Queensland Govt at cross roads over Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games
The Queensland Government is tinkering with the possibility of pulling out of hosting 2032 Olympic Games but it does appear that even pulling out will not be a tea party.
Brisbane is set to stage the event in eight years’ time but politicians have faced backlash over stadium plans that has seen an independent review propose the scrapping of a $2.7billion rebuild of the Gabba Stadium in favour of the development of a new 55,000-seat stadium, to the cost of around $3billion.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles rejected tjhe controversial proposal, arguing that he had hopped to find ‘a better-value option’.
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He added that no one ‘wants to see money spent on facilities that are only needed for four weeks’ and was sceptical about the final cost of the project.
And now 9News has reported that the Queensland Government discussed the possibility of pulling out of hosting duties altogether, in a move that would send shockwaves throughout the sporting world.
However, after being informed that doing so would cost approximately $500million in compensation. In addition, $3bn in federal government funding would be withdrawn.
As a result, the government is focused on finding a solution to the stadium crisis after deeming that going ahead with the Games would present better value to the taxpayer.
The key takeaways from the independent review are as follows:
The Queensland government has accepted 27 recommendations stemming from the review headed by former Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk
The most controversial suggestion is scrapping a $2.7 billion plan to rebuild the Gabba in favour of creating a new 55,000-seat inner-Brisbane stadium
The proposal would cost about $3 billion, with some $360 million in displacement costs for AFL and cricket teams, and take three years to build
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The review found the 42,000-seat Gabba is ‘ageing’, not compliant with building codes and even if completely rebuilt, would not be considered a ‘tier one’ venue due to its size
When an alternative stadium is available the Gabba should be demolished and the site repurposed, the review recommended
Premier Steven Miles has ruled out the review’s key recommendation to build a new stadium at inner-Brisbane’s Victoria Park
He will instead investigate upgrades to Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (QSAC) and Suncorp Stadium
The Miles government says its plan ‘prioritises community benefit while ensuring coasts remain within the agreed funding envelope of $7.1bn to be shared between the state and Commonwealth governments’.
‘The government is therefore ruling out a stadium at Victoria Park, instead favouring investigating upgrades to QSAC and Suncorp.’