Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has made a major election pledge reversal by unveiling a sweeping infrastructure overhaul for the 2032 Olympic Games, announcing that a new 60,000-seat stadium will be built at Victoria Park — a dramatic departure from his key election promise not to construct a new venue.

The $2.5 billion project, to be funded by the federal government will replaces the proposed Brisbane Arena, a 17,000-seat inner-city venue once slated to host Olympic swimming and large-scale concerts. That plan has now been cancelled, with the funds redirected to the new stadium and supporting transport infrastructure.

“Finally, Queensland has a plan,” Crisafulli noted at a press conference. “The time has come to just get on with it and get on with it we will.”

The Premier framed the decision as a matter of legacy and necessity, arguing that expert advice ruled out a timely Gabba redevelopment, which had been part of Brisbane’s original Olympic bid. Instead, he said, the government faced a stark choice: invest in a lasting home for AFL and cricket or spend billions on temporary infrastructure that would leave no enduring benefit.

“So, it came down to a choice,” he says. “Between the embarrassment of hosting the Games at QSAC or a new stadium at Victoria Park.”

Crisafulli defended the broken promise, insisting the move put the long-term interests of Queenslanders above political expediency.

Additional infrastructure announcements include a 25,000-seat aquatic centre at Centenary Pool, a refurbished 20,000-seat arena at the RNA Showgrounds, and a redeveloped tennis centre. An athlete’s village will also be located near the Showgrounds.

The government confirmed new rail and bus projects, with Olympic events to be spread across the state — from archery in Maryborough to rowing in the crocodile-inhabited Fitzroy River in Rockhampton. Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and the Whitsundays will also host competitions.

According to a Queensland state government press release, Greater Brisbane will benefit from other new and upgraded Games infrastructure, including:

New Brisbane Stadium to be delivered at Victoria Park.
New National Aquatic Centre to be delivered at the site of Centenary Pool in Spring Hill.
Expanded Queensland Tennis Centre to include a new permanent 3000-seat showcourt and 12 new match courts.
Transformed RNA Showgrounds with an upgraded Main Arena and Athlete Village, which will be converted to permanent housing after the Games.
Upgraded Chandler Sport Precinct to include a dedicated Para-sport Facility.
New Redland Whitewater Centre will be delivered within the future Birkdale Community Precinct.
Brisbane International Shooting Centre upgraded to increase capacity of the indoor range.
Logan and Moreton Indoor Sports Centres built to address the growing demand for indoor courts in some of the fastest growing areas of Queensland.

Source: From various media reports.

Image: https://brisbanedesignalliance.au/

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