The countdown is on to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games—an event set to become one of the most significant transformations in Queensland’s history. Beyond the sporting spectacle, the Games will serve as a catalyst for long-term economic growth, infrastructure development, and social change across the state.
With a long term vision backed by smart planning and targeted investment, the Brisbane 2032 Games will reshape the region’s infrastructure, elevate Queensland’s global profile, and deliver billions in long-term economic benefits.
A Strategic Approach: Reuse, Upgrade, and Legacy
The Brisbane 2032 bid was built around a very different approach to Olympic planning. Instead of creating dozens of new, costly venues that risk becoming ‘white elephants’, the Queensland State Government is prioritising the use of existing infrastructure – 84% of the venues have already been built or will be temporary.
Venues and Infrastructure: What’s Happening?
A total of 37 venues will be used across the Olympic and Paralympic Games, spread throughout Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and regional Queensland, supported by upgraded transport infrastructure to link them efficiently.
New Construction – 10 venues:
- The Gabba (Brisbane Arena redevelopment): $2.7 billion allocated to completely rebuild the Gabba and transform it into a state-of-the-art venue for athletics, ceremonies, and more.
- Athletes Villages: To be located at Bowen Hills, Northshore Hamilton, Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, housing 10,000+ athletes and later converted into permanent housing and commercial spaces.
- New Indoor Sports Centres at Logan, Petrie and the Sunshine Coast: Three new 12,000-seat venues will be constructed to host basketball and other sports.
- Several regional venues: Smaller, purpose-built facilities across the state to support community growth.
Venue Upgrades – 16 venues:
- Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane Tennis Centre, and other key venues will receive upgrades to meet Olympic requirements.
- Enhancements will include expanded capacity, accessibility improvements, tech upgrades, and improved public transport links.
Supporting Infrastructure:
- Cross River Rail (underway, due for completion 2025): A $6.3 billion underground rail project providing faster travel through Brisbane.
- Brisbane Metro: A high-frequency public transport system to link inner-city Olympic sites.
- Green bridges and corridor upgrades to connect venues while prioritising pedestrians and cyclists.
- Road upgrades across SEQ to reduce congestion and improve event access.
Beyond SEQ: Statewide Infrastructure Benefits
While the southeast corner will host most of the events, the benefits of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics will extend right across Queensland.
One of the largest projects impacting regional communities is the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program—a multi-billion-dollar commitment to improving Queensland’s key transport spine from Brisbane to Cairns.
- $13 billion+ in joint funding (federal and state) has been allocated for Bruce Highway improvements over 15 years.
- Key components include lane widening, intersection safety improvements, flood resilience upgrades, and better connections to regional centres like Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville, and Cairns.
- These upgrades will boost freight efficiency, tourism mobility, and community connectivity—strengthening North Queensland’s ability to participate in Olympic-related opportunities and long-term economic growth.
Regional airports, accommodation, and hospitality sectors are also expected to receive stimulus from increased visitation and event decentralisation, making sure that all parts of the state share in the legacy.
A Financial Powerhouse: The Economic Impact
The Brisbane 2032 Olympics is forecast to deliver $8.1 billion in economic and social benefits to Queensland and a total $17.6 billion to Australia, according to a KPMG analysis commissioned by the Queensland Government.
Key Benefits:
- Job creation: An estimated 91,600 full-time equivalent jobs will be created in Queensland between now and the years following the Games.
- Tourism uplift: With global attention comes global visitors. Queensland is expected to enjoy a tourism surge before, during, and after the Games.
- Trade and investment: Increased international visibility is expected to boost exports and attract foreign investment.
- Urban development: The transformation of precincts like Woolloongabba and Northshore Hamilton will deliver housing, public space, and long-term livability improvements.
Importantly, many of these benefits will begin long before the torch is lit in 2032, as construction, infrastructure rollout, and business contracts ramp up across the state.
Environmental and Social Legacy
Brisbane has committed to delivering a climate-positive Games—an approach that reflects a growing expectation for major global events to take responsibility for their environmental impact.
Green Commitments:
- 100% renewable energy powering venues
- Climate-resilient building standards
- Flood mitigation and heat-management integrated into urban design
- Enhanced green spaces and tree canopies across city precincts
In addition, the Games will aim to elevate First Nations voices, promote inclusive design, and provide long-term sporting access for communities.
What It Means for Queenslanders
For locals, the Olympics are more than an event—they’re an opportunity. From small businesses landing contracts, to young athletes being inspired by world-class competition, to commuters benefiting from faster transport—it’s a once-in-a-generation transformation.
South-East Queensland, already one of the fastest-growing areas in Australia, is set to gain new international credibility and position itself as a global lifestyle and business destination. The benefits will extend to North Queensland as it will also share the spotlight, with events driving upgrades and attention to the wider region.
Executed with precision, the delivery of the Games infrastructure will leave a lasting legacy that will enhance the lifestyle and economic viability of Queenslanders for years to come. Here’s hoping everything marries up to the plan.
For more details on the infrastructure and the planning as construction evolves : https://www.delivering2032.com.au/
About the author
Debra Beck-Mewing is the Editor of the Property Portfolio Magazine and CEO of The Property Frontline. She has more than 20 years’ experience in buying property Australia-wide and has extensive experience in helping buyers use a range of strategies including renovating, granny flats, sub-division and development. Debra is a skilled property strategist, and a master in identifying tailored opportunities, homes and sourcing properties that have multiple uses. She is a Qualified Property Investment Advisor, licensed real estate agent and also holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Business. As a passionate advocate for increasing transparency in the property and wealth industries, Debra is a popular speaker on these topics. She is also an author, podcast host, and participates on numerous committees including the Property Owners’ Association.
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Disclaimer – This information is of a general nature only and does not constitute professional advice. We strongly recommend you seek your own professional advice in relation to your particular circumstances.
