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Accessibility, connectivity and legacy will form the foundation of the Queensland Government’s revised plan to help deliver a world-class Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Unveiling his Government’s eagerly awaited 100-Day infrastructure review at The Courier-Mail’s Future Brisbane event on Tuesday, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said “the Olympic and Paralympic Games must be more than just a sporting event.”
“We must deliver generational infrastructure that makes this State a better one – before, during and after the Games,” Mr Crisafulli said.
PA President Alison Creagh and CEO Cameron Murray attended the event with political, business and sport leaders, alongside Paralympian Curtis McGrath, who spoke passionately on stage about the opportunities and challenges that the revised direction presents.
In PA’s formal submission to the review, the need for universal design and accessibility across all venues and transport infrastructure was a fundamental principle, as was the importance of embedding people with lived experience of disability in decision-making processes.
Ms Creagh said that while the finer details of the report will take some time to fully evaluate, it was clear that accessibility and legacy were being prioritised.
“Paralympics Australia is encouraged by the direction of the Queensland Government’s 100-Day Review, which we believe can be a truly inclusive Games that sets a new global benchmark in universal design,” Ms Creagh said.
“Accessibility cannot be treated as an afterthought or a bolt-on just for the Paralympic Games. It must be embedded in all infrastructure planning from the outset of this new Games Delivery plan, ensuring that millions of Australians and international visitors benefit from a Games that truly delivers for all.”
With new stadia proposed inside and outside South East Queensland, Ms Creagh said a newly proposed Indoor Sports Facility upgrade at Chandler specifically for Para-Sport was a particularly exciting prospect.
“PA is looking forward to working closely with all Games stakeholders to ensure this venue maximises its full potential for both the Paralympic movement and the broader community,” Ms Creagh said.
Mr Murray acknowledged the work and consultation of the Queensland Government and Games Independent Infrastructure Coordination Authority (GIICA) throughout the review process and endorsed the mantra shared by the Queensland Premier “to get on with it.”
“PA’s work with Government and our Games Delivery partners to achieve including universal design principles, lived experience representation, and dedicated Para-sport facilities will be critical, particularly in this new planning and implementation process, Mr Murray said.
“The Games will provide a catalyst for long-overdue improvements to Australia’s accessibility standards. We must seize this moment to set a new benchmark in inclusive infrastructure, ensuring that a legacy of 2032 will be more accessible Australia.”
Andrew Liveris, Chair of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, also acknowledged the Government’s commitment to improving accessibility of new and upgraded venues.
“We’re pleased to see a conscious focus to ensure accessible infrastructure is delivered through this plan, including the Government’s commitment to deliver a para sport facility at Chandler, improving community sport facilities on offer for people with disabilities,” Mr Liveris said.
“Accessibility and connectivity of these venues will be critical to creating an inclusive environment during both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
“We have been handed a gift to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032 – an event that will attract billions of viewers, millions of visitors, deliver generational economic and social benefits, and secure legacies for grassroots communities through to elite athletes.
“The time for talking has passed, let’s put the plan into place.”
By Tim Mannion, Paralympics Australia.
Published 25 March, 2025.
