Green light for Moreton Bay's Olympic venue

Above: An artist's impression of the proposed sport centre at Petrie.

The $205 million Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre has today been confirmed as one of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic venues.

Premier David Crisafulli made the announcement when unveiling the new Queensland Government’s 2032 Delivery Plan for the Games.

The report says Moreton Bay’s proposed centre at The Mill in Petrie will “deliver a new flexible multisport and events facility for community and event use”.

Moreton Bay has previously been tipped to host the Olympic boxing tournament, which is mentioned in the Games' 100 Day Infrastructure Review.

“This venue will address a growing need for indoor sports facilities in Moreton Bay, supporting increased participation in sports such as basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton, futsal, wheelchair rugby and pickleball," the Delivery Plan says.

“This new facility will also accommodate a broad range of other events, concerts, presentations, conferences and trade shows, enhancing the region’s ability to deliver long-term benefits to the local community.”

The new Brisbane Olympics plan includes “new and upgraded Games venues” to be delivered within an existing “$7.1 billion funding envelope”.

The heart of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be Victoria Park, with a new world-class Brisbane Stadium as part of a central Games precinct across Spring Hill, Bowen Hills and Victoria Park.

A new National Aquatic Centre will be delivered at the site of the Centenary Pool in Spring Hill, for swimming, diving, water polo and artistic swimming.

A major upgrade of the Queensland Tennis Centre will include a new 3000-seat show court arena and 12 new match courts which, in addition to Pat Rafter Arena, will open the doors to more tournaments for Brisbane.

The Main Arena at the RNA Showgrounds will be upgraded with a 20,000-seat outdoor arena, to give the Queensland Ekka an even brighter future.

The main Athlete Village will also be built at Bowen Hills, within walking distance of the Brisbane Stadium.

While a Brisbane Arena is no longer required, Brisbane Live will now be delivered by the private sector, enabling the Federal Government’s contribution to be directed toward other essential Games infrastructure.

The State Government will move the Brisbane Arena priority site to the vacant GoPrint site in Woolloongabba, for a permanent legacy as well as a new housing and entertainment precinct over the Gabba when it is taken down. East Brisbane State School will not be moved.

There will be an improved transport network with new rail lines and stations, northern and eastern Brisbane bus corridors, upgrades to the M1, faster rail from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, and The Wave, with a rail line running from Beerwah to Birtinya linking with metro services all the way to the Sunshine Coast Airport, through Maroochydore.

Existing venues will be used for training and events, before and after the Games, and natural assets such as parklands and beaches used as temporary venues or Live Sites.

The Plan is complemented by a $250 million investment in grassroots sporting clubs across Queensland through the Games On! Program.

The first 100 community clubs to receive upgrades through Games On! include Beachmere Sports Complex, Bribie Little Athletics Club, Bribie Island Netball Club, Bribie Island Strength and Movement Club, Bribie Island Surf Club, Burpengary Jets Rugby League Club, Dayboro Scout Hall and Ferny Hills State School.

Also Les Hughes Sports Complex at Bray Park, Moreton Bay Boys’ Brigade, North Lakes Kangaroos Rugby League Club, Peninsula Power Football Club, Pine Rivers Football Club, Pine Rivers PCYC, Pine Rivers Swans AFL Club, Redcliffe Dolphins Soccer Club and Redcliffe Tigers AFL Club.

“To host the Olympic and Paralympic Games is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we’ll make it count for Queensland with a lasting legacy,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“Transport, infrastructure, tourism and grassroots sport will all be part of the lasting legacy for a Games we can all be proud of.

“We now have the gameplan for 2032 and beyond, and it’s time to put it into action.”