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Brisbane unveils Victoria Park masterplan for 2032 Olympics

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Brisbane has unveiled a masterplan for Victoria Park Precinct, a key site for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
  • The plan includes new pedestrian bridges, expanded parklands, and upgrades to existing sporting facilities.
  • The development aims to transform the former golf course into a publicly accessible green space, despite prior protests.

Brisbane has released artist's impressions of the Victoria Park Precinct masterplan, a significant component of its infrastructure program for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The precinct is set to feature new pedestrian bridges connecting Victoria Park with the Brisbane CBD and the National Aquatic Centre. Approximately two-thirds of the park will be dedicated to green, public space as part of a broader $7.1 billion infrastructure initiative jointly funded by the state and federal governments.

The masterplan includes the development of the Brisbane Stadium, upgrades to the National Aquatic Centre at Centenary Pool, and enhancements to the Brisbane Showgrounds. Additionally, parklands and public spaces will be expanded. The government highlighted that the precinct will become more accessible and utilized than ever before, transforming the area from a previously closed-off golf course into a vibrant community asset.

I think it will be more utilised than it has ever been seen before. Bearing in mind, two years ago this was a closed off golf course, that no-one in the community could utilise.

โ€” Jarrod BleijieMinister for the Games, Deputy Premier, discussing the increased public access to Victoria Park.

Victoria Park was selected as the site for the new Games stadium in 2025, a decision that marked a reversal from previous plans and acknowledged by the premier as the "only option." The development has faced ongoing protests from activists concerned about the park's cultural and historic significance. However, officials emphasize the plan's focus on community sport and public access, noting that the area, once a golf course and previously a dump site, will be opened up for public use.

The government is exploring cycling and pedestrian links over the Inner City Bypass and rail corridor to ensure the precinct is well-connected to the city and Fortitude Valley. Accessibility for all individuals, regardless of age or ability, is a stated priority. The plan also includes expanding the York's Hollow wetland and planting an "urban forest" to enhance the landscape. Public consultation on the draft plan is open until September 27.

I think the opportunity for community sport well after the Games is going to be more profound than has ever been the case before. It used to be a dump site, then it was a golf course, and we're opening it up and two-thirds will be available to the public use.

โ€” Jarrod BleijieMinister for the Games, Deputy Premier, highlighting the long-term community benefits of the park's redevelopment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.