Gabba stadium to stay, despite review recommendation

The Queensland government has axed the $2.7 billion proposal to demolish and rebuild Gabba stadium for the 2023 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Instead, it will undertake "a more modest enhancement of the existing facility in consultation with AFL, Cricket Australia, and other stakeholders."

The proposed relocation of East Brisbane State School will also not proceed.

The government had been under intense pressure to cancel the demolition and rebuild project, with many in the community, withdrawing support for the plan, including the International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates.

In January 2024, the Queensland premier ordered an independent review of the Olympic venue facilities, led by former Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk.

The review made 30 recommendations, 27 of which the government has accepted.

Contrary to community sentiment, the review recommended that the Gabba should be demolished in favour of constructing a new stadium at Victoria Park. However, the government has rejected both recommendations. Instead, it will explore upgrades to the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (which the review recommended not to be used as an Olympic venue) and Suncorp Stadium.

Queensland premier Steven Miles said the demise of the Gabba was "something we couldn't accept for such a beloved venue.

"And while the concept of a new stadium at Victoria Park has merit, the uncertainty around final cost means it is unfortunately not an option," he continued.

State development minister Grace Grace added, "Victoria Park is highly-valued by the community, and we have no plans to spend billions of dollars to encroach into that green space."

Brisbane City Council currently has a draft masterplan to transform Victoria Park Barrambin, a former golf course, into an inner city green space.

The proposed Brisbane Arena will go head as planned, however the proposed Breakfast Creek Indoor Sports Precinct will not proceed, with the review recommending an indoor facility in Zillmere or Boondall. Upgrades to Toowoomba Sports Ground will also be axed, as per the review's recommendation.

"With the review completed, we'll be wasting no time with getting on with the job with a range of venues proceeding through to the next stage of delivery," Grace said.

"Venues at the Sunshine Coast - the Indoor Sports Centre, Stadium Upgrade and Mountain Bike Facility, as well as the Chandler precinct projects can now progress to procurement with others following soon after."