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New Queensland Premier David Crisafulli suggests scrapped, QSAC Olympic plan
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New Queensland Premier David Crisafulli suggests scrapped, QSAC Olympic plan

Queensland Premier-elect David Crisafulli has only just taken power in the Sunshine State, but he looks set to quickly transform Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics legacy with a massive appeal on proposed venues.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday morning after a narrow election victory against Labor Prime Minister Steven Miles, Mr Crisafulli said he agreed with former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s call to host the trials. he Games’ marquee athletics at the modest Queensland Sports and Athletics Center would be “a throwback”. .

“I could just allow the former prime minister to express her views and I will present mine,” he said.

“And that is, in 100 days, Queenslanders will see a plan that they are proud of and, in doing so, we can restore confidence in this process.”

The state government has vacillated for years between pursuing a $2.7 billion upgrade of Brisbane’s iconic Gabba Stadium in Woolloongabba city center or building an entirely new stadium at Victoria Park for a estimated cost of $3.4 billion, as part of the city’s Olympic infrastructure legacy.

Mr Crisafulli abandoned Mr Miles' plan to use the QSAC to host the 2032 athletics events. Photo: Richard Walker
Mr Crisafulli abandoned Mr Miles’ plan to use the QSAC to host the 2032 athletics events. Photo: Richard WalkerSource: News Corp Australia

In March of this year, Mr. Miles rejected both options and instead chose to spend $1.6 billion to upgrade the QSAC to accommodate 40,000 spectators and then stage the opening and closing ceremonies. closing at Suncorp Stadium.

The current total capacity of the QSAC is 48,500 and the stadium is also located approximately 12km from the CBD.

Mr Crisafulli has repeatedly criticized the QSAC proposal, calling it a “thought bubble” and an “embarrassment”.

He said he spoke about the Olympics with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a phone call on Sunday morning.

“I’ve spent a lot of time talking to the Prime Minister about this and we intend to speak directly to the (federal) Minister for Sport (Anika Wells), who is from Queensland, and I think we can get a good result.”

Mr Crisafulli has also previously said he would not commit to a new stadium, meaning a rebuild of the Gabba could be on the cards.

The federal and Queensland governments have agreed a $7.1 billion “funding package” for the Games.

The federal government will fund a new $2 billion “Brisbane Arena” in the Roma Street station precinct, which is set to host swimming events.

QSAC is located in South Brisbane. Photo: providedSource: Supplied

Earlier this year, former Brisbane mayor Graham Quirk led a 60-year review of Queensland’s infrastructure for the Games and ultimately recommended the construction of a new stadium at Victoria Park to replace a Gabba ” at the end of life”.

“Brisbane needs a world-class stadium and arena,” the review says.

“A new stadium at Victoria Park, with a capacity of up to 55,000 seats as a legacy and 50,000 seats during the Games, would likely cost between $3 billion and $3.4 billion depending on the scope options chosen, but it offers the opportunity to achieve the best result and overcomes many of the shortcomings encountered at the Gabba due to its space restrictions.

“Rebuilding the Gabba, with a capacity of 55,000 legacy seats and 50,000 seats during the Games, which is comparable in cost, will now likely cost around $3 billion, plus $185 million to $360 million in construction costs. traveling for AFL and cricket.

“A new stadium at Victoria Park provides a smooth transition, for cricket, AFL and other major events, from the Gabba to the new stadium.

“The review was told that the minimum cost of keeping the Gabba operational until 2032 is approximately $400 million to $500 million, the cost of extending the life of the Gabba beyond 2032 and putting the site in compliance with modern code is approximately $1 billion.

“Due to the cost of a new stadium, the panel carefully considered the option of upgrading the 40,000-seat QSAC Stadium for the Games, with 14,000 legacy seats, at a cost of $1.6 billion and keep the Gabba operational and compliant beyond 2032 at a cost of $1 billion.

“The combined cost of upgrading the QSAC and keeping the Gabba operational and compliant beyond 2032 is comparable to that of building a new stadium.

“However, this offers far fewer heritage and commercial benefits.”

The LNP secured a majority government in Queensland, winning at least 47 seats in Saturday’s election.

The Conservative Party will now govern for a four-year term, until 2028.