Despite Recommendation to Build, New Brisbane Olympic Stadium Scrapped
Miles, who is facing electoral pressure to maintain a Labor majority, has rejected the idea of building a $3.4 billion stadium after receiving a recommendation for its construction.
Today, the stadium saga related to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics took a new turn as Queensland Premier Steven Miles turned down suggestions to build a new facility in Victoria Park in Herston.
A report commissioned in January by Mr. Miles and led by former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk aimed to review new and existing facilities to address potential cost overruns in ongoing strategic planning for the games.
The review, conducted by Ken Kanofski and Michelle Morris, focused on identifying options that would offer the best value for money, be fit for purpose, and create a lasting legacy for the community.
Mr. Miles stated at the time that the review’s goal was simple: “Make sure the Games work for Queensland and delivers for Queenslanders.”
The report recommended the construction of a $3.4 billion “greenfield” stadium with a capacity of 55,000 at Victoria Park, exceeding the cost of an initial proposal to rebuild the Gabba cricket ground.
Related Stories
However, Mr. Miles, under pressure to secure a Labor majority in the upcoming election, rejected the idea citing concerns about overspending public funds.
He explained his decision by stating, “I cannot justify spending $3.4 billion on a new stadium when Queenslanders are struggling with housing and other costs. The original $2.7 billion budget at the Gabba was already considered too high by the public, so $3.4 billion at Victoria Park is not feasible.”
In a revised infrastructure plan, Mr. Miles announced that instead of a new stadium, the Gabba would undergo refurbishment to accommodate cricket, a new Olympic sport.
The opening and closing ceremonies were relocated to Suncorp Stadium, home of the Brisbane Broncos, while the athletics program will take place at an upgraded Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre.
“Suncorp Stadium will serve as our Olympic venue,” stated Mr. Miles.
Stadium Plan Mired in Controversy From the Start
The proposal to demolish and redevelop the Gabba has been contentious since its introduction.
Local opposition, including a 4,000-name petition presented to the state parliament, along with criticism from Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, who resigned from a games advisory committee, have hindered the demolition plans.
Challenges related to the demolition include relocating the nearby East Brisbane State School, which has been in existence for 125 years.
The Quirk report highlighted that a stadium in Victoria Park, while slightly more expensive than a full Gabba rebuild, would offer better operational efficiencies and outcomes, creating a top-tier venue for Brisbane to compete with other stadiums in Australia.
In 2023, former International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates urged the Queensland government to invest in upgrading existing facilities, suggesting concerns about the city’s ability to host major events following the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria.
In alignment with Mr. Coates’s advice, Premier Miles rejected the Quirk report and its recommendations today, stating, “While I initially intended to follow the recommendations of the Quirk review, I cannot endorse the proposed new stadium given the current challenges faced by Queenslanders.”
