The condition of Queensland’s stadiums is raising concerns as preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics continue. With just days until the announcement of the Olympic venue plan, 9News has revealed an alarming inventory of maintenance issues affecting venues in Brisbane. Problems such as leaking roofs, termite infestations, and dilapidated seating are among the 126 reported defects at the Boondall Entertainment Centre, which is one of the city’s oldest venues and needs significant attention.
Further scrutiny shows the Sleeman Complex in Chandler has over 220 defects, including an aging roof and the need for refurbishing 1,400 seats. Brisbane’s Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC), earmarked as a key location for the athletics events, faces more than 300 reported issues, such as corrosion and thousands of missing or rusted screws in the stands, alongside a termite problem in a food outlet.
Suncorp Stadium, another vital site for the games, has identified 180 defects, prominently featuring corroded handrails and leaks throughout the structure, while the Gabba has 312 documented concerns, with some critical components nearing the end of their usable life by 2030.
Despite these extensive flaws, the reports indicate there are no immediate safety hazards associated with the structures. Queensland Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander, acknowledged the challenges Stadiums Queensland faces in addressing the backlog of maintenance needs due to years of under-investment, stating that $25 million has been allocated this financial year for nearly 5,000 repair tasks.
Stadiums Queensland expressed its commitment to maintaining high standards for its venues, although this is often governed by available resources and budgeting constraints. As the Brisbane 2032 Olympics approach, these conditions underline a pressing need for infrastructure upgrades to meet the demands of such a significant international event.