‘Insane’: Queenslanders rage over $2.7 billion Olympic Gabba deal

One of Australia’s most iconic stadiums is set for a multi-billion dollar revamp but it’s left more than a few furious over the deal.

Eyebrows have been raised by Queenslanders after Friday’s announcement the Gabba would be redeveloped for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics for a cost of $2.7 billion.

Announced as part of a $7 billion funding package where the federal government and Queensland government would go 50-50, the revamp of the Gabba would increase the capacity — which is currently listed at 36,000 — by 14,000 seats to about 50,000.

However, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the $2.7b price tag for the long-promised upgrade to the Gabba would be funded by the state government.

Queensland cricket boss Terry Svenson said the redevelopment would be great for cricket into the future.

“The Gabba has been a great sporting asset for Queensland for many years and its status will continue to benefit the State,’’ he said.

“It’s reputation as one of the finest cricket grounds in the world, with a pitch that has few rivals, will be greatly enhanced by the redevelopment.”

But there were plenty of others who bristled at the new price tag as it increased from $1b in April 2021 to $2.7b.

The fans’ll be happy. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Sydney Morning Herald sports reporter Vince Rugari tweeted: “I’m sorry, but spending $2.7b on rebuilding the Gabba is completely insane. And that’s putting aside my obvious desire for a boutique rectangular stadium in Brisbane.

“And that bill is being footed entirely by the state government. Absolutely crazy.

“If it wasn’t for the history of the ground and the sentimentality of the wicket, this would not be happening. Would be far cheaper to build something new elsewhere in the inner city (like Victoria Park) but that won’t happen. Warm fuzzy history vibes costing $2.7b.”

Nine News Brisbane’s Mark Gottlieb also hit out at the cost blow out.

“I have never been in favour of knocking down the Gabba in order to add a few thousand more seats – even for the amazing opportunity of gaining Brisbane the Olympics – and it was an obscene cost when it was $1 billion. $2.7 billion is an outrageous waste of money,” Gottlieb tweeted.

“I think knocking down East Brisbane Primary School, a small school that services very few kids, is a very minor issue. It would hardly be the first small school to close. I could also accept rebuilding a modern Gabba but there’s no long term reason for it to be a 50k stadium.

East Brisbane State School will be forced to close. Picture: NCA NewsWire / John Gass

“The Olympics is massive for this city and if we *must have* a new 50k stadium then build it somewhere else. I’d prefer the new stadium at the Gabba location but the outrageous cost blow out is because a stadium of that size doesn’t fit on the current site. So don’t build it there.

“Hopefully that $2.7b figure includes a complete revamp of that whole traffic area because the area between Southbank, West End, Woolloongabba – particularly around the hospital – is already a nightmare in peak hour. Even coming across the Story Bridge needs a rethink on Main St.”

Former Senator Andrew Bartlett wrote: “I’m not against Olympics & quite like sport, but The Gabba ‘redevelopment’ – $2.7 billion to increase capacity by just 8000! – is one of the dumbest of dumbs**t ideas. The QE2 stadium has the same capacity already. (but I’m sure the corporate boxes at the new Gabba will be nice).

“And “community consultation” as to what happens with the local school which has to close within 2 years “will now begin”?! Farcical.”

Queensland Greens MP Amy MacMahon hit out at the closure of the East Brisbane State School.

We joined parents outside East Bris State School today to talk about today's shocking announcement on the Gabba rebuild. With the Fed Gov backing away from this toxic project, Qld Labor are intent on closing a school, trashing a park & sinking $2.7B into a single stadium. pic.twitter.com/AhacvUB8bC

— Amy MacMahon (@amymacsouthbris) February 17, 2023

Queensland Minister Mark Bailey explained: "It’s hard to work out why the @QldGreens party support retaining the current Gabba stadium which is not compliant to modern disability standards? Especially with the world Paralympic Games to be held there in 2032 …”

The full funding package is was revealed on Friday and is worth $7 billion on venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, including a new 17,000-seat arena and a revamp of the Gabba stadium.

The Queensland capital was awarded the 2032 summer Olympics and Paralympics two years ago, returning the Games to Australia for a third time after Melbourne 1956 and then Sydney 2000.

In addition to the Gabba redevelopment, Brisbane’s city centre will get a new $A2.5 billion 17,000-seat indoor stadium, paid for by the federal government.

It will include a drop-in swimming pool that can be removed after the Games to create a live events venue.

An artist impression of the north eastern view as a major revitalisation of the Gabba. Photo: Supplied.

Another $A1.87 billion in state and federal funding will go on 16 new or upgraded venues.

“It is quite clear that we needed to step up and do our part not just to create the best Games but also to leave a lasting legacy for Queensland and for all those who visit this great state,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at a news conference.

The Australian leader said there would be other “important milestones” in the lead-up to 2032.

“This will make an enormous difference to our economy, to our lifestyle, to how Australia is perceived as well in the world, which is why it is important that we get this right. And I am very confident that we have done just that.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said 80 per cent of the infrastructure for the Games was already in place.

“This will cement Queensland’s place internationally but also, too, it is a lasting legacy for our athletes, our young people and also about creating a healthier lifestyle.”

With AFP

Originally published as ‘Insane’: Queenslanders rage over $2.7 billion Olympic Gabba deal