The Australian and Queensland governments have finalised a landmark agreement to jointly fund the major sporting infrastructure required for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Commonwealth has committed up to $3.435 billion towards the $7.1 billion Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games Venue Infrastructure Program, covering nearly half of the overall cost. The program will deliver 17 new and upgraded venues across the state, forming the backbone of Queensland’s Olympic and Paralympic legacy.
Among the most significant projects are a new 63,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park, set to become the centrepiece of the Games, and a 25,000-seat National Aquatic Centre at Spring Hill. In total, 37 venues across 11 Queensland cities will host competitions in 28 Olympic and 22 Paralympic sports.
The Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) outlines not only the funding arrangements but also governance measures and protections around the long-term use of the venues. The Commonwealth will have representation on the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee Board and will also share naming rights for the Victoria Park stadium. A plaque acknowledging federal support will be installed at the venue.
Crucially, the IGA stipulates that all areas of Victoria Park outside the stadium footprint must remain public green space, with the Queensland government required to deliver a stakeholder engagement plan to enhance community access once construction is complete. “We can guarantee you that every part of Victoria Park that’s not stadium will be green space,” Queensland Sport Minister Tim Mander said.
The deal also restricts the state from selling or leasing Olympic venues for 25 years without federal approval. Should any venues be sold or leased in future, the Commonwealth will be entitled to a share of proceeds.
The agreement comes amid growing debate over the location and scale of Brisbane’s Olympic venues. An application has already been lodged with the federal government seeking to prevent the development of the Victoria Park stadium, highlighting ongoing opposition from some community and environmental groups.
Still, the Queensland government insists the IGA represents a green light to move ahead with construction. “This is an endorsement of our plan and demonstrates a spirit of cooperation that will help make the Games a success,” Mr Mander said. “There’s now no excuses; we’ve just got to get on with it and get stuff built.”
While the full Olympic program has yet to be finalised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Brisbane organisers are designing venues with flexibility in mind. New sports may be added, though Mr Mander said he does not expect Brisbane to include as many additions as Los Angeles 2028, which will host six extra sports including cricket and baseball.
Beyond the Games themselves, governments are framing the deal as an investment in Queensland’s future. They argue the infrastructure will leave a lasting legacy of world-class sporting facilities, expanded green spaces, and community assets across the state. With funding certainty now secured, attention will shift to the planning and delivery phase, as Brisbane prepares to host the world in just seven years’ time.