Controversial Gabba rebuild ‘not required’ in order for Brisbane to host the Olympics

A decision to splash billions of taxpayer dollars on rebuilding the Gabba in Brisbane has come under fire.

A multi-billion dollar rebuild of the Gabba was not a requirement for Brisbane to hold the 2032 Olympics, the head of Australia’s Olympic Committee has said.

Matt Carrol said the state government’s decision to splash $2.7bn to knock down and rebuild the stadium for the Olympic Games was for the benefit of AFL and cricket.

“The IOC … does not require you to build new venues unless you really need it,” he told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday.

“The reconstruction for the Gabba is for AFL and cricket, both before and after the Games … its primary construction is for those sports.

“The decision to renovate, build and reconstruct the Gabba is not just for the Olympics.

The chief was appearing at a parliamentary committee into Australia’s preparedness to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games when he was grilled about his previous claim the Gabba only required a “coat of paint” to host the four week event.

The Gabba will be rebuilt to host the Olympics in 2032. (Photo by Jason O'Brien – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images/Getty Images)

He told the inquiry the decision was a “matter for government” but said the Olympic movement had stressed if a new stadium was required to host the event, “make sure it’s not just for the Olympics”.

“That’s what the Gabba rebuild is about,” Mr Carrol said.

The redevelopment of the stadium will be funded entirely by the state government, under its deal with the Commonwealth. The Palaszczuk government has argued the Gabba as it stands lacks disability access and is in a state of disrepair.

The heritage listed East Brisbane State School is slated to be controversially demolished in order to make way for the rebuild.

East Brisbane State School Parents and Citizens Association Olympic Impact Group member Daniel Angus accused the state government of not engaging in “genuine consultation”.

Mr Carrol said the IOC’s position was the stadium was not necessary. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“Our community is set to become the first victim of their poor planning,” he said.

Nearby green space Raymond Park will also be redeveloped into a temporary athletics warm up track.

Founder of the community group Friends of Raymond Park Melissa Occhipinti raised concerns the plans could see locals locked out of the space for years.

Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee chief Cindy Hook conceded the group had not met with affected community members.

“I have not, but I would be really happy to do that,” she told the committee, adding she wasn’t with the BOPGOC when the Raymond Park decision was made.

“We have nine years ‘til the games … I believe we are being collaborative,” she said.

The local school community group has accused the state government of not engaging in genuine consultation. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Ms Hook was also involved in a tense back and forth with Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie, who had asked her to disclose what she is being paid for the top job.

“How is that relevant?” she pushed back.

“I’m a senator, I get to ask the questions,” Senator McKenzie responded.

Chair senator Matt Canavan ruled the question in order and agreed to allow the BOPGOC to provide the information at a later date.

The committee is being held in the shadow of the Victorian government’s decision to rip up the contract for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Paralympics Australia told the hearing the cancellation would impact the preparation of athletes, including to classify them, in the lead up to the 2028 Paralympic Games.

“The inability for us to have our para athletes at an integrated event in the Commonwealth Games is one less opportunity to have people with a disability on the national and international stage performing,” chief executive Catherine Clark said.

Ms Clark said she has had conversations with the federal government for an event, be that a Commonwealth Games or a replacement, to be held in Australia.

President Jock O‘Callaghan told the inquiry he first heard of the games cancellation when Premier Daniel Andrews announced it publicly.

Originally published as Controversial Gabba rebuild ‘not required’ in order for Brisbane to host the Olympics