The Gabba

[Australian Kiwi]

On 8/26/2023 at 4:32 PM, AustralianFan said:

Both the Queensland Government and the Australian Government worked together to agree on who each was funding what.

Clearly, the Australian Government is most definitely not funding the Gabba Stadium redevelopment, which is the topic of this thread and for which you have been screaming loudly about, only to be proven wrong.

I haven't been proven wrong on anything - my point remains that the federal government is chipping in billions to this event. Its a budget package that covers multiple venues. I guarantee that if the Federal Government withdrew its contribution the Qld Govt would be up **** creek in terms of funding the balance of the infrastructure program.

I work in policy and I'm well aware of how comms teams craft these things for public consumption. You're on some obsessive compulsive binge reposting these comms pieces without any critical discussion. You seem to get extremely combative when others try to discuss elements of this massive project. Why is that? Why can't you engage in discussion without resorting to condescension? Why is it that you've managed to piss off basically every other user on this forum?  Is it everyone else and not you? 

[AustralianFan]

17 hours ago, Australian Kiwi said:

I haven't been proven wrong on anything - my point remains that the federal government is chipping in billions to this event. Its a budget package that covers multiple venues. I guarantee that if the Federal Government withdrew its contribution the Qld Govt would be up **** creek in terms of funding the balance of the infrastructure program.

 

@Australian Kiwi  Please contact the Queensland and Australian Governments if you’re not happy with the funding of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

[Sir Rols]

Or write to your local Greens MP, like I did, suggesting areas of inquiry

[AustralianFan]

Superimpose Budapest Stadium over the Gabba

Comparing the new Hungarian National Athletic Stadium which just successfully hosted the 2023 World Athletics Championships, with the Gabba Rebuild plans fir the legacy users and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

I gotta say, the new Budapest Stadium looks mighty fine.

Budapest Stadium:    Capacity - 36,000

Credit: ITG - National Athletics Centre Budapest - 26 May 2023

Credit: World Athletics.org

 

Brisbane Gabba Olympic Stadium:  Capacity - 50,000

Budapest’s Stadium (36,000) superimposed over the Gabba

Credit:  ‘Futurecities2018’ post on Skysrapercity.com - 26 Aug 2023

 

The Gabba Olympic Stadium basic design preferred Option 1:

 

[FYI]

On 8/27/2023 at 5:56 AM, Australian Kiwi said:

You're on some obsessive compulsive binge reposting these comms pieces without any critical discussion. You seem to get extremely combative when others try to discuss elements of this massive project. Why is that? Why can't you engage in discussion without resorting to condescension? Why is it that you've managed to piss off basically every other user on this forum?  Is it everyone else and not you? 

This - it's their Modus Operandi, & has been since at least 2020 on these boards (& even on other online site boards as well). They're not here to "discuss", but rather use these boards as their own personal bulletin boards to post all of their spin. And if you dare disagree, then yeah, all of those points that you just described is precisely what happens next. Unfortunately though, they are aren't the first, nor will they be the last, of people on here to exhibit such narcissistic tendencies.

[AustralianFan]

11 hours ago, AustralianFan said:

Superimpose Budapest Stadium over the Gabba

Comparing the new Hungarian National Athletic Stadium which just successfully hosted the 2023 World Athletics Championships, with the Gabba Rebuild plans fir the legacy users and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

I gotta say, the new Budapest Stadium looks mighty fine.

Budapest Stadium:    Capacity - 36,000

Credit: ITG - National Athletics Centre Budapest - 26 May 2023

Credit: World Athletics.org

 

Brisbane Gabba Olympic Stadium:  Capacity - 50,000

Budapest’s Stadium (36,000) superimposed over the Gabba

Credit:  ‘Futurecities2018’ post on Skysrapercity.com - 26 Aug 2023

 

The Gabba Olympic Stadium basic design preferred Option 1:

 

Gabba Olympic Stadium Design

Perth’s high tech, multi-purpose Optus Stadium with it’s 60,000 capacity, and closer to the Gabba’s 50,000 projected capacity is certainly an “Australian counter-part venue” that you’d expect designers will “take into account” when coming up with a rebuilt Gabba.

Legacy users of the Stadium include AFL, Cricket, Rectangular Sports, Entertainment events and able to accommodate an Athletics Track.

Like the new Gabba Stadium, Optus Stadium in Perth is also served by a train line and has it’s own train station.

These are some of the features of Optus Stadium in Perth:

AFL

• East:west field orientation to replicate alignment of the MCG and Subiaco Oval.
• Field of play dimensions: 165m x 130m boundary line to boundary line. This is closely aligned with the MCG, which is 160m x 141m.
• Dedicated changing rooms for both local AFL Teams
• Deducated facilities for female officials.
• Female changing rooms for Women’s AFL and cricket matches.
• State-of-the-art LED lighting to illuminate home team colours around the ‘halo’ roof.

Cricket

• Optus Stadium hosts Test Matches plus all Big Bash League Matches.
• Design meets International Cricket Council standards and requirements.
• Five drop-in cricket wickets to replicate the character of the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) wicket plus 16 outdoor practice wickets.
• Playing surface 177m x 141m fence line to fence line.
• Sight screens positioned to reduce impact on fan views and maximise seating for a minimum of 55,000 fans.
• State of the art team facilities including an indoor cricket warm-up and practice wickets for each team.
• Two dedicated Player Viewing Rooms with direct access to changing rooms and playing surface.

Rectangular Sports

• Potential capacity up to 65,000 seats.
• Up to 5,000 drop in seats on all four sides of the boundary.
• Permanent seating is raised approximately 1.5m from ground level ensuring the drop-in seats can be added without comprising the fan experience.
• Unobstructed, quality views of the field of play.
• 12 hour turn around time to install or remove drop in seats.
• Design meets Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), International Rugby Board (IRB) and Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) standards and requirements.
• Some of the largest home team facilities in Australia including change room facilities, coaches briefing rooms and three warm up space.

Athletics

• Capable of hosting international athletics events, such as the IAAF World Championships and meets Commonwealth Games requirements.
• Removable concrete plats on the lower bowl to facilitate reconfiguration into athletics mode.
• 60,000 seating capacity
• Media facilities with the capability to accommodate an increased contingent for international events.

Entertainment

• Range of different stage locations: eastern stand, northern stand or centre of the pitch.
• Maximum capacity in concert mode is 70,000 when the stage is located in the centre of the pitch.

Event and non-event day products

• More than 50 food and beverage outlets offering a wide range of choices.
• Premium facilities available for year round use for conferences, functions and meetings.
• The Coaches’ Room is flanked by the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers coaches boxes. Sound can be projected from the Coaches’ Boxes into the Coaches’ Room, giving patrons unrivalled insight into the game.
• The Locker Room offers fans the opportunity to watch the the players warm up and view the post-match media conference.
• The Sky View Lounge is located underneath a one of the two super screens. Patrons can stand and watch an event plus take in the views back to the City.
• A premium public bar for 200 people available on event and for non-event day functions.
• The River View Rooms on the western end provide spectacular views across the Swan River and can operate independently or combined, accommodating a total of 1,200 people in one connected space.
• A 150 person capacity a la carte and a 300 person capacity buffet restaurant are located outside the Stadium, adjacent to the western entrance, providing a destination on both event and non-event days.

Credit: Optus Stadium

Credit - images:  Austadiums.com - Optus Stadium, Perth

 

[AustralianFan]

From Brisbane Times, 22 August 2022

More than just a Stadium:  Senior Qld Official Defends Gabba Rebuild

The department head delivering Queensland’s Olympic venues has defended the $2.7 billion Gabba spend, saying it will be “more than just a stadium”, with shops, homes and community spaces such as galleries and museums to be included in the 24/7 precinct.

State Development director-general Mike Kaiser also rejected claims on Tuesday that the East Brisbane State School could have survived in its current location had the government chosen to renovate sections of the Gabba instead of building a brand-new replacement.

Under strong questioning from Coalition and Greens senators on the first day of a federal inquiry into Australia’s preparedness to host Commonwealth and Olympic games, Kaiser said the rundown Gabba was due to come to the end of its life in 2030.

“And, without a doubt, the value-for-money outcome is a teardown and rebuild,” he said.

“The cheapest of the other options was still $2.2 billion, and it would have been a refurbishment that would have denied us the opportunities to integrate it into the surrounding community and create those legacy benefits.

“And a refurbishment, as opposed to a rebuild, also comes with considerable risk.”

The Gabba, Brisbane’s home of cricket and AFL, will be the main venue for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It will also host the opening and closing ceremonies.

The inquiry heard again that an upgrade was necessary regardless of the Games.

But Greens senator Penny Allman-Payne put it to Kaiser that the historic primary school would not have to close if the government chose another venue for athletics, such as the Gold Coast’s Carrara Stadium or Brisbane’s Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (formerly QEII).

“If you were rebuilding [the Gabba] for AFL and cricket as the legacy and you didn’t have to fit in an athletics track, it would seem to me that you would be able to do that within its existing footprint,” she said.

Kaiser responded that each of the options, “whether it was refurbishment or rebuilding, required East Brisbane State School to close”.

The department boss repeatedly drew the senators back to his central point that the new Gabba had the broader aim of urban renewal, while linking it via new footbridges to Brisbane Arena, South Bank and the CBD.

As for the stadium, he said it would have more seats, better disability access, female change rooms, more roof coverage, reliable digital connectivity, and new transport links.

“And, really importantly, [we have] the opportunity to make it ... a genuine community asset that’s enlivened,” he said.

“I was with the deputy premier in Los Angeles recently, for example, where we toured the SoFi Stadium ... which contains within it an African American museum and art gallery, which has become a real community asset.

“That’s our aspiration for the Gabba.”

Earlier, Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate told the inquiry that using the existing athletics and swimming facilities in his jurisdiction would have been better value than the $2.7 billion Gabba precinct and the Commonwealth-funded $2.5 billion Brisbane Arena.

 

[Australian Kiwi]

20 hours ago, AustralianFan said:

Canned Spam - the Preferred Option

Canned spam is a processed meat product that consists of ground pork, salt, water, modified potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrate, among other ingredients. It is typically packaged in a metal can and has a relatively long shelf life, making it a convenient and non-perishable food option. Spam was first introduced by the Hormel Foods Corporation in 1937 and gained popularity during World War II due to its affordability and the scarcity of fresh meat at the time.

Spam is known for its distinctive taste and texture, which some people enjoy, while others may find it an acquired taste. It has a reputation for being versatile and can be cooked in various ways, including frying, baking, grilling, or even eaten straight out of the can. It has become particularly popular in certain regions and cultures, where it has been incorporated into local cuisines.

For example, in Hawaii, spam musubi is a popular snack that consists of a slice of fried spam on a block of rice, wrapped with a strip of seaweed. In South Korea, budae-jjigae, a spicy stew that originated after the Korean War, often includes spam along with other ingredients like sausage, kimchi, and vegetables.

While spam's reputation as a processed meat product has led to debates about its nutritional value, it remains a nostalgic and cultural icon for many people. Its longevity in the market and its ability to adapt to different culinary traditions showcase its unique place in the world of food.

These are some of the features of Spam:

Canned spam

a processed meat product made from ground pork and other ingredients, has found its way into various cuisines and culinary traditions around the world. Its long shelf life, convenience, and versatility have led to a range of creative uses in cooking. Here are some common and interesting ways canned spam is used:

Spam Musubi

This is a popular snack and lunch item in Hawaii, where a slice of cooked spam is placed on a block of rice and wrapped with a strip of nori (seaweed). It's often seasoned with soy sauce and a touch of sweetness, creating a delicious combination of flavors.

Fried Spam

Slices of spam can be pan-fried or deep-fried until crispy on the outside. The resulting texture contrasts with the tender interior, making it a versatile addition to sandwiches, breakfast dishes, and even salads.

Spam and Eggs

A classic breakfast combination involves frying or grilling spam slices and serving them alongside eggs. The saltiness of spam complements the savory nature of eggs, creating a hearty morning meal.

Spam Sushi Rolls

Beyond musubi, some creative cooks incorporate spam into sushi rolls. Along with rice, vegetables, and other fillings, spam adds a unique twist to traditional sushi flavors.

Stir-Fried Dishes

Spam can be diced and used as an ingredient in stir-fried dishes. Its saltiness and umami-rich flavor can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Spam Taco

Spam can be seasoned with various spices and grilled or pan-fried before being placed in tacos. Its versatility allows it to be paired with a variety of taco fillings and toppings.

Spam Breakfast Burritos

Similar to tacos, spam can be included in breakfast burritos along with eggs, cheese, vegetables, and other fillings.

Spam Gravy

Some cuisines incorporate spam into gravy, which can be served over biscuits, rice, or other starches.

Soup and Stew

Spam can be added to soups and stews for a savory meat component. Its distinct flavor can complement broths and add richness to the dish.

These are just a few examples of the many ways canned spam can be utilized in cooking. Its adaptability and unique taste make it a versatile ingredient that has found a place in various culinary traditions, often bringing a touch of nostalgia and innovation to the table.

 

 

Jesus

[AustralianFan]

On 8/29/2023 at 6:22 AM, AustralianFan said:

From Brisbane Times, 22 August 2022

More than just a Stadium:  Senior Qld Official Defends Gabba Rebuild

The department head delivering Queensland’s Olympic venues has defended the $2.7 billion Gabba spend, saying it will be “more than just a stadium”, with shops, homes and community spaces such as galleries and museums to be included in the 24/7 precinct.

State Development director-general Mike Kaiser also rejected claims on Tuesday that the East Brisbane State School could have survived in its current location had the government chosen to renovate sections of the Gabba instead of building a brand-new replacement.

Under strong questioning from Coalition and Greens senators on the first day of a federal inquiry into Australia’s preparedness to host Commonwealth and Olympic games, Kaiser said the rundown Gabba was due to come to the end of its life in 2030.

“And, without a doubt, the value-for-money outcome is a teardown and rebuild,” he said.

“The cheapest of the other options was still $2.2 billion, and it would have been a refurbishment that would have denied us the opportunities to integrate it into the surrounding community and create those legacy benefits.

“And a refurbishment, as opposed to a rebuild, also comes with considerable risk.”

The Gabba, Brisbane’s home of cricket and AFL, will be the main venue for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It will also host the opening and closing ceremonies.

The inquiry heard again that an upgrade was necessary regardless of the Games.

But Greens senator Penny Allman-Payne put it to Kaiser that the historic primary school would not have to close if the government chose another venue for athletics, such as the Gold Coast’s Carrara Stadium or Brisbane’s Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (formerly QEII).

“If you were rebuilding [the Gabba] for AFL and cricket as the legacy and you didn’t have to fit in an athletics track, it would seem to me that you would be able to do that within its existing footprint,” she said.

Kaiser responded that each of the options, “whether it was refurbishment or rebuilding, required East Brisbane State School to close”.

The department boss repeatedly drew the senators back to his central point that the new Gabba had the broader aim of urban renewal, while linking it via new footbridges to Brisbane Arena, South Bank and the CBD.

As for the stadium, he said it would have more seats, better disability access, female change rooms, more roof coverage, reliable digital connectivity, and new transport links.

“And, really importantly, [we have] the opportunity to make it ... a genuine community asset that’s enlivened,” he said.

“I was with the deputy premier in Los Angeles recently, for example, where we toured the SoFi Stadium ... which contains within it an African American museum and art gallery, which has become a real community asset.

“That’s our aspiration for the Gabba.”

Earlier, Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate told the inquiry that using the existing athletics and swimming facilities in his jurisdiction would have been better value than the $2.7 billion Gabba precinct and the Commonwealth-funded $2.5 billion Brisbane Arena.

 

New Gabba Stadium

I’m liking the new Gabba Stadium and it’s transport and pedestrian links to South Bank Venues, Brisbane CBD Venues and beyond, Goodwill Bridge, Neville Bonner Bridge over to the massive Queens Wharf development under construction as well as pedestrian access to Kangaroo Point.

These transport and pedestrian  links to the new Gabba Stadium and the surrounding area are highlighted below in the exoanded Woollangabba PDA (Priority Development Area).

They include of course:

• Woollangabba Train Station at the new Gabba Stadium,
• Brisbane Metro Station at the new Gabba Stadium
• *Public Open Space between the new Gabba Stadium and the train station

We know from the preferred Option 1 that there will be a raised wide pedestrian walkway between the train station and the new Gabba Stadium.  There will also be a 360 degree pedestrian walkway encircling the stadium.

The *Public Open Space between the new Gabba Stadium and the train station may well be used as an Olympic Live Site and/or entertainment/food beverage space.

Exciting times ahead and what a much better legacy venue the New Gabba Stadium will be, as well as being:

• more inclusive,
• more comfortable for spectators,players/athletes, media,officials
• more high tech.

Bring it on!

Credit: Expanding the Woolloongabba Cross River Rail Priority Development Area - qld.gov.au

[AustralianFan]

 

5 hours ago, Bear said:

the IOC did recommend that Brisbane 2032 use Carrara for athletics, which held 35k for Gold Coast 2018. Maybe that's a sign that the IOC is willing to use smaller athletics venues?

 

 

@Bear

Most definitely the IOC is willing to use smaller venues under the New Norm changes.

Yes, the IOC did say in it’s Targeted Dialogue Report to  

“consider using Carrara Stadium” for Athletics”.

The big problem is that Carrara Stadium is poorly serviced by mass people movement public transport, as is the ageing 1982 QSAC Stadium.

The new Gabba Stadium with it’s 50,000 Capacity makes sense because it is very central and is/will be connected with trains, buses and the new Brisbane Metro ‘tram-like long articulated electric vehicles’ which run on rubber tyres on a network of mostly dedicated busways.

 

[AustralianFan]

 

5 hours ago, yoshi said:

Or maybe Brisbane could just build something like Budapest - an athletics specific stadium with the ability to downsize and re-increase by removing and inserting the upper tier. How much did Budapest's stadium cost? I still don't really see why a proper circular stadium like Perth's can't be built for a billion dollars but if it can't & the Gabba becomes too controversial maybe that's the only answer - well that or Carrara. Or the 1982 stadium but isn't that a bit of a mess now?

@yoshi

The new Gabba Stadium design team may well “look at and learn” from the new Budapest Stadium with it’s smaller 36,000 capacity.  I’m sure the designers will also look at other stadiums and designs including Perth’s stunning high tech and confortable, accessible-to-all Optus Stadium, which has 10,000 more spectators than the planned 50,000 capacity of the new Gabba Stadium. 

The new Gabba Stadium is in a restricted stadium footprint but also in a highly prized central Brisbane location and highly connected by several mass people movement modes of public transport.  It will retain it’s 50,000 capacity aimed at it’s legacy users of the venue, not the Olympics or Paralympics which last only 2 weeks each.

As mentioned to @Bear, the big problem is that Carrara Stadium is poorly serviced by mass people movement public transport, as is the ageing 1982 QSAC Stadium..

.The new Gabba Stadium with it’s larger 50,000 capacity makes sense because it is very central and is/will be connected with trains, buses and the new Brisbane Metro ‘tram-like long articulated electric vehicles’ which run on rubber tyres on a network of dedicated busways.

 

[AustralianFan]

I like the sound of this, incorporating timber and sandstone  in the new Gabba Stadium design, eg Tokyo National Stadium or Perth’s Optus Stadium.

 

A Cocoon of Timber and Sandstone in the New Gabba Stadium ?

Brisbane 2032 architects looking at timber for new venues in sustainable approach

An architectural alliance of Buchan, Nikken Sekkei, and HKS have outlined their early plans for venues at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane, which could strike a similarity to those seen at Tokyo 2020.

Earlier this month, HKS director Andrew Colling spoke of the potential for a revamped Brisbane Cricket Ground to feature a timber shell "with blended greenery and sandstone instead of a cookie-cutter concrete stadium."

The stadium, commonly known as the Gabba, is due to undergo a AUD$2.7 billion (£1.3 billion/$1.7 billion/€1.5 billion) upgrade for Brisbane 2032.

Colling revealed that the stadium could incorporate a parkland deck on its roof and a cocoon of timber and sandstone to "create something that's not only distinctively South East Queensland but distinctly Australian," as reported by Courier Mail.

The majority of Brisbane 2032 venues are due to be existing structures but seven are planned to be constructed for the Games.

These include a BMX freestyle and cross country equestrian location at Victoria Park, the Brisbane Indoor Sports Centre for basketball, and boxing's Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre.

The Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre, also for basketball, two Athletes' Villages, the Redland Whitewater Centre, and the Brisbane Live venue due to host aquatics.

Full report:

ITG - Brisbane 2032 architects looking at timber for new venues in sustainable approach

—————————————————

Tokyo’s National Stadium 

Credit: Sydney Morning Herald - Kengo Kuma, the architect behind Tokyo's Olympic National Stadium - 7 Jan 2020

“The 60,000-seat stadium is distinguished by its use of cedar and larch drawn from all of Japan's 47 prefectures, or provinces, as well as the abundant greenery that has been carefully planted around the edges of its various layers or tiers.”

“It's spectacular in a strangely, yes, Zen-like subdued way, wedged on a typically tiny Tokyo footprint between a residential and business area and rare parklands. Once the Games are over it's hoped that greenery-deprived Tokyoites, and visitors, will be able to access those vegetated outer walkways of the facility as a kind of vertical circular garden.”

 

Perth’s Optus Stadium

Some of the timber products used by Mortlock Timber in Perth’s Optus Stadium.

 

[Rob2012]

Referring to @yoshi's post. It would be ironic if Brisbane did end up building a smaller stadium with temporary seating given Australia is one of the few countries in the world that has a use for big oval stadiums.

One of the biggest recurring problems in stadium configuration/legacy use for an Olympics basically doesn't exist for Australia. As an outsider looking in, a rebuild of the Gabba seems perfect for both the Olympics and for future legacy use, but they seem to be hung up on cost issues.

@Sir Rols, interesting to hear you've written to your MP/representative about this? Would be interested to hear your position and what you've said?

Edited August 30, 2023 by TheOtherRob

[yoshi]

Yeah especially as the (sad but unavoidable) demise of the WACA has left Brisbane as something of the odd one out of the 5 Ashes venues, the only one that hasn't had something drastic done recently. I'd have thought Brisbane could easily handle a 60k oval, especially as it plans to join Australia's big two. 

[AustralianFan]

4 hours ago, TheOtherRob said:

Referring to @yoshi's post. It would be ironic if Brisbane did end up building a smaller stadium with temporary seating given Australia is one of the few countries in the world that has a use for big oval stadiums.

One of the biggest recurring problems in stadium configuration/legacy use for an Olympics basically doesn't exist for Australia. As an outsider looking in, a rebuild of the Gabba seems perfect for both the Olympics and for future legacy use, but they seem to be hung up on cost issues.

@TheOtherRob agree that a rebuild will deliver to Brisbane a sparkling new, comfortable, all-inclusive  high tech stadium which will suit legacy users for decades. Fantastic.

While opposition politicians, including the Greens are also very much in minority and most definitely not in government, the two Governments, Queensland and Federal Governments signed a co-funding agreement 8 months ago.

So the funding is already sorted and signed on the dotted line by both Governments.

You can tell when an election is coming up in an Olympic City when opposition minority party politicians start arking up about costs for the Games to desperately try to win votes.   It’s a democracy after all.

 

[AustralianFan]

2 hours ago, yoshi said:

Yeah especially as the (sad but unavoidable) demise of the WACA has left Brisbane as something of the odd one out of the 5 Ashes venues, the only one that hasn't had something drastic done recently. I'd have thought Brisbane could easily handle a 60k oval, especially as it plans to join Australia's big two. 

@yoshi Yes, they will gave to find an alternative to the Gabba for Cricket and AFL while the new Gabba Stadium is being built.  Allan Border Field with temporary grandstands and facilities has been mooted.

But when finished, the ageing Gabba with no female changerooms and lots of other drawbacks, will have been replaced with a modern, sustainable, inclusive, comfortable, highly connected with public transport,  high tech stadium in the heart of Brisbane, that will stand proudly amongst it’s interstate counter-parts as one of the best in the country for decades to come.

[Sir Rols]

11 hours ago, TheOtherRob said:

 

@Sir Rols, interesting to hear you've written to your MP/representative about this? Would be interested to hear your position and what you've said?

Actually, I don’t have any issues with the Gabba rebuild and its funding per se. It’s a fair enough and deserved facility for Brisbane - good on them that they’re doing and funding it themselves. The Olympics are actually a minor reason, more a prompt, for the rebuild, and as you note, cricket ovals are far more easily converted for Olympic use than traditional rectangular stadiums.

It’s other venues that are being split-funded with a Federal 50-50 carte blanche, and one very wasteful and unnecessary venue in particular, that I have problems with. When I realised there was a Senate inquiry going on, I wrote to my Greens State senator (not my local MP, who is actually the Prime Minister, Albo). She got back to me saying they’re well aware of the issues surrounding the venue I’m concerned about and it is in their sights.

7 hours ago, AustralianFan said:

 

You can tell when an election is coming up in an Olympic City when opposition minority party politicians start arking up about costs for the Games to desperately try to win votes.   It’s a democracy after all.

Yes, that’s democracy. And I think that sort of comment, claiming it’s only about votes,  is very dismissive of legitimate and sincere concerns about spending and priorities on mega-events. Particularly with the Olympics, which these days are being scrutinised more critically and pragmatically around the world. In democracies such as ours, it’s not an annoyance but totally necessary that its plans and spending be dissected scrupulously, thoroughly and transparently in the public sphere, rather than accept “we know what’s best for you, so put up and shut up whether you like it or not”.

As you know (or should know), the current Senate inquiry is not just about Brisbane, but also the Commonwealth Games fiasco (it’s titled an Inquiry into Australia’s preparedness to host Commonwealth, Olympic and Paralympic Games). It’s actually gob-smacking to see it unearth some of the shoddy planning and ham-fisted justifications that were going on behind the scenes of the Victoria 2026 preparations. It’s a perfect example of why such inquiries and hard-headed investigation into events like the Olympics and CWGs are necessary in a democracy.

Awaiting with interest to see what comes up in its next hearings in Canberra in September.

Footnote: By the way @TheOtherRob, I have a confession to make - it’s not the first time I’ve stirred the pot in other quarters. During the Abuja-Glasgow race, in the midst of the JimJones wars, I actually wrote to Peter Tatchell alerting him to the Abuja bid and Nigeria’s record on LGBTQ rights. And he got back and thanked me for bringing it to his attention. I like to think I played a part in him launching the LGBTQ campaign against Abuja. 

Edited August 30, 2023 by Sir Rols

[yoshi]

What are those shoddy hamfisted things going on behind the scenes at Victoria 2026? It's unusual to have a complete disaster like that happen anywhere, never mind such an experienced country like Australia. Good that you're having such an inquiry quickly, I get a sense from afar that Brisbane is only now realising exactly what it's got into, and that's why there's some controversy now. With the inquiry report as a manual on what not to do, they should be able to make this the great Games it should be

[Sir Rols]

5 minutes ago, yoshi said:

What are those shoddy hamfisted things going on behind the scenes at Victoria 2026? It's unusual to have a complete disaster like that happen anywhere, never mind such an experienced country like Australia. 

Things like bureaucrats deciding where some sports and venues would be located rather than based on community resources and needs, sports officials’ advice being ignored, refusal to consider any cost-effective or sensible options using Melbourne. I’m not an anti-Dan man (far from it), but it really makes me question Andrews’ motives behind Vic 26.

13 minutes ago, yoshi said:

With the inquiry report as a manual on what not to do, they should be able to make this the great Games it should be

 Exactly, and you’d sure hope so. Success should surely be doing what’s RIGHT for Brisbane and Games legacy and sustainability, rather than what’s glitziest.

[FYI]

"I get a sense from afar that Brisbane is only now realizing exactly what it's got into, and that's why there's some controversy now". 

I think most cities, if not all, of Brisbane's medium size don't realize what they might get themselves into when they dream about hosting the Olympics. Some of them host things like a World Championship of some kind, or something like the CWG's, PanAms, etc & then think, "if we can do this, we can surely do the Olympics".

But not every city in the world can. It's really only the Megaloposis' of the world that can more easily absorb the cost, the logistics & the disruption that the Olympics descend upon a city. And even then, it's a big challenge for those big league cities, & that's why now I think it's starting to become more of a question these days if the Olympics are worth hosting at all anymore. It seems that the success of the Olympics of the past, have now become it's greatest weakness, because they've become so huge & mega expensive now. 

[TorchbearerSydney]

There is no risk of Brisbane 32 being glitzy...quite the opposite. I am more afraid of these Games, after Paris and LA, being too cheap and down-market and ultimately forgettable.

A bit of architectural ambition will not kill the Gabba.

[Sir Rols]

6 minutes ago, TorchbearerSydney said:

There is no risk of Brisbane 32 being glitzy...quite the opposite. I am more afraid of these Games, after Paris and LA, being too cheap and down-market and ultimately forgettable.

A bit of architectural ambition will not kill the Gabba.

I’m not against architectural ambition. Or the Gabba rebuild. I certainly don’t begrudge Brisbane an up-to-date and world class showpiece stadium. It’s other venues, which I don’t think there is a business case or need for, that risk blemishing it’s longer legacy.

[Bear]

@Sir Rols is there a way one could follow the inquiry as it progresses?

[Sir Rols]

2 minutes ago, Bear said:

@Sir Rols is there a way one could follow the inquiry as it progresses?

Here’s the official link to it, with further links there to submissions and transcripts:

https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Rural_and_Regional_Affairs_and_Transport/PreparednessforGames

Otherwise, the press and ITG are following it closely. Anything juicy I’m sure will get posted up

[Australian Kiwi]

1 hour ago, Sir Rols said:

Things like bureaucrats deciding where some sports and venues would be located rather than based on community resources and needs, sports officials’ advice being ignored, refusal to consider any cost-effective or sensible options using Melbourne. I’m not an anti-Dan man (far from it), but it really makes me question Andrews’ motives behind Vic 26.

 Exactly, and you’d sure hope so. Success should surely be doing what’s RIGHT for Brisbane and Games legacy and sustainability, rather than what’s glitziest.

It was actually the politicians. 
One politician in particular (aside from DA) is Darren Cheeseman who royally f'ed the Geelong venue plan to benefit his own seat. 

The original plan was for a concentration of venues at Kardinia Park which was watered down and down. Before that, a Melbourne 2006-lite was offered (which should have been pursued instead of trying to be clever in a short window of time - CGF should have been firmer on this). 

I also have been a supporter of Andrews in the past (I am usually a Labor/Greens voter), however I'm extremely disappointed in how its been handled. I don't think we should have put our hand up in the first place, and we did wrong by the CGF (even though I think they're to blame for the overall situation facing the CWG). 

If the GC can pull it off again, then good for them. Otherwise I still think we're flogging a dead horse.