Queensland: Beautiful one day, with a new Olympic Stadium the next

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has  made a major election pledge reversal  by unveiling a sweeping infrastructure overhaul for the 2032 Olympic Games, announcing that a new 60,000-seat stadium will be built at Victoria Park — a dramatic departure from his key election promise not to construct a new venue.

The $2.5 billion project, to be funded by the federal government will replaces the proposed Brisbane Arena, a 17,000-seat inner-city venue once slated to host Olympic swimming and large-scale concerts. That plan has now been cancelled, with the funds redirected to the new stadium and supporting transport infrastructure.

“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 stark choice: invest in a lasting home for AFL and cricket or spend billions on temporary infrastructure that would leave no enduring benefit.

“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.”

Crisafulli defended the broken promise, insisting the move put the long-term interests of Queenslanders above political expediency.

Additional infrastructure announcements include a 25,000-seat aquatic centre at Centenary Pool, a refurbished 20,000-seat arena at the RNA Showgrounds, and a redeveloped tennis centre. An athlete’s village will also be located near the Showgrounds.

The government confirmed new rail and bus projects, with Olympic events to be spread across the state — from archery in Maryborough to rowing in the crocodile-inhabited Fitzroy River in Rockhampton. Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and the Whitsundays will also host competitions.

According to a Queensland state government press release, Greater Brisbane will benefit from other new and upgraded Games infrastructure, including:

• New Brisbane Stadium to be delivered at Victoria Park.
  New National Aquatic Centre to be delivered at the site of Centenary Pool in Spring Hill.
• Expanded Queensland Tennis Centre to include a new permanent 3000-seat showcourt and 12 new match courts.
• Transformed RNA Showgrounds with an upgraded Main Arena and Athlete Village, which will be converted to permanent housing after the Games.
• Upgraded Chandler Sport Precinct to include a dedicated Para-sport Facility.
  New Redland Whitewater Centre will be delivered within the future Birkdale Community Precinct.
• Brisbane International Shooting Centre upgraded to increase capacity of the indoor range.
• Logan and Moreton Indoor Sports Centres built to address the growing demand for indoor courts in some of the fastest growing areas of Queensland.
   

Source: From various media reports.

Image: https://brisbanedesignalliance.au/