Brisbane 2032 Does Not Break the Cycle of Gigantism

There are still six years until the Olympic Games in Brisbane.

In the Australian metropolis, it's already evident what the Olympics can do to a city: Where tens of thousands of spectators are supposed to sit, cranes and excavators stand.

There has been conflict over old and new stadiums, and thousands of hotel beds are missing. Rowers are set to compete for medals on a river where crocodiles live (more here >>>). Only one thing seems certain: Not much remains of the original promises.

Brisbane Pitched Existing Sports Facilities

Brisbane was meant to usher in a new, economical Olympic era. Its bid focused on existing sports venues and promised to break the cycle of gigantism.

Meanwhile, the plans have morphed into a multi-billion dollar infrastructure program. "It was supposed to be a low-cost Olympics – and that's exactly what the Olympic Committee wanted: to use existing facilities and not spend a lot of money," says Uber driver John.

"But then everything changed again and Brisbane said: No, we can do it much better!" Instead of renovating the traditional cricket and sports stadium "The Gabba" as planned, a new "Brisbane Stadium" for 63,000 visitors is being built.

Protest Camp in Victoria Park

However, the location drew significant criticism: Before construction began in Victoria Park, there were repeated massive protests.

Residents and Indigenous activists demanded the preservation of the historic green space and warned against interference with ecologically and culturally significant areas. In May, the dispute escalated when police cleared a protest camp and arrested several people.

On the way to the park, glittering skyscrapers pass by, with mighty cranes towering everywhere into the sky. "A lot of people are currently moving to Brisbane from other parts of the country, there's plenty of work here," says John. "Despite all the problems, I'm really looking forward to the Games, I love sports!"

And indeed: There's surprisingly little sign of Olympic weariness. The taxi driver, the hotel employee, people on the street – most are now proud that the world will be looking to Brisbane in 2032.

Illuminated Countdown

On an illuminated display board in the city center, citizens can now read how many years, days, minutes, and seconds remain until the Olympic flame is lit.

A countdown to the grand spectacle. After all, it's been a while since Australia last hosted. The 2000 Sydney Games are unforgettable for many; the "Aussies" welcomed the world with their typical warmth. Brisbane is therefore stepping into big shoes.

Arriving at Victoria Park, onlookers encounter extensive barricades. Posters show what the "Brisbane Stadium" is supposed to look like – otherwise, there is nothing to be seen of the future arena. Not even construction noise emanates outwards.

"We are still in the very early stages," says a security guard. How long until completion? "Oh, that will take years!" He wasn't even sure if it would be finished on time. "On the other hand, it has to work out somehow."

High Costs and Missing Hotel Beds

In total, 17 new and modernized sports venues are to be built in Queensland, including a National Aquatic Centre for around 25,000 watersports fans. Several athletes' villages will also be added.

Currently, the cost of the Games is estimated at approximately 15.5 billion Australian Dollars (9.5 billion Euros) – experts believe it will end up being significantly more expensive.

And then there are the hotel beds. According to an analysis by the Australian real estate industry association Property Council of Australia, approximately 64,800 hotel rooms will be needed in Southeast Queensland.

Even if all currently planned projects are completed, about 5,200 rooms are expected to be missing – in the worst-case scenario, it could even be around 7,400.

Cruise Ships Expected to Help

A solution could come from the water: Cruise ships are expected to help bridge the gap. According to the "Sydney Morning Herald", Brendan Connell from the Port of Brisbane stated that ocean liners could serve as floating hotels. Barcelona showed at the 1992 Games that this works.

Urban campsites and accommodation at suburban pubs are also being discussed. Airbnb referred to Paris 2024, where around 400,000 people booked accommodation through the platform.

Rowing in a Crocodile-Infested River

And not everything is going smoothly for the rowing and canoeing competitions either. The venue is the Fitzroy River, approximately 600 kilometers north of Brisbane. There are strong currents there – and saltwater crocodiles.

There were long debates about the location. However, the review has now been completed and was positive, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli recently stated. "It's official, finalized, and sealed."

Experts disagree on how great the danger truly is. "There are very few crocodiles in the freshwater section of the river – I believe we've removed four in the last 40 years – so there's not much danger there," ABC quoted crocodile expert John Lever as saying.

Environmental scientist Craig Franklin, however, considers the river to be an unacceptable sports venue. "It is dangerous, and the consequences can be deadly."