Swimming Australia Chief Reiterates Major Concern Amid Push for $650 Million Legacy Venue in Brisbane 2032

The CEO of Swimming Australia has reiterated his commitment to the vision of establishing a new $650 million aquatic centre in Brisbane, aiming to create an enduring legacy for both the Olympic and Paralympic movements.

Rob Woodhouse, the head of Swimming Australia, has stated that he would only be agreeable to the use of a temporary drop-in pool for the Brisbane 2032 swimming events if the aquatic centre proposal receives approval.

National governing bodies for swimming, diving, artistic swimming, and water polo have collaborated on a submission to the Queensland government’s 100-day infrastructure review, with outcomes set to be disclosed on March 25.

Following this announcement, the public will learn which venues will accommodate various sports, allowing construction to commence swiftly.

A multi-purpose venue, provisionally named Brisbane Arena, will be developed at a cost of $2.5 billion, thanks to federal government backing, although its location—either at Roma Street or elsewhere—is still to be confirmed.

It remains unclear whether swimming events for Brisbane 2032 will utilize a temporary pool within the arena or if they will occur at a different site.

Swimming Australia, alongside its partners, is advocating for the proposed aquatic facility to be situated at Victoria Park. In terms of legacy, this venue would facilitate learn-to-swim programs, school competitions, and world championships, ultimately serving as the home for the four national governing aquatic bodies.

The submission, which has the support of the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Committees, also advocates for an upgrade to the existing Centenary Pool complex at Victoria Park.

“I have no objections to temporary pools; our primary concern is about the legacy,” Woodhouse shared with Wide World of Sports.

“While Paris [2024] hosted swimming in a temporary pool, they simultaneously constructed a brand-new aquatic centre specifically for diving, artistic swimming, and water polo. This facility is now in use for swimming, ensuring a lasting Olympic legacy.”

The swimming events at Paris 2024 will be held in a drop-in facility at the La Defense Arena, home to the rugby club Racing 92.

However, a new aquatic centre valued at $300 million is being built as a legacy venue and will host the European swimming championships in 2026.

“If similar arrangements were made here, I would fully support it,” Woodhouse continued.

Woodhouse stressed that “the core issue is centred around swimming being conducted in a drop-in pool at the arena, or potentially at an alternative location, without any aquatic facilities being developed.”

“This situation leaves the aquatic sports community, along with those interested in swimming, with no legacy stemming from the Games. The essence of these Games is to provide a legacy.”

He further elaborated, “If we aim to derive a legacy from the Games for the local community, the use of an aquatic centre for community programs, as well as the role of swimming within that framework, is incredibly significant. Ensuring ongoing access for 40, 50, or even 60 years is crucial from a community perspective. It also provides high-performance teams with a continual world-class facility for both training and international competition.”

When asked about the ongoing negotiations with key stakeholders, Woodhouse noted that while discussions had not taken a discouraging turn, they also hadn’t been particularly encouraging either.

A previous review commissioned by the former Queensland government suggested that a new stadium, costing $3.4 billion, be constructed at Victoria Park, which would host athletics during the Games and be a venue for Brisbane Lions matches and international cricket for many years ahead.

Australian Athletics has publicly supported the previous Queensland government’s initiative to renovate the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) in Nathan, used for the 1982 Commonwealth Games, with a $1.6 billion investment to accommodate track and field events at Brisbane 2032.

However, David Crisafulli, who succeeded Steven Miles as Queensland’s Premier in October, has since dismissed that plan, asserting it would not progress.

Unlike Swimming Australia and the other aquatic bodies, Australian Athletics has remained quiet about its new aspirations following the rejection of its original proposals.

When asked if Swimming Australia was competing with other sports, such as the AFL and Cricket Australia, or even Australian Athletics, for the new $650 million aquatic facility at Victoria Park, Woodhouse replied: “No, I don’t see it as a competition at all.”

“Our focus is solely on what is essential for aquatic sports,” he stated.

He acknowledged that athletics also seeks a legacy from the Games, while the Brisbane Lions, AFL, Cricket Queensland, and Cricket Australia are also pursuing a new stadium.

“There isn’t a discussion point raised that isn’t valuable and worthwhile,” he remarked.

Tim Hodge, an Australian Paralympic champion who secured gold in the 200m individual medley in Paris, emphasised the necessity of a new $650 million aquatic centre for athletes with disabilities.

“Many centres [across Australia] are decades old, and particularly for para-athletes, this implies inadequate accessibility along with limited lane space, not to mention outdated features that are essential for maintaining competitiveness in swimming, especially in the para-community—an area in which we are still fighting for improvements,” Hodge explained to Wide World of Sports.

“Thus, creating a modern facility that accommodates both able-bodied and Paralympic programs would be invaluable.”

When discussing drop-in pools, Hodge emphasised the importance of a legacy venue.

“Drop-in pools seem like an economical solution, but they assume that existing facilities are adequate for ongoing use, which sadly is becoming less true,” the Sydney native commented.

“What we genuinely need are permanent, contemporary infrastructures that cater especially to individuals with disabilities.

“While drop-in pools may save costs upfront, perhaps more funds should be allocated towards creating more accessible facilities.”