The political disputes surrounding Brisbane’s preparations for the 2032 Olympics have led the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to postpone the announcement of the initial sports programme by a year, now scheduled for 2026 instead of the usual seven-year pre-Games timeline. This decision came during a recent IOC meeting in Greece and was described as a measure to allow the Brisbane organisers extra time to solidify their venue and infrastructure plans.
On March 25, the Queensland government will reveal the results of a comprehensive review concerning sports venues and infrastructure, which is anticipated to clarify the future of several proposed projects. This includes the controversial $3.4 billion stadium at Victoria Park and a $650 million aquatic centre advocated by national aquatic bodies. The review will also determine whether Pat Rafter Arena will undergo a $113 million upgrade or if Tennis Australia’s requests will lead to tennis being conducted at Melbourne Park instead.
The review was ordered by Premier David Crisafulli and follows an earlier assessment initiated by his predecessor, Steven Miles, who had enlisted former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk to provide recommendations. Quirk’s proposal for a new $3.4 billion stadium was met with resistance from Miles, especially in light of rising living costs faced by Queenslanders. Miles opted instead for a budget of $1.6 million to enhance the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, a venue linked to the 1982 Commonwealth Games. His decision was met with public scrutiny and contrasted with a previous plan by Annastacia Palaszczuk, who advocated for a $1 billion redevelopment of the Gabba.
As the Brisbane 2032 organisers anticipate upcoming IOC discussions regarding the inclusion of new sports, Surf Life Saving Australia’s president, John Baker, indicated that the decision on their bid might not be finalised until 2028. The outcome of the March review is seen as pivotal for Brisbane’s ambitions to host a successful Olympics, as it directly affects critical infrastructure and funding allocations ahead of the Games.