The Queensland government has unveiled plans for a new 63,000-seater stadium in Brisbane, set to be the centrepiece of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The stadium, to be built in the Victoria Park area, will host the opening and closing ceremonies and the athletics events, while also becoming Brisbane’s new home for cricket.
The announcement, made by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, marked a significant shift from previous election promises that no new stadium would be constructed.
“I have to own that, and I will. I am sorry, it’s my decision, and I accept that decision,” Crisafulli stated.
The decision means the iconic Gabba stadium, which has been a cricketing landmark since 1895, will be demolished after the Games. Though the Gabba could still host cricket in the lead-up to 2032, Crisafulli envisioned a memorable farewell.
“Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the Australian cricket team win gold at an Olympic final? The Gabba’s swansong,” he remarked.
The government’s plan includes other developments for the Games, such as a 25,000-seater national aquatic centre in Spring Hill and a 20,000-seater arena near the main athletes’ village.
Upgrades are also planned for the Brisbane Queensland Tennis Centre, and rowing events will be held at the Fitzroy River, which has raised some eyebrows due to its reputation for saltwater crocodiles.
However, the project has sparked controversy. The Victoria Park site, known as Barrambin to the Turrbal people, holds cultural significance as a traditional gathering and food-gathering place.
Protests erupted following the announcement, with many in the community opposing the development. Critics, such as ABC reporter Arianna Levy, highlighted the polarizing nature of the plan, describing it as a “political backflip” and emphasizing the cultural and environmental importance of the site.
With the Games just seven years away, the decision has ignited debates about legacy, cultural preservation, and the future of Brisbane’s green spaces.
