The Olympic Games will once again be hosted in Australia, with Brisbane being named the host of the 2032 games.
The games will be held from July 23 to August 8, with the Paralympics scheduled to follow.
Over the next 11 years, facilities throughout Brisbane, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast will prepare for the games, with an emphasis being placed on using existing facilities.
According to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic master plan, 84 per cent of venues used will be existing or temporary. This will include three main hubs throughout the state, which will host 28 different sports.
Of these venues, 21 will be in Brisbane, seven on the Gold Coast and four on the Sunshine Coast.
The Gabba stadium will host athletics events, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. The stadium will also receive a $1 billion rebuild, which will increase the stadium’s capacity from 42,000 to 50,000 seats.
The remaining 16 per cent of venues will be new venues, including a 15,000-seat aquatic centre in Brisbane’s CBD, a 12,000-seat basketball facility and a 10,000 seat gymnastics and boxing centre.
An athlete’s village will be built on the Brisbane waterfront, with alternative accommodation available on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Kooralbyn.
For spectators, travel throughout the games will be aided by the completion of the Cross River Rail, Brisbane Metro and Coomera Connector.
Event organisers admit that more public transport will be required to support the growing population, which is expected to increase by 1.5 million by 2041.
The games will have an initial operating budget of $4.5 billion, which does not account for new road infrastructure, public transport, security, or staff. The full costs of the games are still unclear.
University of Queensland tourism and events expert Judith Mair told the ABC that projects may need to be fast tracked to satisfy the growing population.
“Infrastructure improvements, road transport improvements, public transport improvements that might have been in the 30-year plan for the city can be brought forward so they’re ready in time for the Olympics,” she said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the games were expected to bring in almost $18 billion in social and economic benefits to Australia.
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