The agreement comes after the state government announced a new infrastructure plan for the Olympics in March, which included a new-build stadium in Victoria Park in Brisbane’s inner city.
The new venue plan – following the election of the Liberal National Party to government late last year – did not include an arena in Brisbane, which was a signature project that the federal government had already committed to fund.
On Thursday last week the federal government confirmed it had “refined and reallocated” its $3.435 billion contribution to infrastructure for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics.
The federal investment will now go towards all 17 venues that are set to be either built or upgraded for the Olympics, including the stadium at Victoria Park which will host the opening and closing ceremonies and the athletics program.
“The Australian Government’s commitment of $3.4 billion towards the Games venues is the single largest contribution any Australian Government has made towards sporting infrastructure in this country,” said Australia’s infrastructure minister, Catherine King.
“The Sydney 2000 Games left an incredible legacy and many Australians have memories that have lasted for decades, and will last for decades more. We are ready to deliver a Brisbane 2032 Games that will leave the same incredible legacy for Queensland.
“The world’s biggest sporting event is coming to Brisbane, and this investment and renewed agreement shows the Australian and Queensland Government’s commitment to making it one of the best Games ever.”
Work has already begun at the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) on delivering the Olympic venues plan.
The procurement process for four minor venues in regional Queensland began last week and site investigations will begin shortly for two major new venues in Brisbane – the Victoria Park stadium and the new National Aquatic Centre in Spring Hill.
“Since the 2032 Delivery Plan release, GIICA has made great strides across all 17 Authority venues,” said GIICA chair Stephen Conry.
“The planning is well-advanced, bolstered by invaluable technical inputs and expertise from various specialists during the 100 Day Review.
“We are pleased at the certainty the $7.1 billion for Authority venues has brought to this program and to the legacy for Queensland.
“These procurement milestones mark the beginning of a transformation that will define Brisbane’s global identity. We’re not starting from scratch – we’re building on years of planning and community input.
“Together with our Games Delivery Partners across Queensland, federal and local governments, Brisbane 2032, the AOC and Paralympics Australia, we are poised to make remarkable strides and create lasting impact for Queenslanders.”
