Post

Brisbane Olympics Change Again
_{Chaos subdues... hopefully}
^{March 22nd}

The 2032 Brisbane Olympics are 8 years away... if they happen at all.

Queensland has been struggling to find a viable way to invest in the Brisbane Olympic Games in 2032 with the main opening stadium changing for the 3rd time in as many months. The handling of these games has been staunchly criticised as Premier Steven Miles seriously considers following in the embarassment of Victoria in pulling out of the Olympic Games. (Victoria were set to hold the 2026 Commonwealth Games before pulling out due to the government sucking in 2023)

A rebuild of the Gabba was long suggested for the Games, which would include expanding it and closing down the next door East Brisbane State School and closing the venue (which, among other things, hosts the Brisbane Lions in the AFL) that would've cost $2.7bn. That was rejected and instead a brand new sporting precinct in Victoria Park just north of the Brisbane CBD was recommended. This would've cost $3.2bn and has thus been rejected. Instead, the opening ceremony is now set to be held in Lang Park (Suncorp Stadium), a 52,500 seater rugby stadium just west of the CBD in Milton.

In an effort to save costs, the Queensland Government have highly prioritised using existing infrastructure and stadiums, and only doing upgrades where absolutely necessary or where there is thought to be a long-term benefit. The Cabinet have allegedly discussed canning the games this week, although Premier Steven Miles has refused to confirm or deny it. Queensland is currently experiencing a cost of living, housing, crime, and education crisis, leading many Queenslanders to believe the games should not occur in an increasingly difficult era for the Olympics to survive.

Queensland will also be having a State Election in October, futher complicating the matter.

So will Brisbane get it's things together and pull off the greatest international sporting event since Sydney 2000? Or will they become a complete and utter embarassment like Victoria?