Read: Mt Gravatt Retirement Village Promotes Christmas Cheer to Combat Loneliness

The national women’s team will hold a free public training session at QSAC’s Main Stadium on Tuesday, 26 November. Gates open at 3:30 p.m., with training scheduled to start at 4:00 p.m. and run for 90 minutes. Fans will be seated in the Eastern Stand, with a capacity limit of 6,500 spectators on a first-come, first-served basis.

No pre-registration or ticket is required, but early arrival is recommended due to limited space. Visit the Matildas’ official website for more details.

Matildas squad updates

The Matildas’ preparations for the November and December international window have been affected by several player withdrawals. Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler, both midfielders in the Women’s Super League, have been medically withdrawn from the extended squad. Gorry sustained a shoulder injury during West Ham’s match against Brighton, while Wheeler suffered a lower leg injury in Everton’s victory in the Merseyside derby.

World Cup hero Cortnee Vine, who clinched the quarter-final victory against France with a decisive penalty, remains absent from the national team, having taken an indefinite break to prioritise her mental health.

However, the squad welcomes back experienced players Alex Chidiac, Emily Gielnik, and Chloe Logarzo. Fresh faces include Morgan Aquino, Leah Davidson, Isabel Gomez, Hana Lowry, and Natasha Prior. The 34-player squad maintains a strong domestic presence, featuring 16 players from the A-League Women competition.

Milestone victory over the Germans

The Matildas head into this international window buoyed by their historic 2-1 victory over Germany in October—their first triumph against the European powerhouse in 19 years.

Despite an early goal from Germany’s Selina Cerci, the Matildas showcased resilience and tactical evolution under interim coach Tom Sermanni. Kyra Cooney-Cross delivered a stunning 35-yard strike to equalise before halftime. At the 77th minute, Clare Hunt’s first international goal—a thumping header—secured the historic triumph.

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Upcoming fixtures

Following the training session, the Matildas will face Brazil at Suncorp Stadium on 28 November, before heading to the Gold Coast for a rematch on 1 December. The team will then travel south for two matches against Chinese Taipei in Melbourne and Geelong on 4 and 7 December, respectively.

The opening match will also be a celebration of Matilda’s most-capped player, Brisbane’s very own Clare Polkinghorne. Vice-captain Emily van Egmond is set to earn her 150th cap, becoming just the fourth Australian to achieve this milestone.

Published 21-November-2024

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Read: QSAC Under Scrutiny as Debate Over Brisbane Olympic Venues Heats Up

With just under a decade until the Games, questions are mounting over whether the proposed $1.6 billion upgrade to QSAC will deliver the necessary infrastructure and legacy benefits. Located 12 kilometres south of Brisbane’s central business district, QSAC currently holds 48,500 seats and has served Brisbane’s athletic and sporting events for years. However, some believe its location and current design may not fully align with the community’s vision for a world-class Olympic venue that leaves a lasting impact.

Venue History and Alternative Options

The QSAC upgrade plan emerged after several years of discussing the best venue for Olympic athletics events. Previously, two major alternatives had been considered: a $2.7 billion upgrade to Brisbane’s iconic Gabba stadium or the construction of a new stadium at Victoria Park with an estimated cost of $3.4 billion. Both options were ultimately set aside due to cost concerns and the logistical complexities of construction, with the state deciding to focus on QSAC as a more economical choice. The nearby Suncorp Stadium was selected for the Games’ opening and closing ceremonies.

An independent review earlier this year had also expressed doubts about QSAC as the primary Olympic venue. The review pointed to the opportunity a new stadium could provide for Brisbane, potentially creating a multi-use facility with a higher seating capacity that could serve large-scale events beyond the Olympics. Despite these recommendations, the high costs associated with a new stadium ultimately led the state government to focus on QSAC, which was seen as a viable, lower-cost option.

Broader Collaboration

Recent discussions with federal authorities suggest the possibility of broader collaboration on the final venue decision, following the Mr David Crisafulli’s win in the last polls.

Both federal and state governments have allocated $7.1 billion in funding for the 2032 Olympics, including $2 billion for a new “Brisbane Arena” at the Roma Street precinct, intended to host the Games’ swimming events. This funding agreement has sparked interest in whether federal support could help explore or revisit alternative venues.

In light of community feedback, Mr Crisafulli proposed the formation of an independent infrastructure authority. This body would be tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of all venue options within a 100-day period, allowing for an in-depth assessment of costs, infrastructure needs, and community benefits. The goal is to ensure that any investment aligns with Brisbane’s long-term vision for its sports facilities.

“I didn’t miss the opportunity to raise 80:20 funding,” Mr Crisafulli told the press of his discussion with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. 

Community and Legacy Impact

Residents and local sports organisations have shown strong interest in how Olympic venues will impact the community both during and after the Games. Some argue that upgrading QSAC could serve as an opportunity to enhance facilities that are already accessible to the public, particularly those used by schools and community athletics programs. However, others worry that, even with upgrades, QSAC may not provide the same level of economic and social legacy that a new or more central stadium might offer.

Read: QSAC in Nathan Set to Become Smallest Olympic Stadium in a Century

Previous reviews of the potential venues highlighted these issues, estimating that keeping the Gabba operational would cost at least $400 million until 2032, with an additional $1 billion needed to keep it compliant with modern codes beyond that year. An upgraded Gabba, or a new Victoria Park stadium, could serve as a more versatile venue, providing additional value for large sporting events, concerts, and community functions. 

Published 28-Oct-2024

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Read: QSAC in Nathan Set to Become Smallest Olympic Stadium in a Century

Mr Liveris, president of the Brisbane Organising Committee (OCOG), highlighted the need for a modern venue that can meet future demands, especially as the Gabba is expected to reach the end of its usability by 2030. His comments follow recent discussions about QSAC as the best choice for Brisbane’s Olympic events.

A Push for Better Venues

Mr Liveris explained that while the Olympic organisers could not take the lead in pushing for a new stadium, it was up to cricket and AFL leaders to advocate for a venue that would serve Brisbane’s long-term needs. Once the sporting bodies made their case, the 2032 organisers would offer their support.

The debate around venues began after a $2.7 billion rebuild of the Gabba was rejected earlier this year. Many see the Gabba as a key part of Brisbane’s sporting history, and the decision to choose QSAC has led to concerns that it may not be able to provide the same level of experience or future-proof the city’s major events.

Balancing Costs and Future Benefits

QSAC was chosen as a more cost-effective option, but there are differing opinions on whether it is the best long-term solution for the city. Mr Liveris acknowledged the need to keep the overall Olympic budget within $5 billion but also pointed out that having the right stadium could bring significant financial benefits, particularly through ticket sales and sponsorship revenue.

He also noted that major international events often rely on larger venues to maximise attendance and revenue. While QSAC offers a cost-saving option, some are worried it might limit Brisbane’s ability to host other major events after the Olympics.

Looking Ahead to the Decision

The final decision on using QSAC will likely be influenced by the outcome of the polls on 26 October. A project evaluation report on the venue will be released, providing more details about its suitability for the 2032 Olympics.

Mr Liveris reassured the public that Brisbane has time to make the right decision, noting that other cities have finalised their venue plans much closer to the Games.

Read: QSAC in Mt Gravatt Risks Embarrassing Australia on World Stage, Warns Olympic Great

He expressed confidence that Brisbane will be ready and well-prepared to host a successful Olympics, with the right venues in place to support both the event and the city’s future sporting needs.

Published 20-Sept-2024

The post QSAC Under Scrutiny as Debate Over Brisbane Olympic Venues Heats Up appeared first on Mount Gravatt News.

Read: QSAC in Nathan Set to Become Smallest Olympic Stadium in a Century

Pearson highlighted that QSAC’s 40,000-seat capacity pales in comparison to recent Olympic venues.

The Stade de France, which hosted the Paris 2024 athletics events, boasts an impressive 80,000 seats. Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Games, the Memorial Coliseum will accommodate 77,500 spectators. 

In stark contrast, QSAC offers only 40,000 seats, with a mere 14,000 being permanent. This significant disparity has raised concerns about Brisbane’s ability to create the electric atmosphere that Olympic athletes and spectators have come to expect.

The gold medallist hurdler, expressed deep concern about the stadium’s capacity to generate the same level of excitement and energy seen in previous Games. Pearson, drawing from her personal experiences at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympics, emphasised the crucial role that a packed, enthusiastic crowd plays in an athlete’s performance.

“I attended two Olympics. Beijing in 2008 in the outstanding Birds Nest arena where I won a famous silver medal and London in 2012 where I won gold,” Pearson wrote.

“Both of these stadiums had the capacity to seat 80,000 people. Now I’m not sure of the exact number of people that were in attendance on those nights but I can tell you the empty seats were hard to spot from the track.

“The sound from the crowd was electric, it was deafening and it was exciting, it gave you the lift that you needed to perform at your best.”

Defending the QSAC Choice

Despite mounting criticism, Premier Steven Miles continues to defend QSAC as Queensland’s best option for the 2032 Games. Miles argues that the venue offers the most suitable legacy for athletics, pointing out that IOC Vice President John Coates explicitly recommended it. He maintains that QSAC is the only choice that provides permanent track and field facilities, ensuring a lasting impact on the sport beyond the Olympic event.

Miles has dismissed alternative proposals, including a $3.4 billion plan for a new inner-city stadium at Victoria Park. He contends that these alternatives would only deliver a new cricket oval without offering any tangible benefits for athletics. 

The Premier’s stance reflects a broader shift in the Queensland government’s approach, prioritising cost of living relief measures over investing billions in new Olympic venues.

The debate surrounding QSAC has sparked a growing chorus of concern from Australia’s sporting elite. 

Growing Concerns from Sports Community

Olympic swimmer Cate Campbell has joined Pearson in voicing her worries about Brisbane’s preparedness for the 2032 Games.

Campbell stressed the need for Brisbane to “step up its game,” urging the government to think bigger and more proactively about the city’s future. Both athletes emphasised the importance of showcasing Brisbane’s unique qualities to the world, arguing that the Olympics present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to define the city’s identity on a global stage.

Campbell’s comments, made during a radio interview, highlighted the potential long-term benefits of investing in world-class facilities. She argued that while the cost of living is a pressing issue, the legacy of the Olympic Games extends far beyond the event itself, potentially shaping the city’s growth and development for decades.

Read: Olympians and Paralympians Challenge Venue Decision on QSAC in Mt Gravatt

The controversy surrounding QSAC has ignited a broader debate about balancing fiscal responsibility and the ambition to host a truly memorable Olympic Games. With eight years remaining, stakeholders from across the sporting and political spectrum are calling for a renewed focus on creating an Olympic experience that will not only avoid embarrassment but also leave a lasting, positive legacy for Brisbane and Australia.

Published 13-Aug-2024

The post QSAC in Mt Gravatt Risks Embarrassing Australia on World Stage, Warns Olympic Great appeared first on Mount Gravatt News.

Read: QAS in Nathan Overhaul: Olympic Hopefuls Confront Training Centre Upheaval

They have criticised the decision, calling it “embarrassing” and insufficient for creating a lasting legacy.

The elite athletes, including Curtis McGrath, Sally Pearson, Grant Hackett, Curtis McGrath, Karni Liddell, Sally Pearson, Geoff Huegill, Leisel Jones, and Brenton Rickard, publicly voiced their dissatisfaction by highlighting the QSAC’s capacity limitations and lack of a sustainable legacy post-2032. 

Despite their strong opposition, Premier Steven Miles remains firm on not revisiting the decision. The athletes stressed how this would impact their training regimes and the broader athletic community.

Premier Miles justified his decision by prioritising other state needs such as healthcare and education over more substantial investments in sporting infrastructure. Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace acknowledged the challenges, particularly concerning transport to QSAC, with potential costs running as high as $1 billion.

Senate Inquiry Insights

A Senate inquiry into the 2032 Games’ legacy criticised the choice of QSAC, echoing athletes’ concerns about the venue’s inadequacies. The inquiry, led by figures like Senator Anne Ruston and former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, examined alternatives and highlighted the dismissal of a proposed $3.4bn stadium at Victoria Park that promised a more robust legacy.

Graham Quirk’s review had recommended the Victoria Park venue over QSAC, citing it as a superior option for its potential to deliver a lasting community legacy and better value for money. However, the government opted to upgrade QSAC instead, which had been initially built for the 1982 Commonwealth Games, citing lower immediate costs.

Community and Expert Reactions

Community leaders and various sports figures have criticised the decision for neglecting long-term benefits. The Senate inquiry also highlighted missed opportunities for building a more inclusive sporting infrastructure, particularly for Paralympic athletes who face significant accessibility issues.

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Critics say the decision to renovate QSAC could lead to higher operational costs due to its location and the lack of necessary facilities for a world-class event. There’s also concern about the displacement of athletes and the environmental impact of upgrading the site.

Published 17-April-2024

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Read: Community Unites to Preserve Undeveloped Bushland Corridor Next to Toohey Forest

Instead, QSAC, a legacy of the 1982 Commonwealth Games, could undergo a comprehensive $1.6 billion upgrade, heralding a new era for the historic site and its surrounding community.

Background and Controversy

After a $450,000 taxpayer-funded review of the Olympic venues led by former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk advocated for a new stadium at Victoria Park, Premier Steven Miles announced the cabinet’s endorsement for QSAC’s redevelopment. This comes despite the review’s critique of QSAC’s suitability due to transport challenges and limited legacy benefits.

“QSAC Stadium should not be used as an Olympic and Paralympic Games venue to host the track and field events,” Mr Quirk’s panel recommended. 

“Transport and access to the QSAC Stadium during the Games will be extremely challenging and costly to facilitate.

“Site topography makes this challenge even harder, noting significant Games operational requirements to safely support the number of spectators, athletes and officials.

“Griffith University would need to be used for bus access, so bushland would need to be cleared and the pathway to the QSAC Stadium widened,” the panel’s findings further cited.

Financial Implications and Alternatives

The decision to invest $1.6 billion in QSAC, defying the independent review’s suggestions, has sparked debate. 

With an initial budget to overhaul QSAC and additional funds allocated for Suncorp Stadium and the Gabba upgrades, questions about fiscal responsibility and the best use of public resources have emerged.

Consequently, rejecting a new $3.4 billion Victoria Park stadium highlights the prioritisation of existing infrastructure over new constructions.

A New Vision for QSAC

The proposed redevelopment involves demolishing and rebuilding significant portions of QSAC, including constructing an 8,000-seat western grandstand and additional permanent seating. This plan aims to elevate QSAC to Olympic standards whilst considering the site’s challenging topography and access issues. 

The ultimate goal is a versatile 14,000-capacity stadium that serves both the Olympics and the community post-Games.

Griffith University, located next door to the QSAC, endorses investigating the upgrades.

“Brisbane has benefitted vastly from the facility since it opened in time for the Commonwealth Games in 1982,” Griffith Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans said in a statement. 

“It has been home to major sporting fixtures and teams and as a venue for international musical acts such as Madonna and Billy Joel.

“The uses for QSAC will only grow as we approach the Olympics and well after they are finished.

“Additionally, improved transport connections to the area will benefit many thousands of people living in Brisbane’s southern suburbs.”

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The decision to focus on QSAC for the 2032 Olympics represents a bold commitment to utilising existing infrastructure, fostering community legacy, and managing financial resources wisely. Whilst the move has its critics, particularly concerning the review’s recommendations, it sets the stage for an Olympic transformation that could redefine Brisbane and its approach to major sporting events.

Published 19-March-2024

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