Brisbane 2032 Games: Mark Stockwell calls for permanent aquatic centre
Plans for a drop-in pool for the Brisbane 2032 Games must be dumped in favour of a permanent facility, says Olympian turned property developer Mark Stockwell.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A world-class stand-alone aquatic centre must be a Brisbane 2032 Games legacy centrepiece, and plans for a drop-in pool to host the swimming should be dumped, according to decorated Olympian and property developer Mark Stockwell.
The three-time Games medallist was involved in the early planning of the city’s bid and said a stand-alone centre – as opposed to a new Brisbane Live arena hosting temporary pools – must be considered to deliver lasting community benefits.
“When the opportunity arose to win the Olympics and Paralympics for Brisbane there was a general feeling of ‘let’s win the rights to host the Games and then we will come back and review the plan in all its detail’,” he said.
“This has not happened, and in talking to most presidents of Olympic and Paralympic sports the direct consultation never took place.
“There has been no indication that the construction of a permanent aquatic facility has ever genuinely been considered by the government as an alternative venue to Brisbane Live arena – until now.”
Mr Stockwell said it was time to build the world’s best aquatic centre for the city and the region.
“This new aquatic centre facility and an upgraded Chandler aquatic facility can be used by swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming and Snow Australia,” he said.
“Swimming is a sport for life. It is Australia’s largest participation sport.
“Brisbane deserves a world-leading aquatic centre.”
Swimming Australia presented to former lord mayor Graham Quirk’s 60-day review into Games venues last month, pushing for a new permanent facility to be built.
Olympic swimming champion and chair of Swimming Australia’s BNE32 legacy advisory committee Grant Hackett said: “Throughout our consultation phase we heard confusion and disappointment from the swimming community and other stakeholders that Brisbane 2032 would not deliver a venue legacy outcome for swimming.
“There is no doubt that a permanent venue would inspire future generations of swimmers and bring the community closer to the Games.”
Stakeholders have also raised concerns that the cost of installing temporary facilities at Brisbane Arena would be significant – without any lasting benefit – with Mr Stockwell arguing for the location of a new arena to be moved from Roma St to a ground-level location near the CBD.
“We should upgrade the Gabba for football at the Olympics, then for AFL and cricket, and link it to the Cross River Rail station,” he said.
“A new stadium located in the right position will mean we will have two stadiums for half the price of what the Gabba stadium was going to cost.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Brisbane 2032 Games: Mark Stockwell calls for permanent aquatic centre
Join the conversation
50 a day: Worst places in Qld for attacks on health workers
Queensland health workers are being subjected to 50 acts of physical, verbal or online abuse a day, with violent incidents increasing in nearly every region across the state.
Read more
Katter’s grenade was no accident. This is a huge moment
Robbie Katter’s backflip on abortion laws was a calculated move from a cunning politician. Make no mistake, it is a huge moment in this election, writes state political editor Hayden Johnson.
Read more