- The Queensland government has considered pulling out of the Olympics
- A stadium crisis has broken out with politicians unwilling to pay the enormous construction costs
- But the withdrawal will cost the government at least $500 million
The Queensland government has reportedly explored the possibility of withdrawing from hosting duties for the 2032 Olympics.
Brisbane will host the event in eight years’ time but politicians have faced a backlash over stadium plans. An independent review has found that the $2.7 billion rebuild of the Gabba Stadium should be scrapped in favor of developing a new 55,000-seater stadium. , which costs about $3 billion.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles rejected the controversial proposal, arguing he had sought “a better value option”.
He added that no one “wants to see money spent on facilities that are only needed for four weeks” and was skeptical about the final cost of the project.
And now 9News has reported that the Queensland government has discussed the possibility of pulling out of hosting duties altogether, a move that would send shockwaves through the sporting world.
The Queensland government was considering withdrawing from the Olympics
A stadium row has broken out with politicians unwilling to spend billions on development
But the withdrawal will cost Steven Miles’ government at least $500 million
However, after being informed that this would cost approximately $500 million in compensation. In addition, $3 billion in federal government funding would be withdrawn.
As a result, the government is focusing on finding a solution to the stadium crisis, after believing that going ahead with the Games would deliver greater value to taxpayers.
The main conclusions from the independent assessment are as follows:
- The Queensland Government has accepted 27 recommendations arising from the review led by former Brisbane mayor Graham Quirk
- The most controversial suggestion is to scrap a $2.7 billion plan to rebuild the Gabba in favor of building a new 55,000-seat stadium in Brisbane.
- The proposal would cost around $3 billion, with around $360 million in relocation costs for AFL and cricket teams, and would take three years to build.
- The assessment found that the 42,000-seat Gabba is “aging”, does not meet building regulations and even if it were completely rebuilt would not be considered a “tier 1” venue due to its size.
- If an alternative stadium is available, the Gabba should be demolished and the site repurposed, the review recommends
- Prime Minister Steven Miles has rejected the review’s key recommendation to build a new stadium at inner-city Brisbane’s Victoria Park.
- Instead, he will explore upgrades to the Queensland Sports and Athletics Center (QSAC) and Suncorp Stadium
More to follow.