Brisbane 2032 Games: 20-year blueprint tackles traffic woes

The state government releases a 20-year blueprint on Friday that will address South East Queensland transport infrastructure for the 2032 Games and beyond.

A commitment to fixing South East Queensland’s groaning transport infrastructure for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond has been hailed as a major win for the region’s mayors.

A 20-year blueprint, Elevate 2042, will be released by the state government on Friday after more than 14,000 community submissions and input from 500 stakeholders.

The Games legacy plan focuses on connecting people and places as well as sport, health, inclusion, the environment and economy.

Brisbane Lord Mayor and Council of Mayors (SEQ) chair Adrian Schrinner said he was excited to see a focus on transport an integral part of the legacy plan.

“Transforming South East Queensland through enhanced transport connectivity was always the driving force behind our region’s ambition to become an Olympic and Paralympic host city and region,” he said.

“We’re excited to see a commitment by all Games partners to a collaborative Brisbane 2032 mobility and transport strategy for South East Queensland, that will ensure key improvements to the region’s transport system and operations are prioritised, integrated and delivered in time for the Games.

“SEQ is growing quickly so more convenient, faster and accessible travel choices will help to keep our region and its growing communities moving before, during and after the Games.”

His sentiments were echoed by Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson.

Other highlights to be unveiled in the strategy include a renewed commitment to build the Paralympic Centre of Excellence, the transformation of the athletes’ village into a housing project, the reignition of the state’s network of volunteers, and planning for a First Nations cultural centre.

The 20-year blueprint was lauded by the International Olympic and Paralympic committees as a never-before-seen framework for a host city, which would see the benefits echo for years to come.

IOC president Thomas Bach said the Brisbane 2032 Games would not only be a Games in Australia and for Australia, but for the whole Pacific region.

“With a vision to deliver an Olympic legacy that will begin already a decade before the Olympic Games, and that will last long after, Brisbane 2032 is set to help address the needs of the growing Queensland population, and beyond,” he said.

Premier and Olympics Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk welcomed the plan, and said hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games had never been about a few weeks of spectacle.

“It is about making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide lasting benefits for our communities,” she said.

“We want 2032 to be the starting line – not the finish – for new investment, new industries, new opportunities, and a new golden era for Queensland.

“Just as South Bank has been the lasting legacy of Expo 88, this report details what the community wants the 2032 Games to achieve.”