1. Position on the Gabba Redevelopment

a. Does your party support the $1.6 billion refurbishment of QSAC to serve as the athletics venue for the Brisbane 2032 Games?

The proposal to invest $1.6 billion into upgrading QSAC (Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre) aims to create a temporary athletics facility for the Olympics. However, concerns have been raised regarding the long-term viability and community benefits of investing in this venue, especially considering QSAC’s location in suburban Nathan, which may not foster lasting legacy value for Brisbane.

Bottom line: The decision to upgrade QSAC and how is critical, as it represents a significant allocation of taxpayer money for an Olympic venue. Sensitively done, this refurbishment may create a long term legacy for athletics, however this needs to be balanced against the impacts on surrounding forest and koala habitat.

b. Does your party support the current proposal for a modest upgrade of The Gabba?

The Gabba, an iconic venue nearing the end of its functional life, is slated for a more modest upgrade rather than the comprehensive rebuild recommended by the Quirk review. This decision will have long-term impacts on the future utility and accessibility of the venue for local and international events.

Bottom line: A party’s support for The Gabba modest upgrade needs also to consider the impact on East Brisbane State School. 

c. Does your party support the building of a new stadium at Victoria Park, as recommended by the Quirk review?

The Quirk review’s signature recommendation was to build a new stadium at Victoria Park. This option presents an alternative solution that could provide long-term benefits for the community and serve as a landmark venue for international events. However, it comes with a higher cost than The Gabba upgrade and potentially negatively impacts on public green space.

Bottom line: Any party supporting a new stadium at Victoria Park for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and future major events needs also to consider the negative impacts of such a plan. 

d. Does your party support an alternative location for the Athletics (e.g., Hamilton North Shore)?

Some have suggested alternative venues for the athletics events, such as Hamilton North Shore. These alternatives could offer more appropriate locations for Olympic facilities while minimising costs and delivering better legacy outcomes.

Bottom line: While a party’s stance on alternative venues demonstrates their willingness to explore cost-effective and innovative solutions for Olympic infrastructure, such alternatives need to be carefully considered and weighed against costs and local impacts. 

2. Position on Relocating and Expanding East Brisbane State School (EBSS)

a. Does your party support retaining East Brisbane State School (EBSS) in its current location?

Retaining EBSS in its current location ensures continuity for local students and families. The school has deep ties to the local community, and moving it due to The Gabba’s modest upgrades would disrupt local education and erode community fabric.

Bottom line: Retaining EBSS reflects a party’s commitment to preserving the integrity of local education and its support for community-focused schooling solutions.

b. Does your party support investing in and expanding EBSS to adequately cater for the projected population growth in the Woolloongabba area?

With the expected population growth in the Woolloongabba area, EBSS will need additional investment to meet future demand. Expansion could allow the school to serve more students while also enhancing facilities to better support educational outcomes.

Bottom line: Investment in EBSS aligns with forward-thinking policies that prioritise educational infrastructure to match population growth and future community needs. 

c. In addition to retaining EBSS in catchment, does your party support continuing to develop a primary school or P-12 school at the Coorparoo Secondary      College site to help address expected population growth in the area?

The development of new schools, such as a potential primary or P-12 school at Coorparoo Secondary College, could alleviate pressure on EBSS while ensuring that East Brisbane, Coorparoo and Woolloongabba residents have access to quality educational infrastructure as the area grows.

Bottom line: This question helps gauge a party’s vision for expanding local education options and addressing the broader implications of urban population increases.

3. Future of The Gabba as Public Green Space

a. If The Gabba is not fully redeveloped, noting the drastic shortfall of public green space in our suburb, does your party support converting the stadium into publicly accessible green space while maintaining the iconic cricket field for community use?

• • Woolloongabba lacks sufficient green space for residents, and, at end of life, repurposing The Gabba into a green public area, while preserving the cricket field for community activities, could provide a valuable community asset. This would also reflect a forward-thinking approach to urban planning and sustainability. 

A similar approach was followed at Subiaco in Western Australia (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subiaco_Oval), with the stadium being demolished and repurposed into recreation and schooling facilities with the construction of the new Perth stadium in 2017.

Bottom line: A party’s position on this issue demonstrates its focus on public health, public green recreational space, and sustainable urban living for residents in a dense urban area.

4. Woolloongabba Priority Development Area (PDA)

a. Does your party support scrapping the PDA as an unnecessary planning intervention?

The Woolloongabba PDA has been controversial, with concerns that it might be unnecessary and could hinder more organic, community-driven development. Scrapping the PDA would represent a move towards localised control and greater community focus in urban planning.

Bottom line: Scrapping the PDA shows a party’s belief that current planning processes are sufficient, and that additional state governmental intervention is overreach and not required to manage Woolloongabba’s development.

b. Does your party support increasing the availability of public green space within the PDA and surrounding area?

As urban densification accelerates in Woolloongabba, increasing green space will be crucial for maintaining residents’ quality of life. Public parks, recreational spaces, and green corridors will enhance the urban environment and provide much-needed relief in an increasingly dense suburb.

Bottom line: Supporting the increase in public green space aligns with sustainable development principles and the need for balance between built-up areas and green zones.

c. Does your party support prioritising local residents' needs, such as improved active travel and transport links, community facilities, and roads for local residents, in the PDA and surrounding area?

Local residents have expressed concerns that the PDA prioritises large-scale infrastructure over their immediate needs. Prioritising community facilities and improved transport links ensures that urban development directly benefits those living in the area.

Bottom line: A party’s stance on this issue indicates whether they are focused on practical, everyday benefits for Woolloongabba residents, such as better transport options and improved local amenities, not skyscrapers for developers