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Politics
Fraser Barton

Date finally set for Brisbane Olympic stadium reveal

The 2032 Olympic blueprint will be finalised in an independent report to be released on March 25. (HANDOUT/ARCHIPELAGO)

A 2032 Olympic stadium plan is finally set to be revealed, ending years of speculation over the Brisbane Games' marquee venue.

The Olympic blueprint will be finalised in an independent report to be  released on March 25 after ongoing debate over the Brisbane 2032 main stadium.

The venue plan has had a number of false starts since Brisbane was named Olympic host in July 2021.

2032 BRISBANE OLYMPICS STADIUM
Funding for the Games' infrastructure will be split 50-50 between the state and federal governments. (HANDOUT/ARCHIPELAGO)

But Queensland's Liberal National government hopes to finally fire the starter's gun with the venue plan in March.

"Our delivery plan will provide a new way forward and get the Games back on track ... there is little time to waste," Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie told parliament on Tuesday.

"Queenslanders no longer want to be embarrassed on the world stage.

"We will deliver a 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games our state can be proud of and showcase what makes us a great state on the world stage."

The plan will finally end speculation over whether Brisbane receives a new stadium and what venue will host track and field.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli had been adamant no new stadiums would be built for Brisbane 2032 after winning the October 2024 election and ordering the venue review.

He had rubbished the former Labor government's Olympic infrastructure blueprint, which rejected a previous review's recommendation to build a $3.4 billion centrepiece stadium at Victoria Park.

Instead, the Labor government preferred an upgrade of ageing facilities like the Gabba, Suncorp Stadium and the 49-year-old Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, sparking a public backlash.

It also rejected former Labor premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's plan to demolish and rebuild the Gabba as the Brisbane 2032 marquee venue.

Mr Crisafulli has been adamant time is not running out for Brisbane to host a world class Games despite fast-tracking planning since taking over as premier.

Urgent legislation was passed to set up a 2032 Olympic Independent Infrastructure and Co-ordination Authority by the new LNP government late in 2024.

A seven-strong board was tasked in November with carrying out the 100-day independent infrastructure review, receiving more than 5000 submissions.

A number of guiding principles for the 100-day review were outlined, in keeping with the Olympics' "new norm" aimed at avoiding massive cost blowouts that have plagued past hosts.

Host cities are now encouraged to cut spending by reducing new infrastructure and using existing or temporary venues.

The only new 2032 venue in Labor's plan was the $2.5 billion Brisbane Arena - set to host swimming - funded by the Commonwealth.

Funding for the Games' $7.1 billion infrastructure will be split 50-50 between the state and federal governments.

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