As a concerned Queenslander, witnessing the debilitating housing and economy crises plaguing our community, I implore the government to rethink its expenditure in preparation for the 2032 Olympic Games. The projected costs of renovating The Gabba for the worldwide event are in the billions, all while Queensland grapples with a daunting level of debt. Unlike the fleeting prestige of hosting the Olympics, the issues of high rent and the cost of living will remain long after the games conclude, affecting countless Queenslanders and Australians.

In the wake of these alarming concerns, our focus should not be on slightly expanding sports stadiums but on implementing strategic measures to mitigate the housing and cost of living crises. Studies have persistently shown the correlation between investment in public services and a decrease in socioeconomic inequality and poverty rates. The predicted expenditure of the Gabba renovation could instead be directed towards building affordable homes and improving economic stability.

We, the signatories of this petition, believe the Sydney 2000 Olympics should teach us a valuable lesson. Estimated at AUD 6.5 billion, Sydney's Olympics didn't reveal the promised economic return for Australia, fuelling a wave of criticism. Hosting the Olympics is a monumental financial undertaking where the trade-offs may not always be in favor of the wider public's essential needs.

It's time the government refocuses efforts on what truly matters - the welfare and living conditions of its residents. We exhort a rigorous reassessment of the proposed 2032 Olympic Games, with the motive to redirect the funds towards resolving the more critical issues we face. This petition seeks to bring about a pragmatic change, restoring the government's attention where it rightfully deserves to be.

Please, sign our petition and help us prioritize basic living needs over grandeur sporting events.