Joe GallopThe Australian federal government and the Queensland state government said they will spend a combined A$7.1 billion (£4bn) to build new venues and refurbish existing ones ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
The federal government are to provide A$2.5bn (£1.4bn) for the development of Brisbane Arena, a proposed 17,000-seat sports venue, which is to include a new indoor entertainment centre.
The Queensland government said it will fund A$2.7bn (£1.5bn) to fully demolish and rebuild the Gabba cricket ground (cap. 42,000), which is home to the Queensland Bulls and the Brisbane Heat.
The plans also include the development of a new 18,000-seat arena, to be known as Brisbane Live.
The arena and stadium projects are part of sixteen new venues planned for Brisbane 2032, which is set to be the largest international event in the city’s history.
The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, said, “The Australian Government has worked cooperatively with the Palaszczuk Government to secure infrastructure projects that will have a long-term and transformational impact on Queensland as we count down to 2032.
“My Government is ensuring that every dollar that is invested has lasting benefits, not just for Brisbane but for all Queenslanders and all Australians.”