A new law in Queensland is stirring controversy. Facilities for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane will be exempt from key spatial planning regulations. The government argues that this is necessary to speed up investments.

Government assumes full control over Olympic infrastructure planning

Queensland’s parliament has passed legislation that significantly changes how infrastructure projects tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics are implemented. The new law allows bypassing the main planning regulations that previously applied in the state. Authorities stress that the goal is to accelerate construction and shield investments from potential legal disputes.

While Australian fans will still have to wait a few more years for the Olympic Games, many are already looking for entertainment within easy reach — and instantly available, not necessarily sport-related. A very popular option is free online pokies, offering a wide variety of games and attractive welcome bonuses.

From now on, final planning decisions for Olympic venues will be made by the state government, rather than local authorities as was previously the case. You're going to see a lot of work in a very short period of time, there'll be excavators, there'll be tractors, there'll be bulldozers, there'll be yellow vests said Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie. There'll be shovels being turned across the state.

Public protests and defence of green spaces

One of the most controversial projects is the proposed stadium to be built in Victoria Park in Brisbane. For months, the Save Victoria Park group has been protesting the plan. Its representative, Andrea Lunt, expressed disappointment with the government’s decision, vowing to continue the fight to preserve green space.

We were expecting it, but we're still incredibly disappointed, but we're not deterred, we'll continue to fight this no matter what gets thrown at us said Lunt. The park is too important to lose, it's such a precious natural asset to Brisbane. If you're thinking about showcasing Brisbane for the Olympic Games, you'd think we'd protect and enhance such a beautiful natural asset, not cover it up for stadiums.

Dave Copeman, director of the Queensland Conservation Council, shares a similar view. He accuses the government of ignoring the voices of local communities and planning partners. We firmly believe that any development, for the Olympics or otherwise, should be rigorously assessed and held to a high standard on First Nations engagement, community benefits and nature protection said Copeman. This legislation is a flashback to the Campbell Newman era and takes us a step back towards Queensland's slash and burn days.

© Queensland Government

Uncertainty over funding, but the government reassures

At this stage, not all issues related to funding the Olympic investments have been resolved. The Queensland government, led by the Liberal National Party (LNP), has abandoned the previous plan to build a centrally located sports arena with federal funding. Instead, a new arena is now planned in the Woolloongabba district, with financing from the private sector.

This funding gap has led to negotiations between the state and federal governments on how to allocate AUD 3.4 billion in Commonwealth funds. Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, says talks are nearing completion.

We expect to have news on that front for you very soon. We understand that people want to see us get on with this she said. We understand people want to see work advance as quickly as possible... these aren't just venues that are relevant to a four-week period in 2032, these are venues people want to get their value out of as quickly as possible.

Queensland’s Minister for the Olympic Games, Tim Mander, is also optimistic about the progress of talks. I'm very confident that an agreement will be made shortly, and the discussions are very positive and very constructive said Mander.

New Olympic stadium in Brisbane

Brisbane Stadium is the concept for a new stadium that will serve as the main venue for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The facility is planned for a strategic location — in Victoria Park, just 2 kilometres from Brisbane’s central business district.

The stadium project was officially unveiled on 25 March 2025 as a key element of the 2032 Delivery Plan. The venue is expected to seat 63,000 spectators and feature an oval shape, making it suitable for Australian rules football and cricket after the Games.

It is ultimately meant to replace the aging Gabba, which will be demolished. The new stadium will become the home ground for teams such as the Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat, and Queensland Bulls. It will also be able to host major events like The Ashes. The estimated construction cost is AUD 3.785 billion.