- Crisafulli Government announces early works to begin transforming the Brisbane Showgrounds ahead of the 2032 Games.
- 20,000-seat arena upgrade and new housing among legacy infrastructure to be delivered under the 2032 Delivery Plan.
- Artist's impressions reveal vision for Brisbane Athletes Village beyond 2032.
The Crisafulli Government has today announced that the Brisbane Showgrounds will be transformed after this year's Ekka with early works to commence within weeks, marking an important milestone in the delivery of this legacy infrastructure for 2032 and beyond.
The Bowen Hills showgrounds will be the site of the Brisbane Athletes Village, which will be the Games' largest, accommodating more than 10,000 athletes and officials during the Olympic Games and over 5,000 during the Paralympic Games.
As well as housing the Brisbane Athletes Village, an upgrade to the 20,000 seat Main Arena will facilitate the growth of the precinct's key entertainment and events capability and give the iconic Brisbane Ekka an even brighter future.
After 1,200 days of Labor chaos, the Crisafulli Government is delivering for 2032 and beyond and ensuring the Games deliver a generational infrastructure legacy across Queensland.
This delivery update comes a month after procurement commenced for the Victoria Park precinct Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure.
The integrated Master Plan for the Victoria Park precinct, including the Brisbane Showgrounds and surrounds is set to be a world-class hub for recreation, events, entertainment, and lifestyle well beyond the Games.
Premier David Crisafulli said the transformation would benefit Queenslanders for decades to come.
"The early works will fire the starter's gun on the Brisbane Showgrounds' transformation for 2032 and beyond," Premier Crisafulli said.
"Brisbane will be centre stage for the Games, and this investment to rebuild the Main Arena will deliver a new life to the Ekka which will be enjoyed for generations to come.
"The Games are a once in a generation opportunity, and through the 2032 Delivery Plan, we are ensuring that every dollar we spend delivers a lasting legacy for Queenslanders."
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the Crisafulli Government's decision to move the Village to the showgrounds would help create a vibrant precinct in the heart of Brisbane.
"As well as housing the Brisbane Athletes Village, the arena upgrade will facilitate the growth of the precinct's entertainment and events capability and give the iconic Ekka an even brighter future," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"Importantly, a project like this could see thousands of permanent dwellings after the Games, to help meet demand for much-needed housing in our state.
"Through the Games legacy, the Crisafulli Government is creating opportunities for more housing supply, better transport, generational infrastructure that strengthens our Queensland communities."
"Our Games commitment is part of the largest infrastructure investment in the history of Queensland – $116.8 billion.
"We're getting on with the job of delivering a Games legacy that every Queenslander will be proud of for generations to come."
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Brisbane Showgrounds would continue to be the permanent home for the Ekka.
"The Ekka showcases the best of Queensland, bringing country and city together," Minister Perrett said.
"The Brisbane Athletes Village project means Ekka visitors and exhibitors will be able to enjoy upgraded facilities for generations to come.
"This includes upgrades to the Main Arena and improved accessibility across the site."
RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said the early works are important first steps in the Brisbane Showgrounds' transformation.
"Following this year's Ekka, the heritage-listed John MacDonald and Ernest Baynes grandstands will be restored and upgraded to provide much improved accessibility," Mr Christou said.
"Design works will also begin for the 20,000-seat Main Arena upgrade.
"We're excited to share artist's impressions of what that could look like, and the legacy the Games will leave for Queenslanders."
