Brisbane's Olympic Countdown: The Race to 2032 Infrastructure Begins

With Brisbane on the clock for the 2032 Olympics, the pressure is mounting for whoever wins Queensland’s upcoming election. In 2021, Brisbane became the host city with the longest lead time to prepare for the Games, but three years later, critics argue that the Queensland government may have squandered much of this head start.

In March, Premier Steven Miles finally unveiled a highly anticipated infrastructure plan for the Olympics and Paralympics, nearly 1,000 days after Brisbane was awarded the Games. Now, as the October 26 election approaches, there’s a chance that the entire plan may be revised from the ground up.

Liberal National Party (LNP) leader David Crisafulli, a frontrunner in the polls, has pledged a 100-day review of the current 2032 Olympic infrastructure plan if elected, criticizing Labor’s decision to host track and field at the aging Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC). Crisafulli’s review could delay the planning process, putting Brisbane on a tighter timeline to finalize a new Olympic blueprint.

University of Queensland’s Associate Professor Judith Mair points out that while time is technically on Brisbane’s side, it won’t be for much longer. “We’re nearing the end of the period where major changes can be made,” she says. “Decisions need to happen soon if the Games are going to be a success.”

The Miles government has faced backlash for choosing to refurbish existing facilities rather than constructing a new $3.4 billion stadium in Victoria Park. Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace defended this decision, arguing that a new stadium wouldn’t fit within the $7.1 billion Olympic budget. The government has committed to working within the International Olympic Committee’s “new norm,” which emphasizes using existing venues to create more affordable, sustainable Games. Nevertheless, critics have questioned plans to update venues like the Gabba and Suncorp Stadium, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies.

An independent review advised that upgrading QSAC would require $1.6 billion but deemed it difficult to justify, especially with substantial transport issues. Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner estimates an additional $500 million may be needed to improve transport links to the venue, which is located 20 kilometers from the Olympic Village. The current plan would bring QSAC’s seating to 40,000, making it the smallest Olympic track and field stadium since the 1928 Games.

The only confirmed new venue for 2032 is the $2.5 billion Brisbane Arena, which will host swimming events thanks to federal funding. The LNP has criticized the QSAC upgrade, saying locals are “embarrassed” by the idea. Crisafulli, however, has yet to clarify his alternative approach, committing only to the 100-day review.

LNP sport spokesman Tim Mander has hinted at the possibility of building a new venue, but Crisafulli has suggested that a Gabba upgrade or rebuild could also be part of his plan.

Initially, the Miles government planned to demolish and rebuild the Gabba at a cost of $2.7 billion. However, in the face of rising costs of living, they scrapped this plan in favor of refurbishments. Curtin University’s Professor Kirsten Holmes believes that refurbishing existing infrastructure aligns with the IOC’s sustainable approach. “The current proposal to upgrade is in line with the IOC’s ‘new norm,’ which emphasizes cost-effective and sustainable Games,” she explains.

Meanwhile, significant transport improvements are also on the agenda. The Brisbane Metro bus service will expand, with 22 new stations proposed as part of a joint initiative by southeast mayors and the state government. Additionally, a direct rail line is being developed to connect Brisbane with the Sunshine Coast, which will host several Olympic events. The first phase of the project, however, is expected to reach only as far as Caloundra by 2032.

As the Queensland election draws near, Brisbane’s Olympic future is at a pivotal point. Whether it’s Labor’s vision of revitalized infrastructure or the LNP’s promise of a fresh review, the race is on to ensure the city is ready to shine on the global stage in 2032.