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It abandons speculation that the iconic Gabba cricket ground would get a makeover. It will instead be demolished and replaced by a residential development.
New stadium to be built
Victoria Park was converted into a golf course in 1931, but Brisbane City Council announced plans in 2019 to convert the site back into parkland.
“I have to own that, and I will, and I am sorry, and it’s my decision, and I accept that decision,” he said.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli promised in last year’s election campaign that he would not build a new stadium for the Olympics, especially at Victoria Park. Source: AAP / Jono Searle
“In the end, it was a choice, and there was a choice to make, and the choice was between QSAC [Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre] and a new stadium, and I know which one would have been politically easier for me to make, but I’ve made the right choice.”
“It became a choice between spending billions on temporary facilities and temporary stands that delivered no legacy or securing the future of AFL [Australian Football League] and cricket to a new home.”
The ‘best aquatic centre in the globe’ to be built
He also confirmed there would be a “major upgrade” of the Queensland Tennis Centre in Tennyson, including a 3,000-seat arena and 12 new courts.
An artist’s impression of the National Aquatic Centre, to be developed at the existing Centenary Pool site in Spring Hill. Source: Supplied / Delivering 2032 and Beyond
Crisafulli announced there would be new and accessible indoor sports centres built in Logan and Moreton Bay, as well as a water rafting centre in the Redlands.
Toowoomba is also set to become the home of horses, with equestrian events to be held there for the 2032 Games, while rowing will be held in Rockhampton.
An artist’s impression of the new stadium set to be developed in Victoria Park. Source: Supplied / Delivering 2032 and Beyond
Football and basketball will be played in Cairns, and possibly cricket, should it be included in the Games.
“Let them see that we’re not Paris, we’re not LA. This will be better and it will be the Queensland way.”
