Gabba to be rebuilt for the Brisbane games

“Every Games needs a home,” the Premier said. “The Gabba has been home to our sport since 1895. A home for the 2032 Olympic Paralympic Games could be its crowning glory.

“The Gabba deserves to become our next world-class stadium.”

But Ms Palaszczuk has asked the federal government to help fund the stadium saying “we cannot achieve this goal on our own”, saying the $4.5 billion Games would be a value-for-money proposition.

“We need the support of all levels of government especially the federal government. Queensland does not ask for any more than our fair share,” she said.

The Palaszcuzk government believes having a main stadium two kilometres from the CBD would give Queensland an advantage other Games hosts had not had.

The existing stadium – formally known as the Brisbane Cricket Ground but became known as the Gabba because it is situated in the inner-city suburb of Woolloongabba – was the best option because it was near existing transport infrastructure such as the $5 billion Cross River Rail which is under construction.

A new pedestrian plaza would link the Cross River Rail to the Gabba.

The decision to not build a dedicated Olympics Stadium, like other hosts cities have, will be cited as further evidence that Brisbane would be delivering the “Cut-Price Games”.

But Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Gabba was a work-horse, not a white elephant.

“It’s used on average for 40 weeks of the year with major sports played in summer and winter including international sport,” the Minister said.

Ms Palaszczuk said having a main stadium two kilometres from the CBD would give Queensland an advantage other Games hosts had not had. Supplied

Brisbane Stadium Designing firm Populous director Chris Paterson – who has provided concept designs for a possible Gabba upgrade – said the Gabba satisfied the three rules of good development: location, location, location.

“Brisbane already boasts the world’s best rectangular stadium in Suncorp Stadium.” Mr Paterson said.

“This is an opportunity to compliment it with the best round field stadium right in the centre of the city.”

The Palaszczuk government Cabinet on Monday endorsed the 2032 Olympics bid which is also expected to use the Gold and Sunshine Coast for venues.

If the Tokyo Olympics go ahead in July, Brisbane is expected to be officially awarded the 2032 Games.

But if the delayed Tokyo Games are cancelled due to the global pandemic, the Japanese capital is expected to be slotted into the 2032 Games as compensation.

Ms Palaszczuk said hosting the Olmypics would deliver an expected 130,00 jobs and a $20 billion boost to tourism alone.

“We are not yet at the finish line but we are the closest to it,” she said.