Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Victoria Park federal funding complicated by election

Queensland will forge ahead with work on Brisbane’s behemoth Olympic stadium at Victoria Park despite failing to strike a cash deal with the Albanese government before the federal election.

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Queensland will forge ahead with work on Brisbane’s behemoth Olympic stadium at Victoria Park despite failing to strike a cash deal with the Albanese government before the federal election.

The state government has outlined its venue delivery plan for 2032, but it hinges on the federal government approving how $3.4bn of Commonwealth cash is spent.

Premier David Crisafulli is attempting to use $2.5bn of federal cash slated for the Brisbane Arena on the 63,000-seat, $3.78bn stadium.

Mr Crisafulli and Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Jarrod Bleijie have been locked in talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who is expected to visit Government House on Friday to call the election.

Bur it is understood the state will progress early work planning on the stadium despite being unable to strike a deal on how Commonwealth cash is spent.

An agreement between the two levels of government on how the $2.5bn is applied will be required before major construction tenders can be issued.

Mr Bleijie, speaking at a Committee for Brisbane and Council of Mayors (SEQ) event on Thursday, said he was preparing for the federal government to enter caretaker mode on Friday but was confident both sides of politics supported the plan to repurpose the $2.5bn.

Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Jarrod Bleijie addresses the Council of Mayors (SEQ) lunch in Brisbane on Thursday. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“The conversations that have taken place over the last 24 hours with the Prime Minister, the Premier and my department, it’s all moving in the right direction and we have had those discussions with Peter Dutton the Coalition as well,” he said.

“I’m absolutely confident that they’ll get behind our delivery plan.”

A spokeswoman for federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said during the five-week caretaker period department officials would continue to engage with the state government on the $2.5bn.

“A range of work needs to be done and new approvals will be required,” the spokeswoman said.

“If re-elected, we will work expeditiously to deliver Games infrastructure that will benefit Queensland for decades to come.”

On minor venues, the 100-day review recommended the Logan and City of Moreton Bay indoor sports centres, Redland Whitewater Centre, Sunshine Coast stadium, mountain bike centre and Barlow Park Stadium “proceeds to procurement”.

There is also a much-needed upgrade to the Queensland Tennis Centre at Tennyson.

Any delay progressing works could put pressure on an already tight infrastructure timeline.

An extra 53,000 construction workers are needed every year leading into the 2032 Olympic Games if Queensland’s huge sport and critical infrastructure program is delivered.

Analysis by BuildSkills Australia presented in the 100-day venues review found the state faced a shortage of 53,683 tradies each year on average in the seven years before the Games.

The peak demand is expected in June 2028, where the state faces a 67,220 shortfall from the 369,510 construction workers needed.

Construction experts have raised concerns about the tight timeline, with sporting infrastructure needing to be build before July 2032 as other major housing, road, rail and hospital works continue.

Master Builders CEO Paul Bidwell said foreign labour and incentives for new building apprentices would help, but not plug the hole.

“There’s a lot happening but is it going to be enough, I don’t know,” he said.

“It’s a matter of doing a whole lot of little things in the hope it will deliver.”

He said a specific apprenticeship scheme focused on building Brisbane’s Games could develop a catalyst for the development of a Queensland workforce equipped with the skills to deliver the

Mr Bidwell said the administration of the CFMEU and pause of the Best Practice Industry Conditions policy would boost productivity.

The CFMEU – at war with the state government – said its members would be needed to get Olympics projects built on time.

“The union expects reputable Queensland contractors and local workers will be prioritised to build Queensland infrastructure,” a union spokesman said.

‘CFMEU members stand ready to build the stadiums and facilities Queensland needs to host a successful 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Mr Bleijie, who is also Industrial Relations Minister, said the government would target interstate workers.

“With the workforce we will absolutely steal workers from New South Wales and Victoria and we’ll put a big shining light on Queensland and say move to Queensland … we’ll build a house,” he said.

Mr Crisafulli said venue infrastructure would be delivered on time.

“It’s a challenge but I also see it as an opportunity,” he said.

Queensland tennis player Lizette Cabrera, 26, was in shock when she learned the Queensland Tennis Centre would undergo much-needed upgrades in the lead up to the Olympics.

“I’ve been training there since I was 13, and I’ve seen it go through multiple floods. I’m really happy to be able to get that upgrade. It’s well deserved, it’s such a beautiful centre,” she said.

“(The upgrades) will create a better environment for the public and for all of us players training there.”