Stadium debate dominates Brisbane 2032 Olympic review

Debate about a new stadium was the overwhelming focus of almost 5000 submissions to a landmark Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure review.

A Hayes Anderson Lynch Architects proposal for a rebuilt Gabba with an adjacent Brisbane Arena. Picture Supplied

Debate about a new stadium was the overwhelming focus of almost 5000 submissions to a landmark Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure review.

The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority’s call for Queenslanders to have their say on plans and legacy projects for the Brisbane 2032 Games ended on Friday.

The 100-Day review prompted some 5000 submissions from groups including residents, infrastructure and planning experts, sporting and community organisations.

Games Indepenend Infrastructure and Coordination Authority chairman Stephen Conry. Picture: Richard Walker

Conjecture over a new centrepiece stadium was the most mentioned topic among submissions, followed by the locations of other major and minor venues and ideas on generational public and active transport infrastructure.

Submissions will now be reviewed and examined by the seven-member authority as it considers recommendations to be delivered to the Queensland Government on March 8.

The submissions will not be made public.

Authority Chairman Stephen Conry said the volume of submissions indicated the passion Queenslanders held for the event.

“There is no doubt that the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be an

exceptionally exciting opportunity,” he said.

“The large volume and quality of the submissions, from across the state, is an impressive

outcome for the Authority and the 100-day review and a reminder of how passionate

Queenslanders are about the opportunities that can be linked to delivering this historic event.

“In those thousands of submissions, there was a resounding message – Queenslanders are

excited and many are keen to express a view on ensuring we deliver the great projects and

facilities for the 2032 Games with generational benefits to the state for decades to come.”

Mr Conry said the submissions would inform recommendations sent to the government to capitalise on the opportunity for Queensland.

A stadium in Victoria Park is supported by Brisbane Mayor Adrian Schrinner and the Brisbane Lions and Queensland Cricket. Picture: Archipelago Architects

An ongoing “extensive confidential consultation with targeted stakeholders and experts” was also held alongside the period for public submissions, Mr Conry revealed.

Brisbane Lions, Queensland Cricket and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner have called for a new stadium to be built at Victoria Park.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said Doomben Racecourse could host a new stadium and a roof should be put on the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.

Kirk Architects says a tunnel under Vulture St and a second Gabba was the “obvious solution” to solve Brisbane’s Olympic stadium problems.

The state government has not committed to endorsing the recommendations of the independent infrastructure authority, but Sport, Olympic and Paralympic Games Minister Tim Mander last month hinted they would be.

“I expect that the outcomes that they recommend will be good outcomes and then the government will make the final decision,” he said.

Originally published as Stadium debate dominates Brisbane 2032 Olympic review