Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Arena federal funding still up in the air

Anthony Albanese has met David Crisafulli during a whirlwind trip to Queensland as they negotiate over diverting Brisbane Arena funding.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese takes a selfie with Queensland Labor MPs in Brisbane on Thursday. Picture: Richard Gosling/NCA NewsWire

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he has been given more information by Premier David Crisafulli to progress plans to direct $2.5bn of Brisbane Arena federal funding towards other 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venues.

Mr Albanese said that on his whirlwind trip to Brisbane to meet his newly elected MPs and attend Game One of State of Origin, he also met with Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Jarrod Bleijie and Brisbane 2032 president Andrew Liveris.

Mr Albanese said Mr Bleijie would soon meet again with federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King for another update.

It is understood over the past week the federal Department of Infrastructure has received initial plans for a number of 2032 projects, but more detailed scopes and costings have been requested.

“We’ve been waiting for the details, they’ve now come through to us,” Mr Albanese told ABC Radio Brisbane.

“We’ve got a capped level of funding ... and we want to just make sure that we get it right.”

An early concept for a Brisbane Arena in Roma St. Picture: Populous

Mr Albanese said his government would look at the private-sector proposals that had been submitted through a formal market engagement process to turn the former Goprint site into an entertainment and housing precinct – with the Gabba stadium to remain until after 2032.

Mr Crisafulli would not reveal details of his discussion with Mr Albanese or what additional information had been provided.

A government spokesman said: “Exactly as we promised, we are continuing to work with the Federal Government in a constructive manner to ensure the 2032 Delivery Plan delivers for Queenslanders.”

A spokeswoman for Ms King said the federal and state governments were sharing information and working together to refine the jointly funded Games venue infrastructure program.

“We need to make sure venue projects represent good value for money for the taxpayer, which includes proper scope, planning, costing and due diligence on projects,” the spokeswoman said.

“Funding will be provided to projects agreed to by the Commonwealth and Queensland governments within the funding cap agreement.”