Swimming Australia has reiterated its push for a national aquatic centre ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games as the search for a suitable venue continues.
In light of the Australian Dolphins’ impressive performances, particularly at the Olympics, Swimming Australia has consistently championed the necessity of achieving meaningful legacy outcomes.
The quest for a venue that can accommodate all aquatic events remains ongoing, with local organisations thus far failing to provide sites that meet the official hosting requirements.
To qualify for hosting aquatic events during the Olympic Games, a facility needs to have two indoor 50-metre pools with a roof.
Although the Brisbane Aquatic Centre hosted the Australian Olympic Trials in 2024, it cannot be used for the Olympics as it features only one indoor 50-metre pool.
The facility boasts a 50-metre outdoor pool, a 25-metre diving pool, and a 25-metre lap pool, with seating for up to 4,300 spectators under its two-tier grandstand.
A proposal for a state-of-the-art aquatic centre was put forward by the collective governing bodies of aquatic sports in January, with a suggested location in Victoria Park.
This proposal detailed how the venue would transition from serving the Olympic Games to becoming a community hub, offering year-round facilities for grassroots athletes while also having the capacity to host world championship events.
The proposed venue would boast a seating capacity of 19,000 around the main competition pool, with additional temporary seating also planned.
Representatives from the governing bodies of diving, water polo, and artistic swimming participated in the collaborative proposal, renewing their advocacy for a national aquatic centre.
Swimming Australia’s CEO, Rob Woodhouse, remarked at the time of the proposal that the chance to build a new facility represents “an unparalleled opportunity… not only for elite sports and competition but to serve our diverse community.”
Rob Woodhouse, currently CEO of Swimming Australia, competing at the 1984 Summer Olympics. Disney General Entertainment Con
Nevertheless, his plea has yet to be addressed.
“Swimming Australia has tirelessly advocated for legacy benefits from the 2032 Games during this process,” Woodhouse stated on Friday.
“The Dolphins will always proudly represent Australia, but without immediate investment in the much-needed aquatic infrastructure that the National Aquatics Centre will provide for the next 40-50 years, the legacy they create at the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games will be quickly lost.”
“This is a unique opportunity for us to establish a genuine Olympic and Paralympic legacy—for aquatic sports and the community—from the 2032 Games.”
“If there is no investment in the NAC, it will represent a significant missed opportunity to deliver the aquatic venue that Brisbane urgently requires.”
Initial suggestions for the venue hosting swimming events in 2032 included the idea of creating a drop-in pool at the Brisbane Live entertainment arena; however, Swimming Australia expressed concerns that this location would not leave a lasting legacy for the sport.
Queensland is a key centre for the nation’s swimmers, hosting five of the nine Olympic performance hubs located in the state.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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