Opinion: Gabba alternative that’s right under the government’s nose

There’s an existing sporting venue that could function as a Gabba stand-in without the political fallout, writes Teresa Harding.

Using Springfield’s Brighton Homes Arena could help share the benefits throughout the southeast.

In July 2021, when Brisbane was announced as host of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Annastacia Palaszczuk was firm in her commitment that this would be for all of Queensland.

She promised that the 2032 Games would be inclusive of all Queenslanders, with benefits to be shared across the state.

Last week we saw the first test of this commitment as the Queensland government decided where to relocate the Brisbane Lions AFL team during the redevelopment of the Gabba.

The plan to spend $137m to convert the RNA’s main arena into a boutique oval stadium has been rejected by AFL, cricket and Brisbane City Council – which the government wanted to be the primary funder.

It’s safe to say the community also rejects the idea of spending public funds on another stadium in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis.

The silver lining to the Queensland government’s RNA announcement is an opportunity to rethink its approach to a cost-effective 2032 Games.

Ipswich is already home to the Brisbane Lions corporate headquarters, its grand-final-winning AFLW team and Brighton Homes Arena – an $80m boutique oval stadium located just down the road from the Gabba.

Brighton Homes Arena already seats 10,000 people, with ample room onsite for temporary seating, and would cost just half of what it will take to redevelop the RNA’s main arena.

Most importantly, it would see the first of the flow-on benefits of the 2032 Games benefit a city other than Brisbane.

The Queensland government’s decision to “keep the big games in Brisbane” came as a slap in the face to Ipswich, and other Queensland cities, looking to play their part in the 2032 Games.

Brisbane has 18 of the 37 venues on the 2032 Games Masterplan, as well as the International Broadcast Centre, Media Press Centre and the Olympic and Paralympic Athletes Village.

Ipswich has just one.

For the Brisbane 2032 Games to be embraced by Queensland, it needs to be about more than just Brisbane.

Since its inception, Ipswich has always backed Brisbane 2032.

Our hope is the state will honour its commitment to a Queensland Games and provide an opportunity for communities outside of Brisbane to share in the benefits of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Teresa Harding is Mayor of Ipswich