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Politics
Savannah Meacham

Push for new 2032 stadium shut down by govt

Qld's government is opting to upgrade facilities, rather than build a new stadium for the games. (HANDOUT/QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT)

An Olympic push for a new Brisbane 2032 stadium has been shut down amid concerns it may blow the Games budget.

The Queensland government on Thursday tried to finally end debate over its controversial 2032 infrastructure plan after unveiling a $257 million multi-sport hub Games upgrade.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles copped criticism for ignoring an independent review's key findings and opting to revamp ageing facilities instead of building a $3.4 billion stadium as the 2032 centrepiece.

Brisbane 2032 organising committee CEO Cindy Hook sparked renewed calls for the stadium this week, urging people to "speak up" if they still wanted it to happen.

However the state government - and even an Olympic colleague - were quick to stamp out speculation.

"Cindy might hold a view but I know what Queenslanders think," Mr Miles told reporters on Thursday.

"They have consistently told me that they do not want a new $3.5-plus billion stadium.

"What Queenslanders tell me is they want support with the cost of living."

Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace doubled down, saying a new stadium was not possible under the $7.1 billion Olympic funding umbrella.

"The government, let me be very clear, has made its position," she said.

"We have other priorities - housing, cost of living - and that's what we'll be pursuing as a government."

Brisbane 2032 organising committee president Andrew Liveris on Thursday appeared to distance himself from Ms Hook's comments.

"It is not our job to opine on this or that," he said.

"It is the state, city council and federal government's job and we will receive it in full partnership mode.

"We're very aligned on what has been delivered to us as venues and infrastructure."

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner had been a vocal critic of the government for disregarding the recommendation to build a 55,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park in inner-Brisbane.

However he appeared resigned to the government sticking with their divisive infrastructure plan.

"When (Ms Grace) tells you that she doesn't support a stadium in Victoria Park believe her, she means it," Mr Schrinner said.

Instead of building the Victoria Park venue, the state government will revamp the ageing Gabba, Suncorp Stadium and Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC)

Ms Grace on Thursday was happy to provide a first look at a $257 million Chandler Sports Precinct makeover in Brisbane's southeast for the 2032 Games.

An indoor sports centre looks set to replace the old outdoor velodrome on-site, with the upgrade expected to be completed by 2027.

A digital rendering of the Chandler Sports Precinct after an upgrade
Brisbane's Chandler Sports Precinct is to have a $257 million makeover for the 2032 Games. (HANDOUT/QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT)

It will include 10,000 spectator seats, two halls to host different sports, new amenities, lighting and improved accessibility.

Improvements will also be made at the precinct's Brisbane Aquatic Centre, including seat replacement and lighting upgrades.

The pool was first constructed for the 1982 Commonwealth Games.

A new 15,000-seat Brisbane Arena will host the 2032 swimming in a temporary pool.

Swimming Queensland CEO Kevin Hasemann said opening the upgraded facility as soon as possible would provide legacy impacts, training potential gold medallists beyond Brisbane 2032.

"The champions you're going to see in Paris, that you saw in Tokyo will be gone (by 2032) and we've got a tiny population here - we've got to work another miracle," he said.

About 50 per cent of the Games' minor venue works across the state's southeast will be underway by the end of the year.

From 2025, the infrastructure plan and delivery will be handed over to the independent body which was installed through legislation last week.

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