Australia’s peak aquatic sports unite in proposal for legacy Brisbane Olympics aquatic centre

Ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Australia’s peak aquatic sports - Swimming Australia, Diving Australia, Water Polo Australia and Artistic Swimming Australia - have united to submit a proposal to build a National Aquatics Centre at Victoria Park in Brisbane as a legacy venue.

The proposal has been delivered to the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) as part of the Queensland Government’s 100 Day Review into the Brisbane Games.

The submission, which is backed by the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia and World Aquatics, would see Centenary Pool upgraded and complemented by a new main and secondary stadium featuring two large indoor pools that would act as a national base to host the four peak aquatic sports.

Additionally, the National Aquatics Centre (NAC) would be a community hub providing grassroot access for year-round use, from hosting school carnivals and learn-to-swim classes through to major event capability such as world championships for the leading aquatic sports.

Swimming Australia Chief Executive Rob Woodhouse noted “hosting the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games brings with it unmissable opportunities to accelerate development across the state – we have needed an upgraded aquatic sport venue, not just for elite sport and competition but to service our diverse community in what is uniquely built into the Australian fabric – a love of water.  

“This proposal is because we don’t want to miss the opportunity to create a legacy with the Games in our backyard. It’s a facility that will bring together the community with learn-to-swim, educate people from all backgrounds on the skill of swimming, and will discover new talent.

“The National Aquatics Centre will provide a facility of national significance for all. A facility that is inclusive, that promotes a sense of belonging, that unites communities, teaches life skills and improves health and wellbeing for all of us.

"This is a generational opportunity to create an aquatics centre that brings the world’s best aquatic athletes and teams to Queensland to inspire us all, time and again for years and decades to come.”

Diving Australia Chief Executive Alex Newton advised “Diving Australia has been working collaboratively with all Australian Olympic aquatic sports to advocate for a National Aquatics Centre that can provide a real legacy for diving in Australia, including helping us prepare our Australian athletes to have the most successful Olympic campaign in 2032.

“Even without the Olympics, there are not enough diving facilities in Australia to support the ever-growing community of divers, from young participants wanting to give the sport a go through to growth among masters’ competitors.

“We want to have a facility that caters to the community, regardless of ability or background.

“The current diving facilities in Queensland unfortunately don’t meet the growing demand in our sport across pathways, junior development, and elite diving programs.  

 “The National Aquatics Centre could provide a once in a generation opportunity to bring together Australia’s aquatics sports into one facility, showcase to the community and indeed internationally the great opportunities that exist across all four sports.”

Water Polo Australia Chief Executive Tim Welsford shared "Water Polo Australia has long been an advocate for a National Aquatics Centre that we can call home to for Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers as well as pathways programs and educational programs.”

"We also want to see more aquatic facilities that can not only create greater opportunity for people to enjoy water polo but further support the community and provide benefits to people from all backgrounds, ages and abilities to enjoy the many health benefits that all aquatic sports offer.

"We are pleased to be working with all our Olympic aquatic sports to advocate for a National Aquatics Centre that will provide huge benefits for all sports during the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games as well as create an enduring venue that can support a healthier Australia and get more people active.

"The 2032 Olympics in Australia will inspire a nation to get active and healthy, and we want to have a showpiece venue that can further support that for the decades to come.”

Artistic Swimming Australia Chair Mark Sinderberry added “this is a chance to address the current challenges and future needs of the community by developing a much needed and permanent facility that is a facility for all. One that is accessible and inviting to all individuals of all ages and all backgrounds – and it is world class.”

“The NAC is a venue that will leave a true legacy not just in bricks and mortar but in the hearts and minds of the community – and all aquatic athletes.”

The aquatic sports also acknowledge the significant contribution to the submission to GIICA from property and infrastructure advisory firm Nauta and architecture firm Archipelago.

• The NAC has been developed with a permanent seating capacity of 8800 and up to 25,800 in 2032 Games mode with the addition of temporary seating infrastructure.

• In 2032, the main competition pool would have seating capacity of more than 19,000 – greater than the capacity of La Defense Arena used for the 2024 Paris Games.

• The NAC can host aquatic sports competition at the Brisbane 2032 Games but it is needed regardless of the Games to meet community need and to support the growth and development of aquatic sports in Queensland and Australia for the following decades.

• The NAC will unlock significant economic, health and social benefits for QLD over the decades beyond 2032. Economic health benefit: The national aquatic industry contributes $9.1 billion annually in combined economic, health and social benefits.

Image. Credit: Swimming Australia