Brisbane Olympics venues locked in as city’s $7billion plan is unveiled – and Premier BREAKS his election promise on stadium

David Crisafulli has profusely apologised to Queenslanders for breaking a major election promise by announcing the construction of a new stadium – as Brisbane’s $7billion plan for the 2032 Olympics is unveiled. 

The announcement came a year after Mr Crisafulli pledged on the state campaign trail not to build any new stadiums. 

A 63,000-seat main stadium in Brisbane’s Victoria Park was confirmed as the centrepiece of the Games after the Queensland government revealed long-awaited infrastructure following a 100-day review.

The plan was unveiled after the long-awaited Brisbane Live Arena designed to host swimming events failed to secure $2.5billion in federal taxpayer funding. 

He said there was ‘no longer time’ to upgrade the historic Gabba stadium which will be cleared to make way for a residential development. 

‘It became a choice between the embarrassment of hosting the games at [the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre] or a new stadium at Victoria Park,’ he said. 

‘In the end, the choice was clear. The Games must be held at a new stadium at Victoria Park.’

Mr Crisafulli was asked how he planned to cop the consequences of the unpopular decision during the announcement on Tuesday. 

‘By being honest and copping that on the chin,’ he said. 

Pictured is an impression of the proposed site plan for the Queensland Tennis Centre

Pictured is an impression of the proposed site plan for the Queensland Tennis Centre

The plan also provided for a Redland Whitewater Centre (artist’s impression)

‘You’re right, and I have to own that, and I will, and I am sorry, and it’s my decision, and I accept that decision.’

Protesters are reported to have gathered outside the venue where Mr Crisafulli announced the sprawling development. 

Following the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the stadium will host home games for the Brisbane Lions and Cricket Australia matches. 

The Brisbane Stadium development is only one of a slew of developments earmarked under the plan including a new national aquatic centre, an athletes village and an upgraded 20,000 seat arena at the RNA showgrounds and a 3,000-seat show court arena at the Queensland Tennis Centre. 

The national aquatic centre and a number of new pools will be developed at the Centenary Pool at Spring Hill in a broader bid to attract sporting bodies to move their headquarters to Brisbane. 

The plan also provided for 12 new tennis match courts alongside the sprawling show court arena in order to prevent the tournament from being hosted in Melbourne. 

‘Melbourne will not be taking the tennis from Brisbane — not on our watch,’ Mr Crisafulli said on Tuesday. 

More to come.