The Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games has been embroiled in controversy this week, as the Queensland government’s infrastructure plans have drawn criticism from various stakeholders. Despite denials from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the state government, concerns over the Games’ prospects are mounting.
Premier Steven Miles and his team have been under fire for ignoring key findings from a 60-day Brisbane 2032 infrastructure review. The decision to use the 49-year-old Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) as the main track and field venue, instead of building a new $3.4 billion stadium at Victoria Park, has sparked outrage.
Former world champion swimmer Cate Campbell has led the chorus of disapproval, fearing that the QSAC upgrade would displace athletes who train there, disrupting their preparation and potentially costing Australia Olympic medals. Federal Sport Minister Anika Wells echoed these concerns, stating that complaints about the plan had “echoed across the state.”
The infrastructure review itself warned that the QSAC would require a $1.6 billion makeover, which would be “very hard to justify” and not represent value for money as a legacy project. Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner claimed that an additional $500 million might be needed to address transport issues associated with the venue, which is located 20km from the Olympic village.
Conservationists have also raised concerns about the potential impact on the nearby Toohey Forest koala habitat if significant bushland is cleared for the QSAC revamp. Furthermore, the upgraded 40,000-seat capacity would be the smallest Olympic track and field stadium since the 1928 Amsterdam Games, potentially limiting public attendance at major finals.
Despite the controversy, the IOC appears to be backing the Queensland government’s plans, with Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi emphasizing the importance of legacy and community choice over venue size. Premier Miles maintains that the Games will be delivered using existing venues and the new $2.5 billion Brisbane Arena, funded by the federal government.
However, critics accuse the premier of playing politics ahead of the October election, claiming that the venue and transport revamp will push the QSAC price tag past $2 billion, in addition to the $1 billion set aside for Gabba-Suncorp Stadium improvements. As an independent authority is set to be introduced mid-year to oversee venue delivery, the state government will be hoping to quell the growing unease surrounding the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
