A BRISBANE 2032 OLYMPICS INFRASTRUCTURE REVIEW HAS MADE 30 RECOMMENDATIONS
* 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
* 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 review found a QSAC – located 13km from the city and difficult to access by public transport – revamp would cost $1.6 billion and would not represent value for money
* An initial plan to put the swimming venue at Roma Street over the inner-city rail line would cost $4 billion and cause significant transport delays for two years during construction, the review found
* Instead it recommended a 17,000-seat arena be built on the car park and maintenance depot development site north of the nearby Roma Street Parklands at a cost of $2.5 billion
* A proposal to build five indoor sports centres would be a lasting community legacy of the Games, the review found
* Proposals to develop a whitewater centre, rowing facility and upgrade regional stadiums were supported, with the exception of a Toowoomba Sports Ground revamp
* More than 900 public submissions were considered and 130 stakeholders involved with 28 proposed venue sites inspected by the review team.
Savannah Meacham
(Australian Associated Press)
