Athletics Australia has accused the Queensland government of overlooking track and field in its Brisbane Olympics plan, claiming the sport will not receive lasting benefits after the 2032 Games. The new 63,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park will host the Olympics and later house cricket and AFL. Despite advocating for an athletics facility to be built beside the stadium, Athletics Australia’s concerns are absent from the government’s final plan. Chief Executive Simon Hollingsworth expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging the excitement of having a large athletics stadium but disappointment in the lack of a legacy facility for future use.
Athletics Australia’s Concerns Over Brisbane Olympics Plan
The situation highlights the ongoing contention between the various sporting organizations and the Brisbane Olympics planning committee. As Athletics Australia continues to push for better post-Games legacy facilities for athletics, Gymnastics Queensland is similarly vocal about its disappointment with the current planning outcomes. Both organizations express concerns about being overlooked and emphasize the importance of having dedicated venues that support long-term athlete development. These issues reveal broader concerns within the sports community about the equitable distribution of resources and facilities in the lead-up to the 2032 Games. Amid these disputes, other sports like cricket seem to have secured their place in the venue plans, illustrating disparities in how sports are prioritized within the wider Olympic blueprint. This tension suggests an ongoing dialogue between stakeholders as they work toward solutions that would satisfy the diverse needs of the sporting community in Queensland.
Athletics Australia’s Concerns Over Legacy Facilities
Cricket Australia Chair Mike Baird expressed optimism about the new Olympic venue blueprint, suggesting it provides a level of certainty that will benefit the city of Brisbane beyond the Games. He confirmed that Brisbane will regain Test cricket status by the 2027-28 season, hosting the first Test match of the summer post-Olympics. Despite some doubts about the future of the Gabba, Mike Baird emphasized the significant economic benefits that hosting Test matches would bring to Queensland, estimating close to $250 million in gains from these matches alone. The new Victoria Park stadium is set to host the first Ashes Test of the 2032-33 series, marking a significant milestone for the venue.
Concerns Over Lack of Athletics Facilities Post-2032 Games
Mr. Hollingsworth expressed concerns about the future of athletics in Brisbane post-Games. He pointed out that without a suitable athletics venue, the city would lack the infrastructure to host national or international events. This would limit opportunities for athletes in Queensland to compete at home both leading up to and after the Olympics. The existing Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) is outdated and does not meet the necessary standards. As a result, Athletics Australia has sought an urgent meeting with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli to address these issues and explore potential solutions.
The Future of Cricket and Test Matches in Brisbane
In the face of ongoing debates and considerations surrounding the Brisbane Olympics plan, it is clear that various stakeholders have expressed both optimism and disappointment. While some sports like cricket have benefited from the planning decisions, others such as athletics and gymnastics are seeking further engagement to address their concerns over legacy facilities. As discussions continue, the aim will be to ensure that the 2032 Games not only provide world-class events but also leave a lasting impact on the athletic infrastructure and opportunities across Queensland. With ongoing dialogues and evaluations, there remains hope that all sports will find their place in the Olympic legacy.
