The Queensland government’s plans to overhaul Brisbane’s iconic Gabba stadium for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been scrapped.
According to recent announcements, it has resulted in over $6 million in expenditures.
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Premier Steven Miles announced this week that the government would no longer proceed with the extensive redevelopment of the Gabba, following a comprehensive review of the Games’ venue arrangements.
The substantial funds were allocated towards developing a project validation report, exploring various redevelopment options for the Gabba, and assessing associated costs and risks.
Despite cancelling the major redevelopment project, the government assures that the resources expended will not go to waste.
The report, deemed to have “future value,” has identified essential maintenance and depreciation works for the stadium, alongside improvements to enhance women’s participation and disability access.
“The work already undertaken as part of planning for the Gabba will be used to inform future works on the Gabba,” Mr Miles told ABC Radio Brisbane.
“I just can’t justify an expensive new stadium when Queenslanders’ household expenses are so high.”
Initially, the government intended to demolish and rebuild the Gabba as the primary arena for the 2032 Games, a venture estimated to cost $2.7 billion and potentially displace the adjacent East Brisbane State School.
However, the decision was made to opt for a more modest enhancement of the existing stadium due to economic considerations and public feedback.
Suncorp Stadium is now slated to host the opening and closing ceremonies, while the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre will accommodate the athletics events.
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