Thu, July 03, 2025
Queensland and federal governments agree on funding deal for the 2032 Games
The Queensland and federal governments have reached an agreement on a funding deal for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to ABC News. In Australia, the Queensland government and the Federal (or Commonwealth) government are distinct levels of government with different responsibilities. Altogether, $7.1 billion has been designated to development for the Games. This includes developing a new major stadium in Victoria Park.
The centrepiece of Brisbane 2032 is a proposed 63,000-seat stadium at the inner-city Victoria Park, as reported by ESPN. Additionally, a new aquatics centre will be built at an estimated cost of 650 million Australian dollars. An athletes’ village will be developed at the Royal National Agricultural (RNA) Showgrounds in Brisbane. Separately, the Commonwealth government has already committed 12.4 billion Australian dollars for local transport improvements for the Games.
Regarding the $7.1 billion, the Commonwealth government will provide $3.435 billion, and the state government will contribute the remainder. Minor venues will be funded by a 50:50 split between both governments.
Deputy Premier of Queensland, Jarrod Bleijie, expressed: “Today's landmark agreement is the beginning of a new partnership that sets the pathway to deliver 2032 as the best Games ever.”
However, the development of the new major stadium in particular has caused some controversy. Victoria Park was a significant gathering place and camping ground for Aboriginal people. Parliament passed legislation to permit the government to dismiss the Cultural Heritage Act, which generally refers to legislation aimed at protecting and preserving a nation's cultural heritage by setting regulations for alterations or development around protected areas, as reported by The Guardian.
Furthermore, the new deal means the planned 17,000-seat Brisbane Live Arena has lost all public financial support. However, the development of this is still meant to go ahead and be privately-backed instead.
According to Bleijie, borehole drilling, soil sampling and topographical and boundary surveys to map the area within the park has started so that design and construction of the new major stadium can commence. The state government has also opened procurement for 4 minor venues, including the Logan Indoor Sports Centre, Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, the Barlow Park stadium upgrade, and the Sunshine Coast stadium upgrade.
Catherine King, Commonwealth Infrastructure Minister, described the investment as “unprecedented.”
She continued: “Our agreement with Queensland will see both governments work together to deliver 16 new and upgraded venues across the state and a new Brisbane stadium at Victoria Park…
For us it is about ensuring that when we hand the keys back after the closing ceremony, Queensland has the infrastructure it needs to build on this incredible legacy for decades to come.”
Andrew Liveris, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee president, voiced: “Today marks a significant shift in forward momentum following the Queensland government's announcement in March of its 2032 delivery plan…
“The gift of the Games is a once-in-a-generation opportunity not only for the people of Queensland, but for the progress of this state.”
