Gold Coast City Council makes case to stage Brisbane 2032 aquatic events

January 11, 2025

Gold Coast City Council is advocating to host a number of marquee sporting events - including swimming - for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate this week outlined the City's formal submission to the Queensland Government’s 2032 Olympics and Paralympics review, suggesting that the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre could host swimming events and water polo finals.

This would be instead of major 2032 aquatic events being staged in a temporary pool at the proposed Brisbane Arena/Live venue or a new purpose-built centre.

As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, this would reduce Games venue construction costs.

Additionally, Mayor Tate is proposing the use of existing hotel infrastructure to host participants - reducing the potential size of a new athletes’ village.

Speaking at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre this week, Mayor Tate stated “we estimated the (cost of a) roof for here, and 10,000 seating, you’re looking at about $150 million.

“A temporary pool arena (in Brisbane), you’re looking at $2.5 billion. Do the sums.”

Mayor Tate also emphasised the importance of community engagement, noting “success will be measured by building an engaged and responsive community. If we fail to deliver in that regard, no gold medals or world records will be enough to convince Australians that their investment in the Games was a sound decision."

The basis of the Gold Coast submission is:

Better Connectivity - accelerate critical transport and digital infrastructure for a growing region;
Job Creation and Economic Development - deliver a cost-effective Games that boosts jobs and economic growth; and
Global Identity - position the region as a global destination for tourism, trade and investment.

He added “temporary venues, other than for things like road races and triathlons, should only be contemplated when a permanent venue has a significant establishment cost and no meaningful long-term benefit to our community.

“If we can create or improve critical community infrastructure we should use this opportunity.”

“We should also look to Paris organisers who understood that when temporary venues were necessary - like their beach volleyball stadium at the foot of the Eiffel Tower - their value was in promoting iconic landmarks on the world stage.”

Mayor Tate went on to say “(the) new norm initiatives should include venue optimisation, alternative transport options, and reuse of field of play and back of house operations. This requires 'outside the box' thinking that is both bold and achievable. Paris 2024 showed the world that the event can be delivered differently.

“We must continue to challenge the norms and the Gold Coast has a proven track record in this regard."

According to the original Brisbane 2032 master plan, six new venues are set to be developed in time to host competition events while regional centres including Cairns, Townsville, Toowoomba, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast will also host Olympic and Paralympic competition.

Image: The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.

3rd January 2025 - Events to boost Queensland 2025 economy by $1 billion

16th December 2024 - New design for Gabba and adjacent Brisbane Arena presented to 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure and planning review

16th December 2024 - New long term partnership announced between AusTriathlon and City of Gold Coast

10th December 2024 - Stadiums Queensland venues welcomed record 5.8 million patrons in 2023/24 financial year

6th December 2024 - Backers revive plans for key Brisbane 2032 Games venues at Victoria Park

28th November 2024 - Queensland Government introduces legislation for new Olympic Games legacy authority

20th November 2024 - Four key Brisbane park precincts to be revitalised ahead of 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games

8th November 2024 - Plans unveiled for 12,000-seat arena on the Gold Coast

28th October 2024 - New Queensland Premier to deliver changed plan for main venue for Brisbane Olympics

17th October 2024 - $2 swim program to return to Brisbane City Council’s aquatic centres for summer

27th September 2024 - New advisory group to make Brisbane 2032 Games a catalyst for change

28th August 2024 - Brisbane Lord Mayor unveils Olympic transport legacy plan

22nd August 2024 - Lifesaving World Championships return to Gold Coast after 36 years

19th August 2024 - Design consortium reveals proposal for riverside Brisbane 2032 Olympic stadium

13th August 2024 - Brisbane 2032 appoints senior Paris Olympics executive as Chief Commercial Officer

2nd August 2024 - Australian Pool Rescue Championships commence at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

23rd July 2024 - Gold Coast aquatic centres achieve platinum endorsement from Royal Life Saving

16th July 2024 - Plans revealed for roof to be added to Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

14th May 2024 - Federal Government budget favours arts, sport and tourism along with $3.4 billion commitment to Brisbane Olympics

17th April 2024 - Queensland Government to reinstate Brisbane Olympics infrastructure agency

26th March 2024 - Queensland Premier suggests major Brisbane Olympics venue contracts could be delayed until after state election

18th March 2024 - Queensland Government’s Brisbane Olympics venues review recommends scrapping of Gabba rebuild

11th November 2023 - 20 Year Plan laid out with release of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Legacy Strategy

25th April 2023 - 2023 Australian Swimming Championships delivers one of biggest events at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

29th March 2023 - Gold Coast Aquatic Centre installs temporary grandstand for swimming championships

30th September 2022 - Gold Coast Aquatic Centre to host fully integrated Australian Swimming Championships

22nd July 2021 - Rebuilt Gabba and new Brisbane Live arena the key developments for 2032 Olympic Games hosting

3rd March 2021 - Planned Brisbane Live development could be a 2032 Olympics venue

12th April 2018 - Commonwealth Games legacy to make the Gold Coast an innovation hub

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