QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT REVEALS CONTROVERSIAL VENUE PLANS FOR 2032 OLYMPICS

Running on a campaign promise of no new stadiums to be built for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, Premier David Crisafulli this week launched the Queensland government's path to the 2032 Olympics, which controversially includes the building of a stadium at Victoria Park, land that is sacred in Indigenous culture.

The state’s plan, titled “Delivering 2032 and Beyond” has been formed in response to the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority’s (GIICA’s) 100-Day Review, which was delivered to the government on 8 March 2025.

“Finally, Queensland has a plan,” Crisafulli noted at a press conference. “The time has come to just get on with it and get on with it we will.”

The Premier framed the decision as a matter of legacy and necessity, arguing that expert advice ruled out a timely Gabba redevelopment, which had been part of Brisbane’s original Olympic bid. Instead, he said, the government faced a critical choice to either invest in a lasting home for AFL and cricket or spend billions on temporary infrastructure that would leave no enduring benefit. Crisafulli defended the broken promise, insisting the move put the long-term interests of Queenslanders above political expediency. 

Proposed Aquatic Centre

“So, it came down to a choice,” he says. “Between the embarrassment of hosting the Games at QSAC or a new stadium at Victoria Park.”

The multi-sport arena will host the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the athletics. The plans will see the new stadium become Brisbane's home for cricket, with the historic Gabba stadium to be demolished following the Games to make way for residential developments.

Speaking to BBC World Service, ABC reporter Arianna Levy said the plans to build a stadium in Victoria Park are controversial because the site holds "cultural significance" to Aboriginal people.

"The main stadium in Victoria Park, which will host 63,000 seats, it's one of the few green sites across Brisbane and it holds cultural significance to the Indigenous people of Brisbane, the Turrbal people. They call the place the Barrambin.

"It was a native camping ground and food-gathering place. It had First Nations people from across Queensland gather all over the place for corroboree, which is the traditional dance for First Nations people.

"There were protests today. There were communities that were against the development of the park to turn it into a stadium. We do imagine in the days to come there will be fallout from community groups and stakeholders that feel like this plan is not the best plan going forward."

In addition to the Victoria Park stadium, several other venues were announced.

A new national aquatic centre with a Games capacity of 25,000 and multiple pools will be built at the Centenary Pool at Spring Hill. The aquatic centre will feature main and secondary stadiums, each with large indoor pools to support elite training and competition. It will have a capacity of more than 25,000 during the Games and 8,000 after they end.

The Brisbane Showgrounds will host the athletes village and an upgraded 20,000-seat arena will host key events.

Proposed Brisbane Showgrounds Arena

A new 3,000-seat show court arena and 12 match courts will be built at the Queensland Tennis Centre, in addition to Pat Rafter Arena, ensuring the tournament will not be shifted to Melbourne.

Beyond Brisbane

The rowing will be held in Queensland's Fitzroy River, which is known to host saltwater crocodiles but the government says the waters are safe. "If it's good enough for central Queensland kids, I reckon it's good enough for Pierre from Paris," said Crisafulli. Townsville and the Whitsundays will co-host sailing.

The Gold Coast will be home to an athletes village at Royal Pines, and will receive a new arena and upgrades to the city's hockey centre. New indoor sport centres will be built at Logan and Moreton Bay, alongside a new whitewater rafting centre in the Redlands. An equestrian centre of excellence will be built at the Toowoomba showgrounds, while Maryborough will host archery. 

Proposed Logan Sports Centre

An athletes village will also be built at Maroochydore, where there will also be a new arena and cultural precinct. Football and basketball will be played in Cairns. Barlow Park stadium will be upgraded with a new grandstand to increase its capacity to 5,000. 

Plans for Infrastructure

In addition to venues for the events, the government has promised to deliver an improved transport network.

It will include new rail lines and stations, northern and eastern Brisbane bus corridors, upgrades to the Pacific Motorway, and faster rail from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.

A rail line running from Beerwah to Birtinya, called The Wave, will link with metro services which will run from the Sunshine Coast Airport to Maroochydore.

The government has announced upgrades to the Bruce Highway, including the Tiaro Bypass, Rockhampton Ring Road and Goorganga Plains, and the Cairns Western Arterial Road, between Redlynch Connector Road and the Captain Cook Highway.

“The people of Queensland rightly expect that this once-in-a-generation investment will deliver infrastructure that stands the test of time,” says Caroline Stalker, President of the Australian Institute of Architects, Queensland Chapter. “This is about more than sport - it’s about creating places that will enrich communities for decades to come.”

The Chapter urged the Government to embed four fundamental principles in the planning and execution of Olympic venues:

• The venues must be conceived with enduring value in mind, serving community needs long after the Games conclude. Adaptable design, sustainable materials and built-in flexibility must form the foundation of every project.
• Navigation to and around venues should be effortless, safe and welcoming. Integrated transport systems, walkable precincts and high-quality public spaces are essential to ensure accessibility and enjoyment for all.
• Considered design must focus on sightlines, acoustics and atmosphere to deliver unforgettable moments for athletes and audiences alike.
• Venue planning and construction must be sensitive to the needs of local residents and businesses.

The government has yet to reveal the individual costs of each venue, but insists it will be able to deliver the entire games within their existing $7.1bn budget. Crisafulli flagged that many projects will be delivered in a public-private partnership.