Queensland government yet to begin promised 60-day review of Olympic Games infrastructure

The Queensland government had been planning a $2.7 billion redevelopment of the Gabba stadium for the Games. (ABC News: Chris Gillette)

Queensland Premier Steven Miles has revealed his government is yet to kick off its promised 60-day review of the master plan for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The newly installed premier cast doubt over the future of key Games infrastructure, such as the controversial $2.7 billion Gabba redevelopment, when he announced the review in December.

In an interview with ABC Radio Brisbane on Monday, Mr Miles still could not say if his government would go ahead with the rebuild of the Gabba.

“Obviously that’s a big question for the review that I’ve announced into the venues,” he said.

“The whole idea of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games was for it to be good for the region and good for the state.

“I felt like it had become too divisive and, in particular, the debate around the Gabba had become too divisive.”

Mr Miles confirmed the 60-day review of the Games master plan – which he foreshadowed when he was elevated to the top job in December – was yet to begin.

However, it is understood the government is expected to make an announcement soon.

“We will finalise the terms of reference. We will appoint an independent panel,” Mr Miles said.

“When you see that work, you will see why it’s taken a little while to get it right.”

Different approach to Games

Prior to her resignation in December, former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s government faced pressure and criticism over its move to knock down and rebuild the Gabba.

During her time in the top job, Ms Palaszczuk made herself Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games — something Mr Miles elected not to do in a marked departure from his predecessor.

He has not given the Olympics Minister title to anyone in his new Cabinet, although state Development Minister Grace Grace will hold responsibility for the Games.

The new premier has also promised a delivery authority for Games infrastructure.

Mr Miles would not be drawn on Ms Palaszczuk’s approach to the Games when asked on Monday.

“I don’t have the luxury of going back in time,” he said.

“I think the Olympics will be fantastic in 2032, but I think that’s a long way from the day-to-day concerns of Queenslanders right now.

“We will still have the minister doing the work of preparing for the Olympics, but my job I think is working on the concerns Queenslanders have right now.”

As part of the planned rebuild of the Gabba, East Brisbane State School – which is located right next to the stadium – is set to be relocated to Coorparoo.

The school’s P&C has previously hit out at the move to shift the school and called for it to remain at its East Brisbane site.

“(That’s) something that the reviewers can take into account when they consider what the best option is,” Mr Miles said when asked about the future of the school.