{"id":3918,"date":"2025-09-29T22:35:04","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T14:35:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/?p=3918"},"modified":"2025-09-29T22:35:06","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T14:35:06","slug":"seven-ways-brisbane-2032-can-avoid-repeating-past-olympic-planning-disasters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/seven-ways-brisbane-2032-can-avoid-repeating-past-olympic-planning-disasters\/","title":{"rendered":"Seven ways Brisbane 2032 can avoid repeating past Olympic planning\u00a0disasters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, Queensland stands at an historic crossroads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An A$7.1 billion plan for Olympic venues is in place, with funding split 50:50 between the federal and state governments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With about seven years to go before the games, a profound question lies before all Queenslanders: how can the games leave a positive, beneficial and permanent legacy for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This question has never been more urgent. As outlined in a Queensland University of Technology report released today, the answer lies in strategic, legacy-focused urban planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 7 pillars of a lasting legacy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Recent games have faced heavy criticism for their immense financial, social and environmental costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lessons of history are profound. For example, the venues built at great expense in Athens and Rio are now mostly \u201cwhite elephants\u201d \u2013 long-term derelicts that burden taxpayers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brisbane cannot afford to repeat past mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our research team analysed the past seven games to outline seven keys to success for Brisbane, all rooted in strategic, sustainable, human-centred urban planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Reject single-use venues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Brisbane must focus on developing versatile venues that address long-term community needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planning should prioritise multi-functional, adaptable facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will ensure games venues can be easily converted into community hubs, exhibition centres, or local sports clubs such as Barcelona\u2019s Olympic waterfront, which is a lasting civic landmark. Similarly, London\u2019s VeloPark now anchors one of the city\u2019s premier recreational precincts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cyclists<\/a>
Cyclists ride the BMX track at the VeloPark, formerly the cycling venue for the London 2012 Games. Oli Scarff\/Getty Images<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Technology such as artificial intelligence, which turns complex data into predictive insights, and the use of digital twins \u2013 live virtual models of real places \u2013 make it possible to test future transformations in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Plan beyond a short-term economic boost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When cities host the games, the short-term economic lift is undeniable. But history shows us these benefits often vanish quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, infrastructure spending and tourism spikes can provide a temporary boost. However, once the games have finished, many venues become underused, maintenance costs rise, and projected long-term business or job growth may fail to materialise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To avoid the \u201cmega-event syndrome\u201d of budget blowouts and misaligned priorities, all investments must be tightly aligned with Queensland\u2019s long-term economic strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means investing in sectors with enduring value: advanced manufacturing, tourism and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prioritising local procurement and workforce development ensures benefits reach small businesses and regions, spreading prosperity beyond central Brisbane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every dollar invested should yield long-term value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Focus on social equity and community resonance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Games have historically been criticised for deepening social inequality, such as the forced evictions in Rio ahead of Brazil\u2019s 2016 games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brisbane must do better. We need equity-focused planning that protects renters, long-term residents and the rights of Traditional Owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conversion of athlete villages into affordable housing should be secured through binding planning agreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Genuine community engagement must be integrated into every stage of decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Set a new environmental standard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While Brisbane\u2019s initial \u201cclimate-positive\u201d pledge was highly praised during its bid, its quiet removal from the host contract later sparked widespread controversy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sustainability cannot be an afterthought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The environmental footprint of the games is massive, from construction emissions to waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brisbane should embed \u201cnature-positive\u201d principles at all stages of planning and development. This includes prioritising renewable energy sources, green infrastructure and the construction of venues that promote active transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sydney\u2019s Accor Stadium, designed to harvest rainwater for irrigation, shows how early planning delivers decades of benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, Brisbane will be judged on its ability to leave future generations with cleaner air, cooler streets and a truly sustainable environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Showcase transparent governance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Good governance is the cornerstone of a successful legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Past failures such as budget blowouts, secret deals and bypassed planning processes have eroded public trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brisbane has an opportunity to set a better standard with a robust, transparent and inclusive governance structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Celebrate and incorporate Indigenous culture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The games will be held on the unceded lands of First Nations peoples across South East Queensland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brisbane 2032 has the potential to make history by placing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures at its core.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is an exceptional opportunity to advance reflection, reconciliation and power-sharing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Integrating Indigenous knowledge and voices \u2013 from venue design and public art to environmental management \u2013 can enrich the games\u2019 legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, respect for these voices appears to be questionable, with a First Nations group appealing the decision to build a stadium at Victoria Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Embrace smart city innovation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The games are a catalyst for urban innovation and smart city transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brisbane can capitalise on this by deploying cutting-edge urban technology to solve long-standing challenges such as traffic congestion and housing shortages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Innovative solutions such as autonomous shuttle buses, digital twin platforms and enhanced smart and green infrastructure can ensure the games run smoothly, while fostering a more sustainable and liveable future city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The real finish line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Brisbane 2032 is not just a sporting event. It presents a unique opportunity to reimagine and reshape the city\u2019s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By embracing bold leadership, collaborative governance and a \u201clegacy-first\u201d approach, Brisbane can set a global example for transforming an Olympic moment into lasting public good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The path we choose now will define Queensland\u2019s reputation and the quality of life for its residents for decades to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The stakes are high, but so is the potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Tan Yigitcanlar<\/a>, Professor of Urban Studies and Planning, Queensland University of Technology<\/a>; Sajani Senadheera<\/a>, PhD Researcher, School of Architecture and Built Environment, Queensland University of Technology; Tracy Sherwood Washington<\/a>, Senior Lecturer of Urban Studies and Planning, Queensland University of Technology<\/a>; Umberto Baresi<\/a>, Research Fellow, Faculty of Engineering, School of Architecture & Built Environment, Queensland University of Technology<\/a>, and Wenda Li<\/a>, PhD Researcher, School of Architecture and Built Environment, Queensland University of Technology<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article is republished from The Conversation<\/a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, Queensland stands at an historic crossroads. An A$7.1 billion<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3920,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[44],"tags":[71],"class_list":["post-3918","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international","tag-olympics"],"aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Brisbane_compressed.jpg",926,521,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Brisbane_compressed-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Brisbane_compressed-300x169.jpg",300,169,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Brisbane_compressed-768x432.jpg",640,360,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Brisbane_compressed.jpg",640,360,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Brisbane_compressed.jpg",926,521,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Brisbane_compressed.jpg",926,521,false],"morenews-large":["https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Brisbane_compressed-825x521.jpg",825,521,true],"morenews-medium":["https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Brisbane_compressed-590x410.jpg",590,410,true]},"author_info":{"info":["admin"]},"category_info":"International<\/a>","tag_info":"International","comment_count":"0","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Brisbane_compressed.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3918","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3918"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3918\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3922,"href":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3918\/revisions\/3922"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3920"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3918"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3918"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3918"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}