Government Announces New Olympics Infrastructure Plan
The Queensland Government has confirmed plans to build a new stadium at Victoria Park for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. The announcement follows months of speculation and controversy over the future of the Games’ main venue.
Premier David Crisafulli stated that the decision came after a review of infrastructure options.
“It became a choice between spending billions on temporary facilities and temporary stands that delivered no legacy or securing the future of AFL and cricket at a new home,” Crisafulli said.
The stadium will seat 60,000 people and serve as Queensland’s premier sporting facility beyond the Olympics.
Figure 1: Olympic Park concept designs for Victoria Park [Archipelago Architects]
Indigenous and Environmental Concerns
The decision has sparked strong opposition from Indigenous groups and environmental activists. Victoria Park, also known as Barrambin, holds deep cultural significance for First Nations people.
Historian Ray Kerkhove highlighted the park’s heritage, stating it was a town camp for Indigenous people in the 19th and 20th centuries.
“There’s this long history of Aboriginal people having that place as a special place,” Kerkhove said.
Indigenous elders and advocacy groups have indicated potential legal challenges. The Save Victoria Park group has engaged lawyers to oppose the project.
New National Aquatic Centre Confirmed
The government also announced a 25,000-seat National Aquatic Centre at Victoria Park. The facility will become a permanent home for Olympic and Paralympic aquatic sports.
“The centre will see a number of Olympic and Paralympic sports move their headquarters up to Brisbane permanently,” Crisafulli said.
Diving, artistic swimming, water polo, and Swimming Australia have backed the plan. The government claims it will be the most advanced aquatic facility in the world.
Gabba’s Future Decided
The historic Gabba stadium will not be redeveloped for the Olympics. Instead, it will transition into an entertainment precinct with housing.
The government confirmed the Gabba will remain operational until after the 2032 Games.
“The Australian cricket team winning gold would be a fitting farewell to the Gabba,” Crisafulli said.
Figure 2: Gabba will transition into an entertainment precinct with housing for the 2032 Olympics
Statewide Olympic Venues Announced
The Queensland Government has confirmed a broader regional focus for the Games. Events will take place across multiple cities.
- Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast will host events, with two new arenas planned for Olympic basketball.
- Moreton Bay and Logan will see new indoor sports centres.
- Maryborough will host archery.
- Rockhampton will stage rowing on the Fitzroy River.
- Mackay will hold Olympic cricket matches.
- Toowoomba will be the venue for equestrian events.
- Redlands will see the construction of a whitewater centre.
- Gold Coast will host triathlon and hockey.
- Townsville and the Whitsundays will be the location for sailing competitions.
- Townsville will also host football matches.
The government has positioned these regional venues as a long-term sports development strategy.
Surprise Addition: Brisbane Showgrounds Stadium
A new 20,000-seat stadium will be built at the Brisbane Showgrounds. The decision was not previously reported but forms part of the broader Games infrastructure plan.
The athletes’ village will be relocated to the Brisbane Showgrounds area. The government expects this will streamline operations and reduce costs.
Brisbane Tennis Centre Expansion
The Brisbane Tennis Centre will receive major queensland upgrades. The redevelopment includes:
- A 3,000-seat court adjacent to Pat Rafter Arena.
- 12 new show courts for international tournaments.
Reports had suggested Melbourne Park could host queensland Olympic tennis, but Brisbane will now keep the event.
Figure 3: A 3000 seat court announced adjacent to Pat Rafter Arena
Political Fallout Over Stadium Reversal
The stadium decision marks a significant policy shift for the Crisafulli-led LNP Government. During the election campaign, Crisafulli had promised no new stadiums would be built.
Former Premier Steven Miles criticised the decision.
“David Crisafulli promised there would be no new stadiums,” Miles posted on social media.
“David Crisafulli has been a long-time opponent of a new queensland stadium. He promised he would not build one. But it seems that was just a lie.”
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The announcement is expected to draw further political scrutiny. The government has justified its reversal by citing two expert reviews recommending the stadium.
Protests and Legal Challenges Expected
Opposition to the Victoria Park stadium continues to grow. Legal experts are preparing challenges based on Indigenous heritage protections.
Former Queensland Premier Campbell Newman criticised the stadium decision.
“One minute they’re saying it’s only going to take up x-percent of the park. The next minute, within a few breaths, they’re talking about putting the swimming in there as well,” Newman said.
Environmental and community groups argue the plan will reduce green space and impact the park’s historical significance.
Queensland’s Largest Olympic Investment
The 2032 Olympic Games infrastructure budget queensland remains at $7.1 billion. The government has justified its spending by focusing on long-term legacy projects.
Queensland will see its largest-ever investment in sports facilities, with multiple projects intended to serve future generations.
With seven years to go, the focus now shifts to construction timelines, legal challenges, and public response.
