team will have the opportunity to play in front of their home supporters on the Coast.

Sport Minister Judy Spence said it is a good outcome for the Queensland Government, the AFL and for the fans.

“It’s a win for the AFL and the Brisbane Lions in that it delivers enhanced facilities for the club and visiting AFL teams,” Ms Spence said.

“It’s a win for the Gabba in that it will allow for the venue to expand its already impressive facilities.

“And, most importantly, it’s a win for the AFL fans in Brisbane with the prospect of two more AFL games a year and a Blockbuster Easter Thursday fixture in Brisbane, and a major win for fans on the Gold Coast getting to see their team play on home soil,” Ms Spence said.

AFL Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Demetriou said: "This is a great result for all parties. The AFL acknowledged there was an agreement in place in respect of the Gabba and we have always said we do not walk away from our agreements."

As part of the new agreement reached with Stadiums Queensland, the fit-out of the change rooms in the recently constructed final section of the Gabba will be completed, and additional games will be scheduled to help the venue recover some of the $260 million total cost of the Gabba redevelopment.

“In this case the settlement we have reached will meet the costs of fitting out these rooms, which can then be used by visitor teams when playing the Lions as well as enhancing the facilities used by the AFL at the Gabba,” Mr Demetriou said.

“Also, the Brisbane Lions will be able to expand their football department into the area previously used by visiting teams, giving them the additional space they have been seeking for some time.

“The AFL is excited about the ongoing development of the game in Queensland and continuing our discussions with local and state Government regarding an appropriate stadium development on the Gold Coast.”

Ms Spence said the new agreement reached between Stadiums Queensland and the AFL also provided that:

·Any new Gold Coast team plays its home games against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba up until 2015

·The Brisbane Lions have the opportunity to bring an additional AFL Premiership round game to the Gabba, by contracting with another team (as it did for a number of years with Melbourne Football Club) up until 2020

·The scheduling of an Easter Thursday blockbuster game for the Gabba each year up until 2020 (subject to cricket commitments)

·The AFL and the new Gold Coast team will have the option to schedule additional games to the Gabba as it wishes, to take advantage of the 40,000 seat capacity at the venue.

Media contact: Minister’s Office 3239 6218