After much anticipation and a rollercoaster of developments, the Queensland Government announced on March 24, 2025, that the venue for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games will indeed be a new stadium at Victoria Park. Set to cost approximately $3.4 billion and accommodate 60,000 spectators, the stadium emerges as a centerpiece in the broader Olympic precinct, which is expected to include a National Aquatic Centre and an athletes' village located nearby at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
Former Queensland Premier Campbell Newman expressed concern over the lack of community consultation regarding this major development, stating, “I’ve seen more consultation putting swings in a local park, and I was a former mayor of Brisbane; we put more time and effort into consulting the community about those sorts of things and here, what we’re about to do is destroy a great park.” His views resonate with those of many community members who fear the impact on local green spaces.
This decision marks the third key location recently considered for the Olympic venue. Initially, the Gabba was proposed, known for its significant role in Australian sports, before shifting to the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre, which had hosted various Commonwealth Games events. However, both locations faced mounting backlash due to projected cost overruns and community opposition.
Queensland’s Premier David Crisafulli, who had repeatedly promised during the election campaign that he would not build a new stadium, has pivoted toward this announcement, which has generated a wave of mixed reactions. Olympic swimming legend Cate Campbell supported the move, stating, “As an athlete, I think it’s right. And as a spectator and as a Brisbane local, absolutely. This provides us an opportunity to showcase our city, to have an opening ceremony in the heart of our city.”
More than just a venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, the stadium's development is poised to ripple across Queensland, as additional events will be strategically spread throughout various regions. This response is a direct effort to quell discontent over the heavy concentration of Olympic events in the southeast of the state.
The Gold Coast is proposed as one of the vital sites, capitalizing on its existing infrastructure from the successful 2018 Commonwealth Games. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate remarked, “The more Gold Coast can help with the games, the less they have to spend, because we've got it all.” This sentiment reflects the broader drive to ensure that regional areas can participate actively in the Games.
However, challenges loom, as concerns arise about the infrastructure surrounding proposed venues. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been advocating for $2.5 billion to go to the Brisbane Live Arena instead of the new stadium at Victoria Park, complicating funding negotiations. Crisafulli noted the considerable negotiations surrounding these financial allocations, quipping, “Of course there's been some strong negotiations – two people of Italian descent you'd expect that, but there's nothing that can't be solved by a bit of common sense and a cannoli.”
The possibility of using the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton as a venue for rowing events has evoked mixed feelings due to the area's reputation for saltwater crocodiles. Rowing Australia’s Sarah Cook commented lightly on the situation, stating, “We think that might be a bit more concerning to our European counterparts.” Meanwhile, hockey executives express trepidation over temporary arrangements set for Ballymore, preferring a longstanding legacy option on the Gold Coast.
Basketball games may also be held across various venues, including a possible final at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. The possibility of splitting sailing events between the Whitsundays and Townsville further illustrates the government's attempts to engage more communities across Queensland.
As anticipation builds toward the 2032 Olympics, the selected venue at Victoria Park evokes excitement among local athletes. For example, Paris Olympian Caleb Law, along with track and field prospects like Amaya Mearns and Lachlan Kennedy, expressed their enthusiasm, mentioning that having the Olympics in their home city will be incredibly special. Mearns highlighted the significance of representing Australia in front of her home crowd, while Law emphasized the unique atmosphere that such a large event promises.
Over the years, various hiccups have tested the plans for the Brisbane Olympics. When Brisbane was officially announced as the preferred candidate city on February 25, 2021, there was an immediate acknowledgment of its potential compared to other international contenders. Initial plans following the announcement included a substantial redevelopment of the Gabba.
However, as public critique grew, plans adapted. A new review prompted Premier Steven Miles to embrace a new approach, which included reconsidering the proposed venues and engaging in more robust discussions with stakeholders. These proceedings have paved the way for today’s announcement, which is seen as both a resolution and a new beginning.
The Crisafulli government hopes today’s decisions about the Olympic stadium will mark a turning point, as it seeks to build not just a venue but a legacy. The premier underscored that Queensland has been ready for the Games, stating that most infrastructure is already in place to complement this significant global event.
As the countdown to the Olympics begins, what lies ahead for Queensland's ambitious Olympic project remains to be seen. The commitment to community involvement, the balancing act between regional demands and the need for international prestige, together with the promise of a remarkable celebration of sport, sets the stage for excitement both locally and around the world.
