Gold Coast mayor says the glitter strip should take over from Brisbane as the primary host of the 2032 Olympics to avoid staggering multi-billion-dollar bill
- Gold Coast mayor says glitter strip should be primary host of the 2032 Olympics
- Tom Tate believes more Olympic events should be hosted on the Gold Coast
- Redevelopment of the Gabba is now estimated to cost a staggering $2.5billion
Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate believes that the glitter strip should take over from Brisbane as the primary host of the 2032 Olympics to avoid a staggering multi-billion-dollar bill.
The Gold Coast is expected to host six events during the Olympics, but with the enormous costs associated with other projects, Tate says the area should should be holding more events.
Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate (pictured) believes that the glitter strip should take over from Brisbane as the primary host of the 2032 Olympics to avoid a staggering multi-billion-dollar bill
The Gold Coast is expected to host six events during the Olympics, but with the enormous costs associated with other projects, Tate says the area should should be holding more events
He pointed out the redevelopment of the Gabba, which is now estimated to cost $2.5billion.
‘Look at the Gabba. They want to spend $2.5 billion to put an extra 8000 seats in. That simply doesn’t make sense when you cannot deliver affordable housing,’ he said.
‘They should only refurbish it because this is taxpayers’ money and there are hard times right now so it’s not the time to rebuild.
‘If you are going to burn dollars left, right and centre, people will look at you with disdain.’
Tate pointed out the redevelopment of the Gabba, which is now estimated to cost $2.5billion
Mr Tate believes the Games are too Brisbane-centric and that organisers need to consider the Gold Coast more seriously.
‘I say they need to be respectful of taxpayers’ money. We already have a lot of the facilities such as Olympic pools, hockey fields and BMX, to name a few,’ Mr Tate said.
‘Let’s focus on value-for-money and legacy for the whole of South East Qld. After all, this all started out as a southeast Queensland (Olympic and Paralympic) bid.’
Acting Premier Steven Miles says the Gabbas multi-billion-dollar facelift will pay dividends in the long run.
Plans for the redevelopment of the Gabba as a venue for the Olympics in 2032
‘We’re already missing out on attracting international games and rebuilding the stadium will deliver a world class stadium and allow us to remain competitive for AFL and international cricket,’ he said.
‘It will also attract national and international entertainment events.’
