‘Time to get on with it’: David Crisafulli on Brisbane 2032 Games plan

Premier David Crisafulli said Queensland finally had a 2032 plan that would not “embarrass us”, as he addressed funding, using the regions, and why the Brisbane Arena isn’t part of the official Games Plan.

Premier David Crisafulli said Queensland finally had a plan to deliver the 2032 Games that would not “embarrass us on the world stage”, revealing Victoria Park as the centrepiece and events across the state.

In his speech at The Courier-Mail’s Future Brisbane event on Tuesday, the Premier confirmed a 63,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park would be at the centre of the government’s plan, while a proposed Brisbane Arena would not be scrapped – instead funded by the private sector not taxpayers.

An artist impression of Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park for Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Source: Queensland Government

The confirmation of Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park received a warm round of applause and an enthusiastic “hear, hear” from Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, who has been a vocal campaigner of the venue.

“It became a choice between spending billions on temporary facilities and temporary stands that delivered no legacy, or securing the future of AFL and cricket at a new home,” he said.

“The time has come to just get on with it.”

A new National Aquatic Centre will be developed at the existing Centenary Pool site in Spring Hill instead of Brisbane Arena hosting a drop-in pool.

Artist impression of Swimming Australia's proposed National Aquatics Centre (NAC) at Spring Hill.

The Premier confirmed Brisbane still needed the world-class arena, and it could be built for a fraction of the cost to taxpayers.

He said its omission from the final plan was because it was not the job of the Independent Authority review to consider the merits of it being privately funded.

“The Government’s decision not to proceed with the arena as part of the Games Plan does not mean the death of a Brisbane Arena – far from it,” he said.

“What it does mean is an opportunity to put the $2.5 billion the Federal Government has budgeted towards other infrastructure including the Brisbane Stadium, the National Aquatic Centre and the world-class tennis centre, just to name a few.

“To my mind, this development is a gamechanger and proof there would be no value to Australian and Queensland Taxpayers to spend $2.5 billion on the Brisbane Live Arena – when the private sector is willing to engage.”

Premier David Crisafulli announcing the Brisbane 2032 venues and infrastructure plan on Tuesday. Picture: Adam Head

The new Brisbane Arena priority site will be now be moved from Roma Street to the vacant GoPrint site at Woolloongabba and will proceed with a market-led proposal.

The Premier confirmed the Gabba will have its swansong during the 2032 Games, before its torn down to make way for urban renewal beside the new arena.

Mr Crisafulli said the Games were fully funded after negotiations with other levels of government.

He said Queensland had been told it would be impossible to move events to the regions but said his government had taken a different view.

“It is our position that if investment comes from across the State, then the benefits and excitement should be spread across the state,” he said.

“We have always said the Olympic and Paralympic Games must be more than just a sporting event.

“It must help deliver the generational infrastructure required to nourish a growing state.”

An artist impression of Barlow Park Stadium, Cairns, which would be used for football.

The Premier said Queensland must capitalise on the increased international interest in the state.

“Imagine the visit Queensland story we can tell as people consume the best Queensland food and drink in buildings made using Queensland products and medals made using Queensland minerals,” he said.

“Let them see … we are not Paris, we’re not LA – we’ll be better because we’re going to do this the Queensland way.”

Originally published as ‘Time to get on with it’: David Crisafulli on Brisbane 2032 Games plan