The Queensland government has rejected a proposal to construct a new stadium at Victoria Park for the 2032 Olympics. The independent Olympic infrastructure review had recommended the stadium, estimated to cost up to $3.4 billion, as a replacement for the planned $3 billion Gabba rebuild.
Premier Steven Miles stated that the government would not pursue the Victoria Park option due to its higher cost. Instead, the government will focus on upgrading Lang Park for the opening and closing ceremonies and the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) for athletics. The Gabba will undergo a "more modest enhancement" rather than a complete rebuild.
The government has accepted 27 of the review's 30 recommendations, including relocating the Brisbane Arena to a site north of Roma Street Parklands. The government acknowledged the review's rejection of QSAC as a track and field venue but expressed confidence in working with the IOC and Brisbane City Council to minimize access costs and enhance public transportation options.
The state opposition and federal Greens MP Stephen Bates welcomed the government's decision to reject the Victoria Park stadium proposal. The opposition called for an independent body to review and make decisions on Olympic venues, while Bates questioned why the suitability of existing facilities was not considered before the Olympic bid.