‘Disheartening Outcome: Athletics Emerges as the Major Casualty in Brisbane 2032 Venue Plans’

Former Olympian and esteemed commentator David Culbert has expressed his disappointment over athletics being labelled as “the big loser” in the venues plan for the Brisbane 2032 Games. The leadership of Australian Athletics has also voiced its concerns that the sport will gain nearly no legacy benefits from the event.

Despite this setback, Culbert endorsed the Queensland government’s plan to construct a new 63,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park, deeming it “the most sensible resolution.”

The green light for the new stadium is a significant victory for both the AFL and Cricket Australia. This venue is set to host Brisbane Lions matches and international cricket fixtures for years to come, effectively replacing the ageing Gabba.

Other notable beneficiaries of the venue blueprint include the governing bodies for swimming, artistic swimming, water polo, diving, and Tennis Australia.

Conversely, the anticipated legacy benefits for athletics appear to be limited to the government’s commitment to upgrade several grassroots sports facilities, such as the Gin Gin Athletics Club and Bribie Districts Athletics Club.

On Tuesday afternoon, Australian Athletics (AA) released a pointed statement, expressing its “deep disappointment” over the venue choices and requested an “urgent meeting” with Queensland government representatives.

Culbert offered an ironic take while analysing the plans laid out by the government led by David Crisafulli. He quipped, “Gout Gout’s statue will be there for Brisbane Lions fans to admire for decades to come!” during an interview with Wide World of Sports.

The stark reality is that the Australian athletics community is feeling the strain. “From a legacy perspective, athletics is indeed the biggest loser, which is disappointing for fans of track and field,” Culbert said. “Athletics often gets sidelined.” He added, “Swimming, along with water polo and diving, merit a dedicated facility for world championships.”

“While athletics may not have a standout venue, it deserves a secondary option to derive benefits from the Games. Swimming, hockey, and tennis, in particular, have secured substantial legacy gains, whereas athletics is left with just ten days in a shiny stadium.”

“It’s disheartening news.”

The AFL and Cricket Australia quickly endorsed the blueprint on Tuesday. “The anticipation of 60,000 passionate Queenslanders cheering as the ball is bounced on opening day at Victoria Park is exhilarating,” remarked AFL CEO Andrew Dillon. “We couldn’t be more thrilled,” Cricket Australia stated in their communication.

“They’re quite pleased,” admitted Culbert. “It’s a bit ironic. Particularly the AFL has historically resisted major events scheduled for winter, like the Olympics or the Rugby World Cup, because they impact their prime venues.

Yet, they possess a remarkable knack for ensuring they capitalise on these events whenever they occur. They effectively lobby against hosting such events and then vigorously pursue the associated benefits.”

“And good on them, too. It’s the primary sport in Australia, drawing the largest crowds, and clearly, the Gabba is nearing the end of its life,” he added.

“From a legacy viewpoint for Brisbane and Queensland, establishing a major stadium for AFL and cricket is entirely logical, ensuring its utility extends well beyond the Games.”

After Brisbane was designated as the host city in July 2021, then-Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the Gabba would be demolished and rebuilt as the Games’ main venue. However, Steven Miles, Palaszczuk’s successor, revealed a different strategy, designating the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) as the upgraded central venue.

An independent review commissioned by Miles suggested a new stadium be established at Victoria Park as the focal point of the Games. Another review launched by Crisafulli after he took over confirmed this recommendation.

Initially, Crisafulli maintained that no new stadium would be constructed but reversed his stance following the review’s advice.

Culbert commented, “I actually admire a politician who is willing to say, ‘This is the right thing to do, and I’m going to change my stance’. It’s too rare in my opinion,” he chuckled. “This decision enhances the Brisbane Olympics’ potential for success.”

“This result is the most logical for the Games’ organisation. For optimal success, a central hub is essential, much like Sydney’s Homebush. Athletics, swimming, and sufficient space for interactivity should be close to the city and the athlete village in the same area, ensuring optimal conditions for the Games’ success.”

Unlike organisations such as Swimming Australia, AA did not disclose the submission it provided to the Crisafulli-ordered review.

Nevertheless, AA did articulate its desires in a passionate statement. “We are profoundly disappointed that today’s announcement overlooks the establishment of a legacy for athletics,” the statement read.

“While we understand that the new Victoria Park stadium, with its 63,000 capacity, will bring visibility to our athletes, there are broader concerns beyond the 15 days of competition that need to be addressed to ensure athletics flourishes both before and after 2032.”

“We argued for the retention of the warm-up track as a permanent international-grade facility and urged upgrades to aging facilities, yet there has been no communication regarding that potential. The current proposal mentions the warm-up area being repurposed for cricket post-Games.”

“Australian Athletics demands an immediate meeting with the Queensland Premier and sports minister to gain clarity on today’s announcement and to map out a way forward.”