The Queensland government has denied speculation it was considering cancelling the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.
Scrutiny over the city’s capacity or desire to host the global sporting events has intensified this week after Premier Steven Miles ignored a key recommendation of a Games infrastructure review.
The review, led by former Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk, called for a new $3.4 billion stadium at inner-city location Victoria Park.
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Miles on Monday instead opted for a $1.6 billion project to upgrade Suncorp Stadium, where opening and closing ceremonies will be held, and the public transport blackspot of the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre for track and field events.
A rebuild of the Gabba was rejected in the report, leaving Queenslanders without a new, high-capacity stadium to enjoy for decades beyond the games.
Commentators have criticised Miles’ decision, made to appease people concerned about the cost of the Games in lieu of upgrades to other public infrastructure, as myopic.
Some sections of the community have called for the Games to be cancelled altogether.
Miles denied his cabinet has sought advice about cancelling the Olympic and Paralympic games.
“We’ve always said Queensland would deliver a great Games,” the premier’s office said on Wednesday.
“Not once did the government ever have the intention to cancel the Games.”
– With AAP