New Victoria Park Stadium To Be Built For Brisbane 2032 Olympics

Throughout the consideration period, the Save Victoria Park group has been opposed to construction in Victoria Park and now plans to take legal action. They argue the project will destroy valuable green space and the heritage-listed site is significant for First Nations communities.

Despite the controversy, the plans have broadly been backed by Australia’s sporting authorities, with Ian Chesterman of the Australian Olympic Committee saying, “The Queensland government’s response is a very positive step towards delivering a successful Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Meanwhile, the former speculation that historic 42,000 seat Gabba stadium would be refurbished has been abandoned. It will instead be demolished and replaced by a residential development. The has been welcomed by current tenants the AFL, Cricket Australia, Brisbane Lions and Queensland Cricket, who see the new venue as an opportunity to best serve their fans, as the Lions are close to topping 70,000 members.

The newly-revealed 2032 Olympics plan is the most comprehensive one so far, and a number of venues and sporting events — although the official sports selection has been delayed until next year — have been confirmed. Here’s what we know so far:

New Stadium in Victoria Park — Athletics

The lede of the government’s announcement is the construction of a new 63,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park on the north side of the Brisbane CBD, which is set to become a home for the AFL and Cricket post-Olympics.

New National Aquatic Centre in Spring Hill — Swimming, artistic swimming, diving, water polo

The existing Centenary Pool in Spring Hill will be complemented by a new main and secondary stadium featuring two large indoor pools to support elite training and competition. The $650 million centre will also become a national base for water sports and is expected to temporarily hold 25,000 spectators for the 2032 Games, going down to 8,000 seats afterwards.

Queensland Tennis Centre in Tennyson — Tennis

The existing tennis centre at Tennyson will receive a major upgrade, including a 3,000-seat arena and 12 new courts.

RNA Showgrounds — Athlete’s Village

Although no sporting events have been confirmed yet, The Brisbane Showgrounds will receive an upgrade to increase their capacity to 20,000 people, and they will also host the athletes — more than 10,000 athletes and team officials for the Olympics and more than 5,000 for the Paralympics.

Redland Whitewater Centre — Paddle sports

The future Birkdale Community Precinct will boast a new whitewater rafting centre for the Olympics, where the canoe and kayak slalom will be held.

New Logan Indoor Sports Centre

The sporting events are yet to be confirmed, but Logan will be the home of a new multi-sport indoor venue.

New Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre

Similarly, although the events are TBD, Petrie will also receive a new multi-sport indoor venue.

Anna Meares Velodrome, Brisbane BMX Centre — Track cycling, BMX

Chandler Sports Precinct, which houses both venues, will only need minor touch-ups for the Games.

Sunshine Coast Stadium

The Sunshine Coast stadium, housed in the Kawana Sports Precinct will be upgraded from 1,000 seats to over 10,000, with the sporting events yet to be confirmed.

Toowoomba Showgrounds — Equestrian

Toowoomba Showgrounds will be upgraded in order to be the Games’ equestrian events venue.

Brisbane International Shooting Centre — Shooting

This indoor range will only need minor upgrades to enable temporary seating for up to 2,000 spectators, as it is already up to international standads.

Gold Coast Hockey Centre — Hockey

The existing centre will be getting a major upgrade so it can host Olympic hockey games.

New Gold Coast Stadium

The Gold Coast will be getting its own brand new venue, along with an athlete’s village built at Royal Pines.

Para-sport Facility — Various sports

Chandler Sports Precinct will be upgraded to a hub for para-sports during the Paralympic Games and a leading training facility beyond 2032.

Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre in Parklands Conservation Park

With sports to be determined, the existing Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre will be receiving an Olympics update, and another athlete’s village will also be built in Maroochydore.

Barlow Park Stadium in Cairns — Football, basketball, cricket (if selected as an Olympic sport)

With a new 5,000-seater grandstand, Barlow Park Stadium will go through a major upgrade and has been selected to host football, basketball, and possibly cricket during the Games.

North Queensland Stadium in Townsville — Football

North Queensland Stadium in Townsville will remain as is, and is ready to play host to football matches during the Olympics.

Harrup Park — Cricket (if selected as an Olympic sport)

Harrup Park in Mackay will be upgraded to serve as host for cricket games, should it be selected as an Olympic sport by the IOC.

Other confirmed sports and locations

• Sailing will be held in Townsville and the Whitsundays.
• Archery will be held in Maryborough.
• The triathlon will be held through the Gold Coast.
• Rowing and canoe sprint events will be held on Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River, though this is not without its detractors, as freshwater crocodiles are regularly spotted in the River. However, Rowing Australia boss Sarah Cook was more concerned about the current, and whether holding the event in a river rather than a lake or man-made body of water will meet international rowing regatta standards.

In closing out his statement, David Crisafully said, “Let me assure you that with this plan, we will be ready.

“When the eyes of the world turn to Queensland, let them see the great people that call this state home.

“Let them see that we’re not Paris, we’re not LA. This will be better and it will be the Queensland way.”

So, Queensland, are you ready for the spotlight?

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