February 22, 2023 | By Bronwen Largier
While the Gabba and the new Brisbane Arena dominated the headlines last week for their collective $5.2 billion investment by the state and federal governments, there are nine other venues that will benefit from significant upgrades and five new builds slated ahead of the 2032 Olympics, with nearly $1.87 billion to be invested.
Brisbane venues earmarked for upgrades include the Brisbane Aquatic Centre and precinct, the Brisbane International Shooting Centre, Queensland Tennis Centre and the Anna Meares Velodrome and BMX Track. On the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast Stadium and Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre will be upgraded, while Barlow Park in Cairns, Toowoomba Sports Ground and the Wyaralong Flatwater Centre and precinct inland of the Gold Coast will also be upgraded.
New venues include the Breakfast Creek Indoor Sports Centre and the Chandler Indoor Sports Centre in Brisbane, Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, Redlands Whitewater Centre and the Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre.
State and federal government funds will also be spent on a temporary international broadcast centre.
While the federal government will spend $2.5 billion on the new “Brisbane Live” Brisbane Arena and the state government has committed to a $2.7 billion knockdown and rebuild of Brisbane’s football stadium, The Gabba, the roughly $1.87 billion of other infrastructure funding is being split 50-50 between the Queensland and Australian governments.
After concern over where infrastructure funding for Brisbane’s 2023 Olympics would come from in 2022, particularly following the installation of the Labour Government after the May election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cleared the air and signalled his support for Brisbane 2032 on Friday.
“When there was a change of government, it was very clear that there hadn’t been any money actually allocated in the budget for federal infrastructure support for the Games here in Queensland,” said Albanese.
“And it’s quite clear that we needed to step up and do our part, not just to create the best Games, but also to leave a lasting legacy for Queenslanders and for all who visit this great state of Queensland.
“And that’s why I’m so excited by this. I know as a Sydneysider the difference that a Games can make.
“And here in Queensland, this will consolidate this great city as a global city, as a global powerhouse. But it benefits not just Brisbane as well. It will benefit the whole state of Queensland, but it will also benefit our national economy.”
At a state level, the government also has high hopes for the legacy of the Olympics.
“The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will change Brisbane the way Expo 88 did,” said Queensland’s deputy premier Steven Miles.
