Brisbane 2032 Games: Top ideas from Legacy Forum revealed

The top ideas for reshaping Brisbane in the wake of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympics have been unveiled after the Legacy Forum.

A legacy forest, First Nations cultural centre and inclusive mass transit solutions are some of the bold proposals from almost 14,000 submissions on how the city can be transformed as a result of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The government will on Friday release a consultation paper named Elevate 2024, detailing multiple key ideas that emerged from the 500-strong Legacy Forum held in March, as well the Hopes and Dreams survey.

With the goal of maximising the 10 years in the lead-up to the Games – and the 10 years after – some of the ideas the government will now consider include planting a “Legacy Forest”, building sustainable venues, and the construction innovation clusters with a focus on augmented reality, biomedical and environmental technology.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games had never been about “a few weeks of spectacle”.

“They are about making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said.

“Just as South Bank is a legacy of Expo 88, we are planning now for what the legacy of 2032 will be.”

Ms Palaszczuk said she was pleased to see bold ideas pitched about how hosting the Games could enhance the state, saying they came from across the regions and even overseas.

“That tells me people are embracing this opportunity and I encourage everyone to play their part,” she said.

Ms Palaszczuk’s comments were echoed by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner who said the Games “aren’t just four weeks of sport”, and also said “a business-as-usual approach isn’t going to cut it”.

“They’re an opportunity of a lifetime,” he said.

Concept art by Urbis showing Brisbane’s inner-city stadiums linked for the 2032 Games

“Our residents are eager to seize this opportunity to make our cities, our region and our state more sustainable, inclusive and connected.

“A business-as-usual approach isn’t going to cut it. Only through big bold ideas can we deliver a Games Legacy that benefits everyone.”

The consultation paper also laid out a draft vision for the Games legacy aspirations, which states “by 2042, a child born today has more opportunities in life, in an inclusive society and a connected region”.

Brisbane 2032 president Andrew Liveris said all Australians were invited to be part of the process to cultivate ideas.

“With an ambitious, clearly defined Legacy Plan, we can use the catalytic effect of the Games to elevate our lifestyles and the health of our communities, across economic, social, emotional and physical aspects,” Mr Liveris said.

“Now is the time to refine the thousands of ideas we collectively share into clear themes and objectives that will enhance the Games and go beyond. “

Paralympics Australia chief executive Catherine Clark said the visions and ideas which had emerged during the consultation process filled the organisation with confidence Brisbane 2032 would be “the most inclusive Games the world has ever seen”.

“By doing so, we create a platform for genuine social change for Australians who live with a disability,” she said.

“I urge everyone with an interest in contributing to this once-in-a-generation opportunity to have their say on the Legacy Consultation Paper and play their part in creating a more inclusive Australia through the power of sport.”

The final Brisbane 2032 Legacy Plan be released late this year.