Budget’s billions for Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games

The federal government will chip in more than $3 billion towards the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, as funding figures for 2032 projects are released for the first time.

The federal government will chip in more than $3 billion towards the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, as funding figures for 2032 projects are released for the first time.

The 2024-25 budget has seen a $3.4bn spend on infrastructure investment, including $2.5bn towards Brisbane Arena and a further $935m allocated for remaining sporting and entertainment venues across Queensland.

An artist's impression of Brisbane Arena. Picture: Supplied

Commonwealth funding will compliment state funding, with Queensland looking to spend $1.6bn on redeveloping the Queensland Academy of Sport into a the main track arena for the games.

Between 2024-2028, the federal government will fork out $1.6bn supporting the state’s Olympic and Paralympic infrastructure endeavors, including $97m this financial year, $340m the following year, $438m and $768m in 2027-28.

Investment is set to support local jobs and create lasting community legacy.

An International Olympic Committee was selected to deliver legacy projects in July 2021, and an agreement on how much the federal would contribute to the infrastructure was signed by both the state and commonwealth in February 2023.

The committee holds provision of “government services in support of Brisbane hosting the Games” but the financial costs of said support remain unknown.

On top of venue infrastructure investment, the federal government will also contribute to the development of the Sunshine Coast Rail and Beerburrum to Nambour Rail upgrades ahead of the games.

Both rail projects are expected to enhance connectivity and reduce travel time between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast and will cost the commonwealth a combined $1.4bn.