The Queensland government is deliberating on a proposal for a new stadium in Brisbane’s Victoria Park, designed to accommodate 60,000 spectators for the upcoming Olympics, as reported by 9News. This initiative follows recommendations from an independent review panel, which has also pointed out the selected location for the stadium.
The state’s cabinet is slated to evaluate this proposal on Monday, with a formal announcement expected next week, which will also address plans for an athletes’ village near the Brisbane Showgrounds. It has been highlighted that there isn’t sufficient time left before the Olympics to renovate the Gabba into an Olympic-standard venue.
This new stadium proposal could pose a political challenge for Premier David Crisafulli, who committed during his election campaign to refrain from building new stadiums. Moreover, the review panel dismissed Swimming Australia’s request for a National Aquatic Centre at Spring Hill, suggesting instead that swimming competitions be hosted at the Brisbane Live Arena and a proposed site adjacent to the Gabba.
As the government assesses this plan, all potential options are still under consideration.