Minister reveals why Qld isn’t considering a new stadium
State Development Minister Grace Grace says popular proposals for a new stadium ahead of the 2032 Olympics have been disregarded by the government because they haven’t addressed “one key problem”.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The lack of a warm-up athletics track for the 2032 Olympic Games is preventing the government from seriously considering industry plans for a major new stadium, State Development Minister Grace Grace has revealed.
Amid the recent push for a privately-funded stadium at Hamilton and more detailed analysis of a new venue at Victoria Park, Ms Grace said neither would work as a Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games venue.
“A lot of these venues do not solve one key problem when it comes to athletics and that’s the warm-up track,” she said.
“It is absolutely essential that whatever we do for athletics they must have, under the rules, a warm-up track within a very short distance of where they are to compete.
“A lot of these plans do not include that and unless we do, they are not suitable areas.”
Brisbane’s original plan to rebuild the Gabba for athletics in 2032 featured a temporary warm-up track at the nearby Raymond Park.
The state has argued Nathan’s Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre – chosen in March to host athletics despite recommendations against it – is a suitable venue due to its existing warm-up track on-site.
Ms Grace and Stadiums Queensland chief executive officer Todd Harris on Sunday also promoted a move to permanently increase Suncorp Stadium’s concerts from six to 12 each year.
It came as major Australian entertainment promoter Frontier Touring used The Sunday-Mail to join the chorus of calls for a major new stadium in Brisbane.
Mr Harris said his organisation had no concern about the availability of venues in Queensland to host major events.
“We can maximise the value through here and our network throughout the state,” he said.
“We have no concerns with any of the availability.”
Ms Grace said the state would spend $7.1bn with the federal government to deliver the venues for 2032.
She declined to be drawn on Brisbane’s need for a new venue beyond the 2032 Games, amid calls from the Brisbane Lions for future certainty.
“We will be upgrading the Gabba and we’ll be delivering for them better facilities than before,” she said.
“We had a lot of people reject the spend on the Gabba, we’ve now got our plan going forward.
“It’s a $7.1bn plan under the new norm and we’re looking forward to delivering it for a great 2032, Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Minister reveals why Qld isn’t considering a new stadium
Lovell tragedy must spur action
The words of Lee Lovell must resonate with the new Queensland government, writes the editor.
‘I’m broken’: Husband’s heartbreak after Emma Lovell murder case
A broken and emotional Lee Lovell has revealed he fears he let his wife Emma down after a second teen linked to her brutal death was acquitted of her murder.