Speculation mounts over Brisbane 2032 venues review panel recommendations

With the Queensland Government’s 100-day review into infrastructure for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics set to announce its delivery plan on Tuesday this week, media outlets have been speculating on its findings - reporting apparent leaks and last minute-lobbying for key projects and venues.

With the cabinet of Queensland Premier David Crisafulli set to reveal recommendations proposals from the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) as of 25th March, as of last Friday, Nine media indicated that the review would recommend the construction of a new 60,000 seat main Games stadium at the heritage listed Victoria Park adjacent to the Brisbane CBD.

Other reports have indicated that the planned Brisbane Arena/Live proposal, to be funded by the Federal Government, is to be rejected in favour of a new aquatic centre.

The review’s rejection of the proposal for a new indoor entertainment venue, which predates Brisbane’s bid to host the Games, come despite Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese being reported, as of Thursday, as reaffirming the Federal Government’s $2.5 billion funding commitment for the venue.

Equally, the backing of a new Victoria Park stadium - likely to cost more than redeveloping the Gabba - comes despite Premier Crisafulli having promised prior to being elected last year that he would not back the building of a new stadium for the Games.

Commenting on the latest developments, Australian Olympic Committee Chief Executive, Matt Carroll (who has previously spoken out against any rebuilding of Brisbane’s Gabba, told Sky News Australia “it’s obviously one of the options that have been around for a while and the (Queensland) Government wants to build a 60,000-seat stadium but mainly for cricket and AFL.

“The Olympics and the Paralympics will use it for just one month in July 2032 so we welcome it - but it’s got to be for the city. The IOC (International Olympic Committee) are very strong on that and I’m sure, I know (newly elected IOC President) Kirsty Coventry is certainly strong on that.

“You build these infrastructure stadiums for the city, for the future, not just for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The Queensland Government announced last month that it would unveil its Games Delivery Plan for Brisbane 2032 on March 25. The 100 Day Review Committee was launched on 29th November, with stakeholders, architects and others revealing their proposals to the public.

In the past week, key aquatic sport stakeholders and reiterated their calls for a new aquatic centre while Tennis Australia and Tennis Queensland have called for a major upgrade of the Queensland Tennis Centre.

Tomorrow will see Hockey Queensland and Hockey Australia have reinforce their call for their call to the GIICA for the Gold Coast Hockey Centre, the venue for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, as “the optimal venue choice for the 2032 Olympic Games”.

Hockey Queensland Chief Executive, Alison Lyons advised today “the Gold Coast Hockey Centre is the right choice as the 2032 venue.

“It’s a choice that meets all of the criteria set out in the Terms of Reference for the 100-day Review and aligns with hockey’s diligent, evidence-based analysis that has prioritised cost-effective, infrastructure-driven solutions - ensuring all facility investments made for the Games leave a meaningful legacy for Queensland.”

Seven years out from the Games, and four years after Brisbane secured the Olympics and Paralympics, an announcement in favour of a new stadium will be the third main stadium proposal for the event.

When submitted in 2021, the Queensland Government's bid to host the Games advised “in our plan, over 80% of venues are existing or temporary, reducing the Games' overall cost and environmental impacts.”

Images: Aerial rendering for a new Games aquatic centre and stadium in Brisbane's Victoria Park (top), Archipelago's concept for the new aquatic centre (middle) and the concept for an expanded Queensland Tennis Centre (below).