E-Petition

The Petition of residents of the State of Queensland draws to the attention of the House the inadequate proposed capacity for the new Victoria Park stadium. Limiting the stadium to 63,000 seats is a short-sighted decision that ignores our state’s rapid growth and proven demand for world-class events.

In 1956, Melbourne built the 100,000-seat MCG when Victoria's population was far smaller than Queensland's is today; that venue now contributes over $700 million annually to their economy. Queensland risks being perpetually overlooked for global tours and major sporting events if we do not match this ambition. Recent sell-outs for the State of Origin, the Ashes, and major concerts like Taylor Swift prove that our current and proposed capacities are insufficient.

Furthermore, as a legitimate Gabba replacement, this stadium must feature a traditional turf wicket. Maintaining a premier cricket surface is essential to securing Queensland’s status as the home of the "First Test" and distinguishing our venue on the world stage.

A 63,000-seat venue is lacking vision. The new stadium can be optimised for square, oval or even hybrid inside plus outside events in the park. We must build for the future, not just for the next decade. Build it and they will come.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to:

• urgently review the stadium design;
• increase the proposed capacity to a minimum of 100,000 seats; and
• ensure the inclusion of a world-class turf wicket to cement our place as a global leader in tourism and major events.