Brisbane 2032: Venues Fast-Tracked

Planning for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games has taken another step forward, with the Queensland Government moving to fast-track additional priority venues and transport projects. The amendments to the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Act 2021 will formally add key projects to a streamlined approvals pathway.

What’s being fast-tracked?

Several headline projects are set to benefit:

• Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park – Land tenure at Victoria Park will be transferred to the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), allowing works to begin on the proposed new stadium. Contractors for early works have been shortlisted for tender with award expected in June / July.

• Brisbane Athletes Village – Now formally legislated, supporting both Games operations and long-term housing supply.

• Gabba Arena – Part of the broader Gabba Entertainment and Housing Precinct, with plans for a new indoor arena in inner Brisbane.

Transport infrastructure projects being added to the fast-tracked list include:

• The Wave (Beerwah to Birtinya rail connection) Stage 1 & 2 award announcements in April / May.

• Mooloolah River Interchange (Stages 1 & 2). Early works are out to tender, with reputable local contractors SEE Civil + McIlwain, Hull and Bielby in the running.

• Coomera Connector (Stage 2)

• Cairns Western Arterial Road upgrade

• Shute Harbour Recreational Boating Facility

Why it matters for industry

The Games were originally secured in 2021 with a $4.9 billion bid budget. However, Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris has acknowledged that the original figure “bears no resemblance to reality”, particularly given the decentralised nature of the Games across nine host locations from Brisbane to Cairns.

For the industry, the legislative changes are significant. By placing projects directly into the Act, the state government becomes the final planning authority, reducing the risk of lengthy approval delays and legal challenges.

With 2032 now less than a decade away, the runway is getting shorter. The fast-tracking of additional venues and transport corridors suggests the pace is only going to pick up.