THE BRISBANE Lions are a small step closer to a new training and administration facility that will also incorporate a boutique ground for its AFL Women's team.
The Ipswich City Council on Tuesday authorised its CEO to finalise negotiations for a heads of agreement with the Lions and AFL on club's proposed move to Springfield.
This would not only kick along the club's desire to relocate from outdated facilities at the Gabba, but also its desire for a smaller stadium to house AFLW and pre-season matches.
Acting Ipswich mayor Paul Tully said the latest development would help formalise negotiations.
"The heads of agreement sets out the overall vision for the project and matters to be formally discussed between the relevant parties," Cr Tully said.
The Lions are believed to be receiving funding from the council, the AFL and have been in talks with state government.
In 2013, the club's initial hopes to move to Springfield – 30km west of Brisbane – fell over when $15 million in promised federal government funding was withdrawn following the Gillard Labor government's election loss.
The current proposal is believed to include a $1 peppercorn lease agreement on the land from the Springfield Land Corporation.
A Lions spokesperson confirmed to AFL.com.au the club had been in discussions with the AFL and Ipswich City Council.
"We appreciate the enthusiasm that Ipswich City has shown in partnering with our club and we look forward to working with council and the Queensland Government to finalise the project's design and funding arrangements," the spokesperson said.
"The Queensland Government is aware that the public's interest in attending Brisbane Lions AFL Women's matches exceeds the capacity of existing community venues and shares the desire of our club and the AFL to ensure that elite female athletes have access to facilities comparable to those available to their male counterparts.
"We look forward to sharing details of this exciting project with our members, supporters and the public in coming weeks."
