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Key 2032 Olympic projects and Gabba rebuild to be reviewed

A plan to rebuild the Gabba should be scrapped, a Brisbane 2032 Olympic infrastructure review says.

A plan to rebuild the Gabba should be scrapped, a Brisbane 2032 Olympic infrastructure review says. Photo: Queensland government

A controversial Gabba rebuild will be reconsidered along with other Brisbane Olympic infrastructure projects under a new-look Queensland government.

Incoming premier Steven Miles says an independent authority will be established to look over 2032 infrastructure plans, with the $2.7 billion Gabba reconstruction on the list.

Rivals have called for the rebuild to be scrapped due to its escalating costs after the plan’s initial $1 billion price tag blew out to almost three times that estimate.

Miles announced last month the Gabba would be demolished and reconstructed by 2030, unveiling a bold new vision for Brisbane’s home of AFL and cricket.

But those plans are now being reviewed, with Miles confirming an independent authority would be set up when he takes the reins.

Miles will be sworn in as Queensland’s 40th premier after Annastacia Palaszczuk officially tenders her resignation on Friday.

“Every other time I’ve asked those questions the advice back has been the Gabba redevelopment is absolutely necessary to host Brisbane 2032,” Miles told reporters on Wednesday.

“But I think it’s reasonable for us to be absolutely assured of that before we finalise those tenders.”

Miles said he wanted to be assured the Gabba redevelopment was the best value outcome for Queensland and the displacement plan looked after its tenants, AFL’s Brisbane Lions and Queensland Cricket.

A row has erupted over the AFL and cricket temporary home, with the Brisbane Lord Mayor refusing to back a funding plan for a $137 million RNA Showgrounds revamp.

Treasurer Cameron Dick, who is set to be Miles’ deputy in a new-look cabinet, said Olympic projects were on “pause” ahead of the 60-day independent review.

“We’ll be conducting a review of investment into Olympics infrastructure,” he said.

Asked if the Gabba rebuild may not happen, Dick said: “Look, let’s take it one step at a time.

“I think we need to pause. We’re going to pause on the projects.

“We’re just going to have a review. We’re going to take our time to consider that and we’re going to set up an independent authority.”

Miles said he had begun talks with Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and the review had been raised with both the International Olympic Committee and Brisbane 2032 organisers.

Deputy opposition leader Jarrod Bleijie said the LNP had been calling for an independent authority to be installed for more than a year.

“We have been consistently calling for an independent body to end the madness and the chaos and crisis,” he said.

The Queensland Greens and Katter’s Australian Party have called for not only the Gabba rebuild but also the 2032 Brisbane Games to be scrapped and funding allocated elsewhere.

-AAP

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