Procurement begins for the construction of QLD sporting venues for 2032 Games

The Australian and Queensland Governments are gearing up for the construction of venues to be used for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as procurement begins for some projects. 

Following thorough assessments of the Chandler Sports Precinct (also known as the Sleeman Sports Complex) and three Sunshine Coast venues, the search for construction partners is now underway. 

Funding from the $1.87 billion Minor Venues Program has been allocated to these projects. 

“We are going to put on a fantastic Games under the IOC New Norms and one that leaves a lasting legacy in communities right across the state. 

“These projects will create good jobs, new investment opportunities and access to world-class sporting and entertainment facilities – all while raising South East Queensland’s profile as a global sporting and tourism destination. 

“New and upgraded facilities right around the state will serve as world-class venues during the Games and a pivotal part of a legacy that will serve current and future generations of Queenslanders,” Premier Steven Miles said. 

“As one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, investment in these venues will deliver lasting benefits to the communities of South East Queensland both before and after the Games. 

“The Australian Government is working closely with our state government partners to deliver sporting and community venues that reflect the needs of staging a global event while providing the best outcomes for our communities now and in the future. 

“These projects are part of a suite of new or upgraded venues to be delivered in Queensland, supporting the region’s booming population and helping deliver a successful Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Kawana Sports Precinct (source: Queensland Government)

Projects that will soon be released to market or have commenced procurement include the $142 million Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre, $148 million Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade, $14 million Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre upgrade, and $257 million for new and upgraded venues within the Chandler Sports Precinct. 

The Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade – which has already been released to market – will ensure the venue attracts world-class sport, recreational and entertainment events. The stadium is proposed to host the football preliminaries and quarter-final matches during the Games. The upgrade will also benefit the community, including tenants such as the Sunshine Coast Falcons, much sooner and long after. 

Co-located in the Kawana Sports Precinct, the new Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre is set to become a sustainable, modern facility featuring 11 courts and multifunctional areas that can be used for a range of sports and community activities. The contract for this project is due to be released to market in August 2024. 

“The Sunshine Coast Basketball Association (SCBA) is excited about the new 11-court indoor sports centre at Kawana and would like to thank Council and the State and Federal governments for recognising the unprecedented growth of basketball on the Sunshine Coast and the urgent need for this facility. 

“This world-class facility will allow the SCBA to better service our thousands of members from all over the Sunshine Coast, as well as provide space for several other indoor sports. 

“This facility will also enable the SCBA attract state, national and international events to the region which benefits not only the SCBA, but the entire Sunshine Coast,” Sunshine Coast Basketball Association Genral Manager Sean Page said. 

“Today’s funding announcement follows years of research and planning and is a direct and welcome result of our role as Co-Host City of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

“The validation process the projects went through, including independent panel review, was extensive and demonstrated the importance of these venues for the Sunshine Coast. 

“I’d like to thank the State and Federal governments for their support, which is essential to ensure that these state-of-the-art facilities are delivered for the Sunshine Coast,” Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said. 

The upgrades proposed for the Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre near Nambour will help meet the growing demand for mountain biking facilities in the region. The new facility is set to provide circuit, beginner level trains and a skills park suitable for multisport events along with bike hire facilities and a cafe. The contract for this project is due to be released for procurement in 2025. 

Lastly, a new Indoor Sports Centre is going to be built at the Chandler Sports Precinct where gymnastics and Paralympic wheelchair basketball will be held during the Games. Upgrades will also be carried out on the Brisbane Aquatic Centre where diving and water polo are proposed to be held. Further investment will also deliver works that will benefit the entire precinct, where track cycling and BMX racing are proposed to take place at the Anna Meares Velodrome and BMX SuperCross track. 

The contract for the new Indoor Sports Centre is now out to market and the contract for the upgrade to the Brisbane Aquatic Centre will be released to market next year. 

“I’m proud to be a part of the Miles Government delivering these game changing venues for the Sunshine Coast. 

“The Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre near my electorate of Nicklin will be an asset for the community for decades to come, with the potential to draw thousands of extra visitors to our region,” Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said. 

“These new and upgraded facilities won’t just benefit sporting communities on the Sunshine Coast, they’ll benefit all Queenslanders and those who travel here each year to take part in sporting events. 

“With plans for Sunshine Coast rail underway, we’re focused on ensuring the infrastructure that the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games needs to be a success is delivered, and ensures a long-term transformational legacy is there for all to see following the games. 

“The Albanese Government is proud to be supporting a boost to Queensland sports stadiums and community sporting facilities, that will benefit South East Queensland and the nation for decades to come,” Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator Anthony Chisholm said. 

Chandler Sports Precinct Indoor Sports Centre (source: Queensland Government)

The first contract is due to be awarded later this year, with early works on the Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade to begin in late 2024. Construction on the other venues is expected to begin in 2025. 

The Q2032 Procurement Strategy will prioritise local businesses, giving them the best chance to supply for the projects that are expected to support more than 1,000 jobs. 

Over the coming months, a quarter of the $1.87 billion Minor Venues Program will be out to market and with other projects close to investment decision, about half of the developments under the program will be released to market by the end of 2024. 

“Queensland’s golden decade of opportunity is here and we’re making the most of it to deliver lasting benefits across the state. 

“Since being awarded the Games, we have established the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising and Legacy Committees, signed an historic $7.1 billion investment agreement with the Commonwealth, introduced legislation to establish an independent Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority, secured $2.75 billion from the Albanese Government towards the Sunshine Coast Rail Line, invested $100 million in our Go for Gold program for schools, and launched You for 2032, Australia’s largest ever athlete talent identification program,. 

“Our Q2032 Procurement Strategy means businesses across Queensland are already getting match fit to win government contracts – worth an estimated $180 billion – in the lead up to the Games,” Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace said. 

“How good is this, right here on the Sunshine Coast we will be home to new and upgraded venues that will be used for the 2032 Games. 

“We have a great lifestyle here, and the new facilities on the horizon, the Sunshine Coast will be an even better place to call home. 

“Apprentices and trainees, plus local small and medium sized businesses are winners with our Q2032 Procurement Strategy,” Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said. 

Sunshine Coast Stadium (source: Queensland Government)

The Australian and Queensland Governments are committed to providing benefits to local businesses and workers by sourcing at least 30 per cent of procurement from Queensland SMEs for the Minor Venues Program along with a target of 10 to 15 per cent of all work hours on the project to be undertaken by apprentices or trainees. 

The final project scopes and locations were selected following a rigorous Project Validation Report process, have been endorsed by national, state, and local governments, and were recommended to proceed in the recent independent Sport Venue Review. 

Communities across the State are set to benefit from the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as various events are set to be held in a range of locations including in Cairns, Townsville, Logan, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands and the Gold Coast. 

“The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the biggest event in Queensland’s history, delivering significant economic and social impact across the State and beyond. 

“The sooner progress is made, the sooner people will be able to use these legacy assets – and that’s a good thing for one of the fastest growing regions in the country. 

“The announcements today are further evidence that collectively, Games Delivery Partners are getting on with the job of keeping pace with preparations. 

“With significant investment decisions completed and over a quarter of the Minor Venues Program approved for go-to-market contracts, we are in a good position eight years out from hosting the Games. 

“I welcome the opportunities being delivered, not only for the Games, but for local businesses and communities to be part of before and beyond 2032,” Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President Andrew Liveris said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Infrastructure Magazine