Plans for Brisbane’s Olympic venues have taken a sharp turn — and not everyone’s cheering. With the Gabba set for demolition and a $3.8 billion stadium planned for Victoria Park, support and skepticism are running neck and neck.
A Bold New Vision — With a Price Tag to Match
The Queensland government’s Tuesday announcement wasn’t short on ambition. Premier David Crisafulli revealed a complete overhaul of Brisbane’s Olympic infrastructure, headlined by a brand-new stadium at Victoria Park. The iconic Gabba, home to cricket and AFL for decades, will be reduced to rubble.
The redevelopment also brings a national aquatic centre and an athletes’ village at the nearby RNA Showgrounds. For Olympic officials, this is a win. Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) president Ian Chesterman praised the move as a step towards a successful Games, highlighting the potential for long-term benefits.
But that price tag is hard to ignore. The $3.8 billion figure is raising eyebrows, especially after the Crisafulli government initially promised to revamp the Gabba instead of tearing it down. That backflip hasn’t gone unnoticed.
AFL and Cricket Australia Back the Move
Two of Australia’s sporting giants — the AFL and Cricket Australia — were quick to throw their weight behind the new stadium plan. Both organizations had lobbied for an alternative to the Gabba, citing outdated facilities and capacity limits.
For the AFL, this could be a game-changer, with Brisbane’s Lions poised to benefit from a larger, more modern venue. Cricket Australia, too, sees the upside, envisioning bigger international matches and improved fan experiences.
Yet, not all voices are in sync.
Athletics Left in the Cold?
Australian Athletics (AA) and Queensland Athletics (QA) are less thrilled. While they support Victoria Park becoming the main athletics hub for the Games, they’re worried about what happens afterward.
In a statement, AA expressed disappointment, pointing out that no legacy venue for track and field appears to be in the cards. Without a world-class stadium post-Games, Australia’s athletics future — from grassroots to elite — could suffer.
“Today’s announcement leaves the state with no legacy venue and no suitable venue for lead-up international and national events before the Games, impacting preparation, participation, and performance,” AA stated.
For a country that cherishes its athletics history, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
Paralympics Australia Stands Firm on Accessibility
Paralympics Australia (PA) struck a more optimistic tone. While supporting the broader plans, PA’s excitement zeroed in on the proposed indoor sports facility upgrade at Chandler. The upgrade, tailored for para-sport, signals a step towards greater inclusion.
PA president Alison Creagh stressed the importance of designing accessible venues from the ground up — not treating accessibility as an afterthought.
“Accessibility cannot be treated as an afterthought or a bolt-on just for the Paralympic Games,” Creagh said. “It must be embedded in all infrastructure planning from the outset.”
The Chandler upgrade offers hope for a lasting para-sport legacy — something the broader athletics community wishes they had, too.
What Happens Next?
The government’s pivot to Victoria Park is locked in, but the debate is far from over. With AA and QA pushing for a long-term athletics venue and taxpayers weighing the hefty bill, Brisbane’s Olympic plans will remain under the spotlight.
For now, though, the wrecking ball looms over the Gabba — and a new chapter in Australia’s sporting story is about to begin.
