Brisbane's 2032 Olympic Stadium Plan Sparks Protests Amid Cost and Environmental Concerns
March 24, 2025
The main stadium will be located at Victoria Park, a former golf course, which will also host a proposed 25,000-seat aquatics center, alongside additional venues like a tennis arena and a water sports center.
The funding plan for the Olympic venues includes a budget exceeding 7 billion Australian dollars, with adjustments being made to accommodate new projects after the abandonment of an indoor arena.
The main Olympic stadium has been a contentious issue, with various proposals considered, including Albion Park as a potential venue.
The state government is also facing critical decisions regarding which venue will host key events such as track and field, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies.
Crisafulli announced these plans during a Future Brisbane forum, emphasizing the urgency to begin construction as there are only seven years left until the Games.
However, experts warn that time is running out for adequate public engagement, making effective planning and community support crucial for the success of the event.
This decision to build a new stadium breaks Crisafulli's earlier election promise of no new stadiums, which has sparked protests against the plan.
Activists from the Save Victoria Park group have organized rallies to protest the stadium, arguing that it threatens green spaces and highlights the site's significance to Indigenous Australians.
Meanwhile, the historic Gabba cricket venue is set to be demolished after the 2032 AFL season, transitioning into an entertainment and housing precinct.
Critics are also concerned about the rising costs associated with the stadium, which have increased from an initial estimate of A$3.4 billion to nearly A$3.8 billion, alongside potential traffic congestion.
Brisbane, Australia, is moving forward with plans to construct a new 63,000-seat stadium in Victoria Park for the upcoming 2032 Olympic Games, as confirmed by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli.
Crisafulli, marking his 150th day in office, expressed a commitment to move forward with the construction, stating that it is time to stop arguing and begin building.
Summary based on 19 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • Mar 25, 2025
Brisbane Olympics 2032: David Crisafulli breaks election promise and announces controversial new stadium
The Guardian • Mar 24, 2025
Queensland plans to build 2032 Olympics stadium on significant Indigenous site
The Guardian • Mar 23, 2025
Track and feud: Queensland to announce third 2032 Olympic stadium plan in four years. Will this one stick?
The Guardian • Mar 25, 2025
The ‘hot mess’ Olympics? How Queensland’s 2032 Games planning descended into farce