Construction on key venues for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games could begin as early as next year, according to the president of the organising committee, despite ongoing challenges in the building sector.
This week, the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) coordination commission visited Brisbane for the first time since it was named the 2032 host city in 2021.
Mikaela Cojuangco-Jaworski, the newly appointed chair of the commission, said the infrastructure plan unveiled by the Queensland government in March offered a solid foundation.
“The next step is to collaborate with international federations to evaluate the technical requirements of the proposed venues, ensuring they meet the standards for elite competition,” she said.
Brisbane 2032 president Andrew Liveris noted that the venues must be completed well ahead of the Games, ideally by 2031. However, he acknowledged ongoing concerns around construction capacity and accommodation availability.
“We’re not the only ones affected—this is a broader issue that the government must address,” he said, stressing that the Games are just one of many projects facing delays due to industry pressures.
Jon Davies, CEO of the Australian Constructors Association, said it’s time for contractors to be brought into the planning phase.
“To reduce infrastructure costs and boost efficiency, we need to improve productivity, which begins with better commercial agreements,” he said. “Set the success criteria and let us determine the best way to achieve it.”
The IOC commission also toured venue sites in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, including Victoria Park, where a new 63,000-seat stadium is planned.
To expedite venue development, the state government has introduced a bill that would give the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority the power to bypass 15 planning laws. These include legislation such as the Environmental Protection Act, Planning Act, and Queensland Heritage Act.
Ms Cojuangco-Jaworski clarified the intent of the bill, stating it was focused on “fast-tracking” rather than avoiding regulations.
Mr Liveris added that the Brisbane Arena project at Woolloongabba, which the government is currently seeking investors for, will not be required for the Games as it is privately funded.
Evaluating Sports for the Program
Final decisions on the Brisbane 2032 sports program are still underway.
Chief Executive Cindy Hook said the organising committee has received interest from more than a dozen international sports federations.
“We’re committed to a transparent and fair assessment process,” she said. “It has to be realistic—what we can manage, what resonates with Australians, and what will inspire excitement.”
She acknowledged that Brisbane is unlikely to match Los Angeles 2028 in the number of new sports added.
The LA Games will include baseball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, squash, and softball as additional sports.
