The 2032 Brisbane Olympics are poised to be a transformative event, not just for the city of Brisbane, but for the entire state of Queensland. With a decade to go before the Games, a plethora of development and infrastructure projects are already underway, setting the stage for a significant economic, social, and environmental impact.
Infrastructure and Venue Development
A key aspect of the preparations involves the development of new sports venues and the redevelopment of existing ones. The $1-billion redevelopment of the cricket stadium in Woolloongabba is a highlight, as it will serve as the main stadium, hosting the opening and closing ceremonies as well as athletics. Other new venues include the 17,000-capacity Brisbane Arena for swimming and water polo, and the Brisbane Indoor Sports Centre for basketball, which will be built between 2026 and 2028.
The Queensland and federal governments have established a joint Olympic Infrastructure Agency to oversee these projects, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the Games. This includes the construction of a new 10,000-capacity Chandler Indoor Sports Centre to replace the existing Chandler Arena for gymnastics.
Regional Impact and Community Engagement
The 2032 Games are designed to benefit the entire state of Queensland, with three compact connected venue hubs in Greater Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. These hubs will host all 28 Olympic program sports and provide 38 of the Games venues, ensuring optimal competition conditions and attractive transport services for athletes. Regional locations such as Toowoomba, Townsville, and Cairns will also host events like football preliminaries, extending the Games' footprint across the state.
Community engagement is a crucial component of the Games' strategy. Drawing lessons from the Paris 2024 Olympics, Brisbane aims to create a vibrant celebration of sport and culture, leveraging its natural environment and the warmth of its people. This includes integrating local businesses and communities into the Games experience through fan activations and community events along the Brisbane River and other prime locations.
Legacy and Sustainability
The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are founded on a clear vision to deliver a sustainable and resilient event. The 'Elevate 2042' legacy strategy focuses on enduring social, cultural, economic, connectivity, and environmental changes. This strategy is guided by the IOCs Olympic Agenda 2020 and the Olympic Agenda 2020+5 policies, ensuring that the Games act as a model for future sustainable events. The legacy plan includes enhancing community sport and health programs, promoting tourism, and fostering global and local connectivity.
The Games will also leave a lasting legacy in terms of infrastructure and community facilities. For example, the athletes' villages could be repurposed after the Games into mixed-use developments including aged care, retirement living, social and affordable housing, and other residential options. Additionally, new public plazas and cycling and pedestrian paths will be developed, contributing to the long-term livability and vitality of Queensland.
