A major sporting event can significantly transform a destination, offering direct economic benefits, enhancing global reputation, and creating lasting social and infrastructural legacies for the host city or country.
Indeed, it’s why so many countries will bid for the rights to host an event, such as the Olympics or FIFA World Cup. Australia has been no stranger to hosting the former, having hosted the event on two occasions (1956 and 2000). Melbourne and Sydney have both had the honor and there have been many benefits that have been experienced in doing so.
Now, Brisbane will get the opportunity to follow in their footsteps and give itself a chance of being able to reap the major benefits that hosting a major sporting event can bring.
Brisbane 2032 has already been controversial
Before beginning to look at the potential benefits that can be obtained by hosting an event like the Olympic Games, challenges can often be met.
While benefits can be substantial, hosting comes with high initial costs and risks if investments are not managed well or if infrastructure is poorly integrated into long-term planning. Careful management is required to maximize the lasting positive impact and avoid the pitfalls of abandoned facilities or financial overreach.
Indeed, there have been several protests over some of the plans. Many have protested against the proposed stadium to be built in Victoria Park in Brisbane. It comes after Queensland’s parliament decided to pass legislation that allows for infrastructure projects related to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics project to bypass the main planning laws and regulations that apply in the state.
The establishment of agencies like the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) gives the government the ability to fast-track projects, sometimes bypassing normal planning hurdles to meet Olympics deadlines. While this can accelerate much-needed northern development, it does raise concerns about heritage protection and local input in some areas.
It’s a move that has been described as a means to try to get construction started as soon as possible, shield investments from potential legal disputes, and avoid any delays that could be disastrous for the region. If the city isn’t ready, it could reflect poorly on several factors.
What the Olympic Games can bring to a region
From an economic standpoint, major sporting events attract large numbers of visitors, boosting local tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors through increased spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. They often lead to short-term job creation, which can also help a country to generate additional tax revenue.
Socially, there is potential for increased sports participation, improved community health, increased volunteering, and strengthened social bonds among residents. Major events can boost civic pride, foster national unity, and enhance a destination’s global image, attracting future tourism and investment.
Hosting a major event typically brings significant investment in infrastructure, modernizing stadiums, transportation, and city facilities. These improvements can support long-term tourism and enhance the quality of life for locals well after the event concludes.
How could Brisbane and the surrounding areas be positively impacted by the infrastructure bill?
The Queensland Olympic infrastructure bill is backed by a combined federal and state commitment of over $7.1 billion.
It includes major transport upgrades, especially on critical routes like the Bruce Highway connecting Brisbane to Cairns, as well as venue constructions and refurbishments not just in Brisbane but also regional centers north of the capital.
Major projects like the Maroochydore Railway Line will enhance regional railway connectivity. At the same time, improvements to the broader public transport system are designed to support regional inflow and long-term population mobility.
The proposed new 63,000-seat stadium will also need to be built, with it slated to replace the historic Gabba, which is to be demolished. The plans are for it to be the main venue for the Olympic Games; however it has been designed to be in the shape of an oval, allowing for it to be suitable for Australian rules football and cricket after the Games.
With major works, there is a corresponding demand for new skills and jobs, both in construction and in tourism/service sectors, which are critical for regional economies. Local governments and organizations are already assessing how to position their communities to maximize these benefits, from training programs to promotional campaigns linked to the Olympics.
In addition, several regional locations, including Townsville, Cairns, and Toowoomba, are expected to host Olympic events such as preliminary football matches, which directly draws international attention and tourism into northern Queensland. These regions are being positioned as “hubs” not only for competition, but also for long-term tourism and grassroots sports facility investments, using the Games as a springboard to boost their profile and economic diversification.
Final Thoughts
Opposition to major sporting events can always be experienced, especially when new construction is required in areas that communities feel strongly about, such as Victoria Park. However, there is no denying that there are several significant benefits that they can bring to a region.
Brisbane should be able to experience these in 2032 and enjoy them in the years that follow.
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