A report on 9News now says the cost and legal implications of pulling out completely were also considered before deciding that it was best to continue with the project. According to the report, organisers were told that it would cost at least $500 million compensation to back out as well as the loss of $3 billion federal government funding.
A recent review, which was headed by former Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk, had found that the 42,000-seat Gabba was “ageing” and not compliant with standards for full disabled access.
Miles has rejected the new stadium option and will instead investigate upgrades to Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre and Suncorp Stadium.
They are promising “community benefit while ensuring costs remain within the agreed funding envelope of $7.1 billion to be shared between the state and Commonwealth governments”.
A statement added: “The government does not believe it would be possible to deliver any new stadium at Victoria Park within the existing agreed funding, and the IOC has noted that a new stadium for the Olympic and Paralympic Games sits outside the ‘new norm’ of using existing or already planned venues. The government is therefore ruling out a stadium at Victoria Park, instead favouring investigating upgrades to QSAC and Suncorp.”
