Queensland’s newest Olympic-standard cycling venue expected to be completed by 2024

A $35 million recreational upgrade project in Queensland has commenced, with an international-standard cycling venue expected to be used by cyclists with their sights set on the River City’s 2032 Olympics.

Construction of an Olympic-standard cycling venue kicked off in Brisbane on Tuesday.

Part of the Brisbane City Council’s Murrarie Recreation Reserve upgrade project, the Brisbane International Cycle Park is expected to be used by cyclists in the lead up to and following the Brisbane 20232 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the development, at 1238 Wynnum Rd, Murarrie, was a great example of all three levels of government working together with funding contributions from both the federal and state government.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner meeting some young cyclists at Brisbane's new home of cycling and future Olympic and Paralympic training ground. Picture: Matthew Poon

“Once you get the partnership underway, like we have, then great things can happen and the reality is, part of having a great Olympic experience in 2032 is not just having great facilities and great transport,” he said.

“It’s also having the medal tally that will come out of the local crowd as well.

“So, having the local crowd cheering on local athletes is a big part of the experience.”

An existing 1.4km cycling track, skate park, basketball half-court, the ‘old’ Balmoral Cycling Clubhouse, and a shared cycling track and footpath with links to Wynnum Road and the Bulimba Creek bikeway will be upgraded in the $35 million renovation.

The old club house at Murarrie Recreation Reserve, before its demolition.

When completed, the Brisbane International Cycle Park will include a 500 metre speed skating track, a multipurpose club house, a new criterium cycling track and an upgraded car park with up to 200 spaces, among several other refurbished amenities.

Criterium cycling comprises a several laps around a closed circuit.

Double Olympian, Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Balmoral Cycling Club member Louise Jones, 59, said the new park was an “unheard of” opportunity to mix community, club, and international level events all in the same venue.

Demolition began Tuesday at the Murarrie Recreation Reserve club house, marking the start of the International Cycle Park, which will be Brisbane's new home of cycling and future Olympic and Paralympic training ground. Picture: Matthew Poon

“The Balmoral club does so much in the junior development space and we’ll see some of the young riders later who have come up through the Balmoral ranks who are now racing internationally,” she said.

“That’s all down to having the previous facility here at Murarrie and moving forward it’s going to be tremendous … multi-discipline use with having the BMX, the mountain bike and the criterium circuit all in one venue is such an amazing opportunity for us in Brisbane.”

Originally from Wales in the UK, Ms Jones now lives in Brisbane and works as Head of Events at AusCycling, the national governing body for cycling in Australia representing the interests of affiliated cycling clubs and its individual members.

Balmoral Cycling Club Member April Patty, 13, and Cyclist for the Queensland Academy of Sport Liam Walsh, 21, with former Olympic and Commonwealth Games cyclist, Louise Jones, 59, standing in front of the old club house at Murarrie Recreation Reserve. Picture: Matthew Poon

Daboy Ward Councillor Lisa Atwood said the venue‘s future use did not stop at potential Olympians but will be a cycling track for all residents.

“We have a separated walking track to the cycle track. So I know the mums and dads will be running with their scooter for their child and it‘ll be great opportunities,” she said.
“We’ve created literally the best cycling facility in Australia and I know we’re going to be able to attract huge international events here.”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner addressing the media with Daboy Ward Councillor Lisa Atwood (left) and former Olympic cyclist, Louise Jones about the upcoming International Cycle Park. Picture: Matthew Poon

Mr Schrinner, speaking on Tuesday at the site ahead of the demolition of the old Balmoral Cycling clubhouse, said the city council “put in the lion‘s share,” of the cost of the Murrarie Recreation Reserve’s redevelopment, with $6 million of the $35 million coming from the federal government, and $2.5 million from the state government.

He also said Brisbane-based Epoca Constructions had been awarded the tender for the project as part of council’s local procurement strategy, which aims to have 80 per cent of all council contracts awarded to local companies.

Artist impression of Brisbane International Cycle Park at the Murarrie Recreation Reserve

“The construction industry has been going through challenging times,” he said.

“We‘ve seen far too many construction companies struggling or falling over recently.

“The ability to work with a local company to help support them providing jobs and provide high quality outcomes for the community is really important.”

The Murrarie Recreation Reserve will remain closed while the redevelopment is underway, with construction of the Brisbane International Cycle Park anticipated to be completed by early 2024.

– With Jodie Munro O’Brien