The Queensland government has released concept plans for a parkland precinct surrounding the 2032 Olympic stadium, aiming to address concerns over the loss of Brisbane's largest inner-city parkland. However, critics have dismissed the images as a "fantasy vision" lacking in detail, noting that essential elements such as car parks, roads, transport links, and plazas for large crowds have been overlooked.
The government's proposal includes retaining two-thirds of Victoria Park as green space, constructing an oval-shaped 63,000-seat stadium, and building a new national aquatic centre. The draft plan also features two pedestrian bridges over the Brisbane inner-city bypass, which currently separates much of the park from Spring Hill and the CBD. Additionally, the plan involves flooding football fields to expand the York's Hollow wetland and creating a public amphitheatre near the stadium.
Premier David Crisafulli described the project as a "state-shaping precinct" and a legacy for Queenslanders. "This is about unlocking a world-class free precinct that Queenslanders will enjoy for generations, long after the flame is extinguished," he said. "Just as South Bank defined a city as the gift for Expo '88, Victoria Park will be the legacy of 2032."
The heritage-listed park, known as Barrambin by traditional owners, has been a controversial choice for the main stadium. It has been underutilized and previously hosted a golf course. Concerns include the loss of parkland, potential damage to a culturally significant site, and logistical and geographical challenges.
Critics argue that the concept images present a misleading "fantasy vision" and fail to address key issues. Sue Bremner, spokesperson for the Save Victoria Park group, stated, "We have said time and time again – it is one of the most complex, expensive, and poorly connected sites in Brisbane to build sporting venues. What we saw today was not a plan. It was another insulting fantasy vision with no details. Where are the car parks? Where are the roads? Where's the connection to the train station? Where are the crowd-holding plazas? The ramp from the bypass? The time for empty slogans, greenwashed architect impressions, and budget lowballing is over."