In August 2023, the Matildas fell short of World Cup glory, losing in the semi-final to England. Following this, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Adrian Schrinner, bestowed the keys to the city to the team. Additionally, Annastacia Palaszczuk, the then Premier of Queensland, pledged to build a statue in their honor. Legacy is a recurring theme as in October 2023, the Brisbane Roar made their first ever Australia Cup final. Football Australia wanted to host the match in Brisbane, but the 52,000 seater Suncorp Stadium was undergoing maintenance. As a result, the final was played in Sydney and the Roar lost 3-1.
November 2023 brought an Indigenous round for the Brisbane Roar with a men and women’s double-header. Unfortunately, the pitch had been destroyed by prior concerts, leading to unsafe conditions for players. In response, the Association of Professional Footballers Australia condemned the state of the pitch. This neglect for football, a stark contrast to the excitement in the aftermath of the Women’s World Cup, has led to the inception of the Fund Football Fairly Campaign. The campaign seeks to establish a home for football in Queensland, with Perry Park being the ideal location.
Perry Park has been used for football since 1967 and is well-located in Brisbane. However, the site has been left to deteriorate, with its lone grandstand falling apart. Despite being underused, it has the potential to become a premier football ground with the right investment. The campaign advocates for government support to revitalize Perry Park and establish it as the home for football in Queensland. This move would not only benefit professional clubs like the Brisbane Roar and Strikers but also youth and community football, bringing business and revenue to the area.
The issue of venue congestion is also highlighted, with Suncorp Stadium being overused for various sports and events. This has led to significant problems for football, prompting the campaign’s call for a dedicated football stadium. While Ballymore has been suggested as an alternative, it poses its own challenges, such as subpar public transportation. Ultimately, the campaign underscores the need for a new home for football in Queensland to ensure the sport’s growth and success.