With the World Watching, Cate Campbell Issues an Urgent Call as the Brisbane 2032 Dispute Continues

Swimming icon Cate Campbell has expressed her concern that investigations into the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are a “waste of taxpayer funds.” She has called on Queensland’s new Premier to facilitate an event with long-lasting benefits for the state, extending into the next 40 years.

Premier David Crisafulli confirmed last month that he would proceed with the proposed 100-day infrastructure review, which could impact the redevelopment or rebuilding of the Gabba.

While Crisafulli has publicly stated that he will not approve a new stadium, such as the projected $3-3.4 billion venue at Victoria Park recommended by former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, there are indications he may be exploring options behind the scenes.

During his campaign, Steven Miles, whose time as Queensland’s premier concluded with Crisafulli’s victory, declared his opposition to any plans for the Gabba’s rebuild or redevelopment, opting instead for a renovation of the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) in Nathan.

Crisafulli consistently challenged Miles on his plan for QSAC, asserting there was no possibility he would pursue that route.

A proud Brisbane native, Campbell shared her thoughts during an appearance on Nine’s Today.

“It’s fascinating to witness the political battleground surrounding the Brisbane Olympics unfold,” she noted.

“With the Queensland election behind us, I hope we can shift our focus to action. There’s been plenty of discussion, yet little has been executed thus far.

“… What’s crucial now is bipartisan support alongside more decisive action, rather than endless talk and reviews. Those reviews are simply draining the budget and squandering taxpayer money.”

Quirk, the former Brisbane lord mayor, voiced opposition to the Gabba’s rebuild or redevelopment based on a 60-day review commissioned by the Labor government when Miles was in charge. He estimated that refurbishing the Gabba would exceed $1 billion and would not “enhance the stadium’s capacity or functionality”, nor significantly improve the experience for spectators and users.

Furthermore, Quirk projected that a complete rebuild would require $3 billion, plus an additional $185-360 million to compensate the AFL and cricket due to displacement; he contended that such a rebuild would not “meet the full requirement of an international-standard stadium” due to the constrained land availability in the area.

Quirk proposed building a new stadium at Victoria Park, boasting a capacity of 50,000 to 55,000. This venue would serve athletics during the Olympics and Paralympics, as well as host AFL and cricket events for years to come. He asserted it would provide a “better value-for-money outcome for Queenslanders than any other option considered”.

“The investment in a greenfield stadium is justifiable, defensible, and feasible when compared to the proposed Gabba redevelopment or the QSAC redevelopment,” stated the Quirk review.

Campbell reiterated the importance of ensuring that venues used during the Brisbane 2032 Games remain operational for decades to come.

“We want these facilities ready for the Olympics, but they should also benefit South-East Queensland long into the future. In 20, 30, and 40 years, we want people to engage with these venues,” Campbell advocated.

“We aim to attract performers and major sports events, so South-East Queensland can fully realise the benefits not just from the Games, but also from the legacy they create for many years ahead.”

Having commentated for Nine in Paris, Campbell had the opportunity to witness how France embraced the Games.

“… The eyes of the world will be on us, and that’s one of the key attributes of the Olympics—to bring the world to your doorstep,” remarked the four-time Olympic gold medalist.

“Paris truly shone, and this presents a remarkable opportunity to place Brisbane on the global stage. To think Brisbane can be mentioned alongside Paris, which will host the 2024 Olympics, and LA, which will follow—it’s a huge moment for Brisbane and South-East Queensland. This region is poised for growth.”