Queensland’s Premier David Crisafulli announced on Tuesday that a new 60,000-seat stadium and a national aquatics centre are set to be developed in an inner-city park in Brisbane for the upcoming 2032 Olympics. This marks the unveiling of the third venue plan for the Games.
In addition, a boutique stadium with 20,000 seats will be constructed at the Brisbane Showgrounds, while several events will be relocated to regional Queensland.
The Queensland Tennis Centre will receive an upgrade featuring a newly added 3,000-seat showcourt, and the Gabba will host cricket during the 2032 Games before its eventual demolition.
The selection of venues has sparked considerable political debate since Brisbane was awarded the Games in 2021, but Crisafulli expressed that organisers can now commence the construction and refurbishment of the various sites.
“At last, Queensland has a solid plan,” Crisafulli stated in Brisbane.
“It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get started. We will do just that.“
A $2.5 billion indoor arena and entertainment facility, initially to be funded by the federal government, will now be opened up for private tender, with the anticipated funds redirected towards other infrastructure projects.
Crisafulli may face backlash over the stadium proposal, as he previously voiced opposition to constructing a new arena in the city during the lead-up to the state elections that brought him to power last November.
“This is my decision,” he stated. “I wasn’t willing to choose the politically easier route, as that wouldn’t benefit the state in the long run.
“I have faith in this plan, and I believe Queensland will support it.“
An environmental advocacy group, Save Victoria Park, staged a protest outside Crisafulli’s announcement and delivered an open letter last week, labelling any construction in the park for the Olympics as an embarrassment for Brisbane.
“Do we really want to be known as the city that paves over its historic parkland for a mega stadium?” questioned spokesperson Sue Bremner.
However, a significant reversal on the venue plans appears unlikely, as the chief executive of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), Matt Carroll, has already indicated that a concrete plan must be established by the end of June.
On Tuesday, the AOC welcomed the announcement as a “very positive step towards a successful Games.”
This announcement followed a second review of venue options conducted by a seven-member panel, which submitted its findings earlier this month. The government stated that it has accepted over 90% of the panel’s recommendations.
Queensland is nearly five times larger than Japan, and Crisafulli emphasised that it was only fair for the entire state to be involved in hosting the Games.
Rowing events will take place on a crocodile-infested river in Rockhampton, approximately 600 km north of Brisbane, while sailing competitions will occur in the Whitsunday Islands, located near the Great Barrier Reef.
Andrew Liveris, chief of the Brisbane organising committee, mentioned he has been in discussions regarding the plans with Kirsty Coventry, the International Olympic Committee’s liaison for the Games, who was recently elected as the new leader of the Olympic movement.
“This is a plan that will get things done, and we will see it delivered,” he asserted.
“Queensland will boast the best venues, and the Games will showcase the best of Queensland.“
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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