Ipswich’s Mayor has welcomed Premier Steven Miles’ decision to establish an independent body to oversee the 2032 Olympic Games infrastructure and press pause on the redevelopment of the Gabba.
It comes after the SEQ Council of Mayors last week raised concerns with the state government about ‘Gold Plating’ stadiums such as the Gabba or RNA Main Arena instead of utilising existing regional facilities.
Mayor Teresa Harding said the whole point of the South East Queensland of Mayors bidding for the Olympics was to ensure that the regions had transport infrastructure.
“At the moment the conversation is about what stadiums are being built and we know at least 85 percent of the stadiums have been built or are being built,” she said.
“It would be great to see as part of this review the Premier is going to make sure that there’s that focus back onto transport infrastructure particularly in the fast growing South-East Queensland,” she said.
Mayor Harding is also delighted that Ipswich is slated to host a medal event at Brighton Homes Arena at Springfield Central.
“Given North Ipswich Reserve’s proximity to heavy rail and a $20 million upgrade already locked in, as well as the facilities at the Ipswich Showgrounds, serious consideration should be given to the role the region could play in the 2032 Games,” she said.
“As Queensland’s fastest growing city, it’s been disappointing to see the push to keep all of the big benefits in Brisbane.
“This was clear during the debate around where the Brisbane Lions AFL team would play during the Gabba redevelopment,” she said.
