Brisbane Unveils New Plans for 2032 Olympic Venues
The Queensland government has announced updated plans for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, introducing significant changes to venues and infrastructure across the state.
New Main Stadium at Victoria Park Brisbane
A new 63,000-seat stadium will be constructed at Victoria Park Brisbane, replacing earlier plans to redevelop The Gabba. Premier David Crisafulli said that the choice was made to avoid the “embarrassment” of holding the Games in a bad venue, and he said that the new stadium is important for Queensland’s interests.
National Aquatic Centre and Showgrounds Arena
The Centenary Pool at Spring Hill will be transformed into a national aquatic centre with a capacity of 25,000, featuring multiple pools. Important sports groups have backed this plan, and many of them plan to move their bases to Brisbane. The RNA Showgrounds will also get improvements, such as a 20,000-seat arena that will be used for important Games events.
Queensland Tennis Centre Expansion
A new 3,000-seat show court arena and 12 additional match courts will be added to the Queensland Tennis Centre. There were worries that the event might be moved to Melbourne, but this increase will make sure it stays in Brisbane.
Privately Funded Brisbane Arena
The previously proposed Brisbane Arena will now be pursued as a privately funded venture, potentially located at the vacant GoPrint site in Woolloongabba. Premier Crisafulli emphasized the need for a world-class arena in Brisbane’s CBD and indicated that private sector involvement could deliver this facility at a reduced cost to taxpayers.
Statewide Venue Distribution
The Games will feature events across Queensland:
- Rockhampton: Rowing events on the Fitzroy River.
- Townsville and Whitsundays: Co-hosting sailing competitions.
- Gold Coast: An athletes’ village at Royal Pines, a new arena, and upgrades to the hockey centre.
- Logan and Moreton Bay: New indoor sports centres.
- Redlands: A new whitewater rafting centre.
- Toowoomba: An equestrian centre of excellence at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.
- Maroochydore: An athletes’ village, new arena, and cultural precinct.
- Cairns: Football and basketball events, with potential for cricket if included in the Games.
- Maryborough: Archery competitions.
Transportation Infrastructure Enhancements
To support the Games and future growth, the government has committed to several transportation projects:
- New rail lines and stations.
- Northern and eastern Brisbane bus corridors.
- Upgrades to the Pacific Motorway.
- Faster rail connections between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
- A rail line from Beerwah to Birtinya, known as “The Wave,” linking with metro services from the Sunshine Coast Airport to Maroochydore.
- Upgrades to the Bruce Highway, including the Tiaro Bypass, Rockhampton Ring Road, Goorganga Plains, and the Cairns Western Arterial Road between Redlynch Connector Road and the Captain Cook Highway.
Premier Crisafulli acknowledged that these updates represent a departure from previous commitments but emphasized that the decisions were made in the best interests of Queensland, aiming to deliver a world-class Games that will leave a lasting legacy for the state.
