Games Review puts new stadium at heart of Games plan

A bold and deliverable new vision for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games developed by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) has been released to the public.

GIICA’s final Report from the 100 Day Review, prepared for the Queensland Government, made 86 recommendations designed to get Games preparations back on track while delivering legacy benefits across Queensland for decades to come.

The Government today announced its reply to the Report, accepting more than 90 per cent of the recommendations at the core of its 2032 Delivery Plan which GIICA will now get to work delivering as we build towards 2032.

GIICA chairman Stephen Conry said: “Like all Queenslanders, we welcome the clarity and the plan to move forward presented today by the Government. 

“The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority has been pleased to assist the Government by providing advice and recommendations, and we thank Queenslanders for their contribution through their 5,862 submissions. 

“We accept the State Government’s response and are grateful for the privilege to play such an important role in Games planning.

“We can now focus on the excitement which the Olympic and Paralympic Games will bring. 

“There has been plenty of talk over many years. Enough is enough. It is now time to move from debate to delivery.” 

Among the 100 Day Review recommendations accepted as part of the Government’s 2032 Delivery Plan was the need for a new oval stadium at Victoria Park in Brisbane with a legacy seating capacity of 63,000.

Mr Conry said Victoria Park’s central location and excellent transport links made it the unparalleled choice for a stadium which would become the new heart of the city.

“The legacy value of the new stadium is unquestioned,” Mr Conry said.

“It will put Brisbane and Queensland back where we belong as a leading sporting and entertainment destination, with billions of dollars in economic benefits. 

“It will revitalise Victoria Park and also provide the opportunity for hundreds of thousands more people to use that park for generations.

“The Stadium is just one part of the jigsaw and we fully understand the complexities the Queensland Government had to contend with as it accepted more than 90 per cent of our recommendations.

“As a Review panel, we know first-hand the intricacies and challenges of settling on Games infrastructure delivery under the constraints of the $7.1 billion funding envelope in the Intergovernmental Agreement.”

Mr Conry said he was delighted the Government will progress a new Arena at the GoPrint site at Woolloongabba, even though it has been separated from the Games infrastructure plans. 

“We maintain the Arena is a very important legacy project for Brisbane and Queensland,” Mr Conry said.

“With the State and Federal Governments discussing new funding arrangements, the decision not to include the Arena as part of the Games infrastructure program provides flexibility to explore other legacy opportunities announced in the 2032 Delivery Plan.”

A suite of other venues critically required for the Games that will also deliver excellent long-term community benefits were also recommended and accepted. They include:

• Two new indoor sports centres in the high-need areas of Logan and Moreton Bay;
• The new Redland Whitewater Centre;
• The Gold Coast Arena;
• Upgrading the Toowoomba Showgrounds to host Games Equestrian events; and
• Major upgrades to the existing Sunshine Coast Stadium, Barlow Park in Cairns, and Queensland Tennis Centre.

 Mr Conry paid tribute to his Board, Authority staff and the many thousands of Queenslanders who made submissions.

“This Review drew together a team of people who are incredibly passionate about the Games and about Queensland,” Mr Conry said.

“Their efforts over the 100 days of the Review have contributed to an exciting plan and long-lasting venues that will deliver an event and a legacy to be proud of.

“We also thank the many thousands of Queenslanders who took the opportunity to have their say during the 100 Day Review. 

 “Diverse views were not surprising, and were all welcomed and respectfully considered. While we couldn’t adopt every proposal, all opinions played a role in forming our final Report. 

 “Our attention now turns from debate to delivery.”

The 100 Day Review received submissions from 5,862 individuals and organisations and conducted more than 150 stakeholder meetings, making it the most extensive public consultation on infrastructure planning for the 2032 Games.

“The Olympic and Paralympic Games are the world’s biggest event which will bring a world of opportunity through large investment in infrastructure and public transport, tourism opportunities, business stimulus, as well as significant workforce uplift,” Mr Conry said.

“Analysis shows us the Games can generate billions of dollars in social and economic benefits while promoting Brisbane on the world stage.

“Queensland now has clarity and we are excited about the way forward.” 

The Review engaged with subject-matter experts, analysed thousands of pages of technical inputs and leveraged a significant body of work already undertaken, including already-completed project plans, cost assessments, business cases and Project Validation Reports, to grant the fullest picture possible on which to base findings and recommendations.