Vision for Olympic site shown as critics slam ‘fantasy’
Andrew Stafford |
Fresh images have been released of a key precinct for the upcoming Brisbane Olympics, a move dismissed as a “fantasy vision” by opponents of the planned parkland overhaul.
The Queensland government plans to reconfigure the heritage-listed Victoria Park ahead of the 2032 Games, siting a 63,000-seat proposed stadium at its centre.
It said the new precinct would become a destination for world-class sporting and other major events for generations to come while preserving the site as a recreational and green space in the heart of Brisbane.
The release of its Victoria Park precinct legacy plan comes before the opening of a public consultation period on Monday.
Premier David Crisafulli said the precinct would be part of the Games’ long-term legacy.
“This state-shaping precinct is about legacy – unlocking a world-class free precinct that Queenslanders will enjoy for generations, long after the flame is extinguished,” he said.
“Just as South Bank defined a city as the gift for Expo ’88, Victoria Park will be the legacy of 2032 – a place that belongs to Queenslanders once the Games have gone.”
The new Brisbane Stadium will be linked to the National Aquatic Centre via pedestrian bridges under the proposal.
A public amphitheatre, an athletics track and more are due to be constructed as part of the scheme, while the government said about two-thirds of Victoria Park would remain green public space.
The use of the heritage-listed site, originally known as Barrambin by Traditional Owners, for the Games has been a source of friction after the Liberal National Party previously opposed the use of the park for a stadium.
It reversed its position after it was elected in 2024, later passing legislation exempting Olympic infrastructure projects from local planning, zoning and environmental laws.
Opponents of the stadium’s location called the images misleading, saying they were a distraction from expected cost overruns.
“What we saw today was not a plan, it was another insulting fantasy vision with no details,” Save Victoria Park spokeswoman Sue Bremner said.
“The 2032 Games was supposed to kickstart a new sustainable chapter in the Olympic movement.
“No more racing to build outsized sporting venues. No more environmental destruction. The Games fit the city, not the other way around.”
But instead, she said Olympic history was repeating itself with the 2032 Games becoming a gravy train for the sports and property industries.
Deputy opposition leader Cameron Dick said the released plans raised more questions than answers.
“The number-one question that Queenslanders want answered is how much will Games venues cost and how much will Games infrastructure cost,” he said.
“Pretty pictures are one thing, but Queenslanders want to know the details.”
The consultation period ends on September 27.
AAP