The Australian government has committed A3.435billion(US2.25 billion) towards the A$7.1 billion cost of building and upgrading venues for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. This significant federal contribution paves the way for construction to officially commence, marking a “significant shift in forward momentum,” according to organising committee chief Andrew Liveris. The remaining costs will be covered by Queensland taxpayers and private finance.
“The Sydney 2000 Games left an incredible legacy and many Australians have memories that have lasted for decades,” said Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, highlighting the national importance of the investment.
Overcoming Delays and Kicking Off Key Projects
Brisbane secured the hosting rights for the Summer Games in 2021, but final venue plans were only solidified in March of this year following political deliberations. Liveris expressed gratitude to both the Australian and Queensland governments for swiftly agreeing on the intergovernmental funding post the recent change in federal government.
The funding greenlights two major new venues:
- A 60,000-seat main stadium at Victoria Park, estimated to cost A$3.7 billion. This stadium will be expandable to 63,000 seats post-Olympics for Australian Rules football and cricket.
- A new aquatics center for swimming events, also to be built near Victoria Park, at an estimated cost of A$650 million.1
While Liveris had previously indicated ground wouldn’t be broken on these two major projects until late 2026, he announced that procurement has already been launched for four key projects to “kickstart the delivery of world-class venues.”2 Site investigations for the Victoria Park precinct, which will house both the new main stadium and the National Aquatic Centre, are also set to begin.3
Beyond venue construction, the federal government has already pledged an additional A$12.4 billion for local transport improvements, deemed essential by the Queensland government for the 2032 Games.4
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