Australian aquatic powerbrokers declare whether the Gold Coast is fit to host Olympic water events.

Australia’s major aquatic powerbrokers have had their say on Gold Coast’s bid to host the 2032 Olympic pool events, declaring whether or not the city is a viable option. Full details here.

The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre at Southport. Pic: Gold Coast City Council.

Gold Coast’s bid to host the Olympic swimming events in 2032 appear over following calls from Australia’s national aquatic bodies to build what they believe to be the only viable option in Brisbane.

Stakeholders from the national swimming, diving, water polo and artistic swimming have come together to call for the National Aquatics Centre (NAC) to be constructed.

All believe the other options discussed, including at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, won’t meet the long-term requirements of the sports for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre would need two indoor 50m pools with a roof to be able to host the events.

“Swimming Australia has consistently advocated for legacy outcomes from the 2032 Games throughout this process,” Swimming Australia CEO Rob Woodhouse said.

The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre at Southport. Council is working though a masterplan process to determine how to meet demand for services. Pic: Gold Coast City Council.

“The Dolphins will always proudly represent Australia, but the legacy they deliver at the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games will be lost immediately without an investment now in this critically needed aquatic infrastructure which the National Aquatics Centre will provide for 40-50 years beyond the Games.

“This is the greatest opportunity we have to deliver a true Olympic and Paralympic legacy – for the aquatic sports and the community - from the 2032 Games. If there is no investment in the NAC , it will be a missed opportunity to deliver an aquatics venue that Brisbane desperately needs.”

Drop-in pools at Arena or Suncorp Stadium have also been scuppered because officials believec it won’t leave a lasting legacy.

Upgrades for the Brisbane Aquatic Centre at Chandler won’t be viable because the facility will be more than 50-years-old and nearing the end of its operational life.

“Currently, we quite simply do not have enough diving venues in Australia that can accommodate our current squads and competitions, let alone allow us to leverage a home Olympic Games where our goals are to expand participation,” Diving Australia chief executive Alex Newton said.

The 2025 Swimming Gold Coast Long Course Championships were recently held at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“All four aquatics sports are determined to advocate for a truly national facility that benefits the community as well as our respective high-performance programs well beyond the two week window of hosting an Olympic Games.”

Water Polo CEO Tim Welsford said the sport wants its first national high-performance hub to be created at the NAC.

“Water Polo Australia wants to provide our sport with the first ever national high-performance hub for our Aussie Sharks and Stingers, where we aren’t in competition with the community needs but rather have enough pool space for everyone to enjoy and maximise,” he said.

“We can’t let this once in a generation opportunity of a home Olympics pass us by without building for the communities and sports beyond 2032.”

Artistic swimming Australia chair Mark Sinderberry echoed the sentiments.

“This is a chance to address the current challenges and future needs of the community by developing a much needed and permanent facility that is a facility for all,” Sinderberry said.

“One that is accessible and inviting to all individuals of all ages and all backgrounds – and it is world class.”

“The NAC is a venue that will leave a true legacy not just in bricks and mortar but in the hearts and minds of the community – and all aquatic athletes.”