The Queensland government has made a surprising decision to save billions of dollars on a stadium for the Olympics by opting to hold the Opening and Closing ceremonies at Lang Park instead.
The review into the 2032 Brisbane Games’ venue plans, released on Monday morning, recommended building a $3.4 billion, 55,000-seat venue in Brisbane’s inner north at Victoria Park.
This option was more expensive than simply rebuilding the Gabba, a plan proposed by former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, which was set to cost $2.7 billion but came with its own issues due to the venue’s age and location.
Under the plan, the Brisbane Lions and major cricket matches would have relocated to the Victoria Park venue once it was built, with the Gabba slated for demolition. The review highlighted the Gabba’s poor condition, operational inefficiency, inaccessibility, and inadequate amenities for athletes and staff, largely due to its age.
However, Premier Steven Miles announced on Monday that his government would instead invest $1.6 billion in renovating the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (QSAC) at Nathan in the city’s south. This renovation would increase the capacity to 40,000 during the Games but reduce it to 14,000 afterward.
Miles expressed disappointment, stating, “I was hopeful the review would find a better-value option.” Under the new plan, Lang Park (Suncorp Stadium) would host the major ceremonies, while the Gabba would be refurbished to host Olympic cricket.
The government’s statement explained, “The Government does not believe it would be possible to deliver any new stadium at Victoria Park within the existing agreed funding.” The review, conducted by former Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk, found that renovating QSAC had “virtually nil” legacy benefits, especially considering that an estimated $1 billion would be needed to maintain the Gabba after 2032.
The total cost of refurbishing QSAC and upgrading the Gabba would be $800 million less than building a completely new venue, making it a more cost-effective option.
“The Gabba will reach the end of its life by 2030,” Quirk stated. “Even with upgrades to extend its lifespan, the Gabba will eventually need replacement and will never become a top-tier stadium due to space limitations.”
Regarding the QSAC site, Quirk expressed doubt about its legacy benefits despite the proposed $1.5 billion investment. “I’ve heard suggestions for building an 80,000- or 90,000-seat stadium, but we believe that would lead to a white elephant scenario, with the stadium sitting empty for much of the year.”
He highlighted the accessibility advantages of the Victoria Park site, which is near the Cross River Rail and the Exhibition station, as well as Brisbane Metro stations at Herston, Kelvin Grove, and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. Additionally, the RNA Showgrounds offer significant parking opportunities.
While early findings are positive, with the Department of Main Roads and Transport indicating the site could work, it’s important to note that the review was conducted over just 60 days.
The decision regarding the 2032 Games is expected to be a significant factor in this year’s Queensland state election, where Labor is predicted to lose government.
