After nearly four years of political debate and planning, the Queensland government is set to announce its venue plans for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on Tuesday. Significant information about the plans has already been uncovered by Tim Arvier, 9News Queensland’s political editor, revealing a mix of accepted and rejected recommendations from a recent review led by Premier David Crisafulli.
Key aspects of the venues blueprint include the construction of a new 60,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park, which will host athletics events, including those featuring star athlete Gout Gout, as well as matches for the Brisbane Lions and international cricket. The iconic Gabba is anticipated to be demolished after the Games conclude.
Former Australian sprinter John Steffensen has expressed hopes for the new stadium to feature a permanent athletics track, enabling future generations to engage in the sport long after the Olympics end. He advocates for athletics to be recognised as a foundational sport in Australia, contributing to a wide range of other sports.
Swimming events are slated to be held at a new national aquatic centre, backed by a funding request for $650 million, which aims to replace an earlier plan for a drop-in pool at the now-scrapped Brisbane Live Arena. The fate of previously allocated federal funding of $2.5 billion remains uncertain.
In a somewhat controversial decision, rowing events are set to take place on the crocodile-populated Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, a choice described by commentators as adding an unexpected twist to the Games’ planning. Originally, Lake Wyaralong was proposed as the venue for rowing.
Tennis is another sport facing venue challenges, with Tennis Australia advocating for significant upgrades to Pat Rafter Arena for it to host Olympic matches. However, the federal government suggests that the events be relocated to Melbourne Park.
The athletes’ village will be established at the Brisbane Showgrounds, accommodating over 10,000 athletes and team officials during the Olympics, and more than 5,000 for the Paralympics.
The overall venue plan for Brisbane 2032 is eagerly anticipated, with many questions remaining about the final decisions and their long-term implications for the Queensland sporting landscape.