Infrastructure experts, engineers, planners, architects and designers weigh in on Olympic venue puzzle

Brisbane 2032 Olympics: A Focus on Planning, Legacy, and Community Engagement

The Brisbane 2032 Olympics are set to be a monumental event, not just for the city but for the entire state of Queensland. As the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) conducts its 100-day review of Olympic infrastructure, several peak professional bodies have submitted their recommendations. These submissions, from organizations such as the Infrastructure Association of Queensland (IAQ), Engineers Australia, and a joint submission from the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA), and the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), highlight key principles and strategies for delivering a successful and sustainable Games.

A Focus on Principles Over Specific Venues

While the debate around specific Olympic venues continues, these professional bodies have chosen to remain agnostic on particular locations. Instead, their submissions emphasize the importance of overarching principles that should guide the planning and delivery of the Games. Brad Wood, IAQ 2032 Games co-chair, noted that while each venue option has its technical merits, the focus should be on broader considerations such as finance and delivery models, supply chain readiness, and long-term legacy benefits. Similarly, Sean Cullen, PIA Queensland division president, underscored the importance of serving the public interest, stating that "simple ideas done well can be transformative."

Balancing Cost, Benefit, and Legacy

Engineers Australia, through its Queensland division president Andrew Reid, emphasized the need to balance cost and benefit. "We don’t want to break the bank building brand-new stadiums," Reid said, highlighting the importance of cost-effective solutions that leave a lasting legacy for the community. This approach is not only about fiscal responsibility but also about fostering community engagement and ensuring that the infrastructure developed for the Games aligns with broader societal needs, such as energy transition and urban renewal. Reid also acknowledged the challenges posed by the current construction environment, noting that keeping the project under budget within the next seven years will be no easy task.

The Importance of Master Plans and Legacy Mode Thinking

In its submission, the IAQ called for the Queensland government to release comprehensive master plans that consider both the immediate needs of the Games and the post-2032 use of venues and precincts. These plans, referred to as "Games-mode" and "legacy-mode" master plans, would provide clarity and certainty for designers, planners, engineers, contractors, and operators. The IAQ cited the London 2012 Games as a prime example of successful legacy planning, where clear direction and strong public-private co-investment led to transformative outcomes. Wood suggested that Brisbane could draw inspiration from London’s approach, where land-use plans around venues and precincts attracted complementary development and boosted investment.

Precinct Integration and Urban Regeneration

The joint submission from the AIA, PIA, AILA, and DIA also highlighted the importance of precinct integration, positioning venues as catalysts for urban regeneration. "There are many global and national case studies where a stadium or other Games infrastructure has catalysed the prosperity and vitality of the wider precinct," their submission noted. While the IAQ pointed to London as an example, the joint submission drew on a closer-to-home case study: the Adelaide Oval, which has spurred significant urban redevelopment and strengthened connections to Adelaide’s CBD. This approach encourages a broader perspective that considers how venues integrate with their surroundings, create opportunities for the broader community, and deliver benefits beyond the Games themselves.

The Role of Public-Private Partnerships and Local Expertise

The IAQ also highlighted the potential of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to deliver cost-effective and innovative infrastructure solutions. Citing the example of the Gold Coast athletes’ village for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, which saved $450 million through private sector investment, Wood argued that PPPs could play a significant role in Brisbane’s Olympic preparations. However, Engineers Australia emphasized the importance of ensuring that local engineering and construction businesses have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the Games. "Local engineering and construction businesses should have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the Games, reversing the trend of awarding major contracts to international firms," their submission stated. This approach would not only foster local growth but also support First Nations workers and retain expertise and funding within the community.

The Need for Urgent Action and Strategic Leadership

As the clock ticks down to 2032, the need for urgency is clear. Wood noted that while there is still time to get things right, "the inertia will have to evaporate pretty quickly." Cullen added that GIICA must ask and answer big questions, such as "What should be the future of Brisbane?" This long-term perspective should guide the planning process, ensuring that the Games serve as a catalyst for broader urban and regional development. Engineers Australia also called for the reinstatement of a chief engineer within the Queensland government to provide strategic and technical advice, highlighting the need for strong governance and expertise in both Olympic and non-Olympic planning.

In summary, the submissions from these peak professional bodies emphasize the importance of thoughtful planning, legacy thinking, cost-effective delivery, precinct integration, public-private partnerships, and local expertise. As Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Olympics, these principles will be crucial in ensuring that the Games not only succeed as a sporting event but also leave a lasting, positive impact on the city and its people.