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.