After nearly four years of political negotiations and halted plans, the Queensland government is set to unveil its venue strategy for Brisbane 2032 this coming Tuesday.
Thanks to the diligent work of Tim Arvier, political editor at 9News Queensland, many elements of the proposal are already in the public domain.
Some suggestions from a 100-day review initiated by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli have been approved, while others have not made the cut.
Here are some pressing questions and answers as we await the Queensland government’s eagerly awaited announcement.
What is in store for the main stadium?
On Nine’s Today, Arvier revealed on Monday that a new stadium seating 60,000 will be constructed at Victoria Park.
This stadium is poised to host athletics events, including Gout Gout’s quest for double Olympic gold, alongside Brisbane Lions games and international cricket for many years to come.
Arvier also mentioned that the Gabba is likely to be dismantled once the Games conclude.
The Queensland government is preparing to announce its venue strategy for Brisbane 2032. Getty
The athletics track that once featured Cathy Freeman’s iconic run at the Sydney 2000 Olympics has been removed and is now placed at a warm-up athletics venue nearby.
In contrast, more than a decade after the London 2012 Games, the venue known as the London Stadium, originally constructed for the Olympics, has transformed into a permanent venue for both West Ham United and athletics.
John Steffensen, a former Australian sprinting legend, has expressed his desire for the athletics track at the new Victoria Park stadium to remain in place beyond the Games.
“I’d love to see a multi-purpose venue that includes track and field with a permanent track embedded within the facility,” Steffensen shared with Wide World of Sports.
“This way, after the Games, every sports enthusiast and every child aspiring to become an Olympian will have the chance to relive those memories. There will undoubtedly be remarkable memories from Brisbane 2032.
“Now that we have the opportunity to design a stadium, informed by what we know about venues worldwide, we should ensure that the track is preserved for future athletics use.
“Athletics is intrinsic to every sport in this nation, whether we like it or not … it’s time we recognised athletics as a foundational sport vital for soccer, AFL, basketball, rugby league, and rugby union.”
Where will swimming take place?
The federal government previously pledged $2.5 billion for constructing a new venue, dubbed Brisbane Live Arena, which was slated to host a variety of sports, including swimming with a drop-in pool during the Games.
However, Arvier reported that this proposal has been scrapped “for budgetary reasons,” with plans for a new national aquatic centre potentially situated adjacent to the new 60,000-seat stadium.
The governing bodies for swimming, artistic swimming, water polo, and diving recently submitted a joint plea to the 100-day review, advocating for a new $650 million national aquatic centre to be established at Victoria Park.
The fate of the previously pledged $2.5 billion from the federal government is yet to be determined.
A visionary depiction of how Swimming Australia and partners envisage the proposed national aquatic centre. Archipelago Architects
Is it true that crocodile-infested waters will host rowing?
The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, known for its crocodile population, will be the venue for rowing events at Brisbane 2032, a choice that has been deemed “controversial” by Arvier.
“Crocodiles chasing rowers down a river,” quipped Nine’s James Bracey on Today. “Another day, another drama.”
Initially, Lake Wyaralong in southeast Queensland was expected to serve as the rowing venue.
The crocodile-infested Fitzroy River in Rockhampton will serve as the venue for rowing events during Brisbane 2032. Getty
Where is the tennis event going to take place?
Tennis Australia has been advocating for a $113 million upgrade for Pat Rafter Arena, asserting it needs the renovations to host tennis matches during Brisbane 2032.
However, Arvier reports that the federal government prefers to hold tennis at Melbourne Park.
Where will the athletes’ village be located?
According to Arvier, the Brisbane 2032 athletes’ village will be set up at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
This village is expected to accommodate over 10,000 athletes and team officials for the Olympic Games, along with more than 5,000 for the Paralympics.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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