Games build breaks new ground as drilling begins at Victoria Park
Venues and Villages
3 days ago
2 min
The building program for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games has broken new ground with the start of in-ground site investigations at Brisbane’s Victoria Park.
Drilling works will begin in the park this week by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) as delivery of the new Brisbane Stadium and National Aquatic Centre advances into a critical new phase.
The Brisbane Stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics in 2032, before becoming the city’s main stadium in legacy mode with 63,000 seats, and a showcase venue for AFL and cricket after the Games.
The National Aquatic Centre will become the Australian HQ for aquatics post Games, with a permanent capacity of 8,000 and 25,000 in Games-mode.
The investigations involve drilling bore holes and digging test pits to analyse soil and sediment layers and will continue for several months with minimal impacts on those using the park. Testing areas will be fenced off for the safety of park users. Other works will include ecological assessments and utility mapping.
GIICA is working closely with Brisbane City Council to plan appropriate drilling locations as well as consulting Aboriginal Parties to agree on how to best meet our cultural heritage duty of care obligations while undertaking the site investigations.
Victoria Park’s rich history as Brisbane’s first landfill during early settlement, WWII army camp, temporary housing commission site, horse riding path and golf course, as well as major bus, road and rail projects, mean the site has experienced significant disturbance over time.
During site investigations, archaeologists and Traditional Custodians will work closely with contractors to protect and conserve the park’s First Nations and European heritage.
Borehole drilling machinery onsite at Victoria Park
GIICA CEO Simon Crooks said the start of in-ground site investigations was another important milestone as the Authority continues to build its delivery pipeline.
“Being out on site at Victoria Park is another milestone for GIICA as we work to deliver our 17 Games venues,” Mr Crooks said.
“The insights we gather from these investigations will play a key role in design and construction so it’s important we take the time to get it right as we deliver these incredible venues.”
GIICA is committed to regular, transparent communication and is keenly aware of the privilege it is to add these two landmark venues to the much-loved Victoria Park Precinct, with its rich cultural, social and sporting heritage.
Images courtesy of
Cross River Rail Delivery Authority
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