IPSWICH sporting and political leaders are turning up the heat on Brisbane 2032 organisers, demanding guarantees that Brighton Homes Arena won’t be left out of the world’s biggest sporting spectacle.
Despite being flagged as a key venue in Brisbane’s successful bid in 2021, the $82 million Springfield Central stadium has yet to lock in a single Olympic event – or receive crucial funding upgrades – sparking fears Ipswich could be left watching from the stands.
“As Ipswich MPs, we’re calling on the Government to give Ipswich our own Olympic venue and an Olympic event,” State Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said.
“It’s shameful the Government has so far snubbed Ipswich completely in its Olympics plan.”
Local sporting groups say the lack of confirmed events is a blow to athletes who already battle with limited facilities.
“It would be a blessing to have an event guaranteed to be held in Ipswich,” said Ipswich and Districts Athletic Club President Vic Pascoe.
“A tartan track is desperately needed also to give our talent the chance to reach state, national and international level.
“Without it, we can’t host major meets or attract elite teams to train here – we’re missing out on opportunities that could put Ipswich on the map.”
Mayor Teresa Harding said the city’s role as a co-host for the Games was still something to celebrate, but admitted Ipswich had so far missed out on its fair share of the $7.1 billion Games funding pool.
“Modern Pentathlon has been speculated for Brighton Homes Arena, but no decision has been made,” she said.
“We know more sports are still to be announced, and we’ll keep pushing for Ipswich to play a bigger role in the Games.”
Brighton Homes Arena – home to the Brisbane Lions AFL and AFLW teams – has already proven it can handle elite competition, hosting the AFLW Grand Final with a 10,000-strong crowd.
But leaders warn that without confirmed Olympic status and improved surrounding infrastructure, the city’s Olympic dream could slip further away.
State Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said local athletes were already paying the price for long-term underinvestment.
“Yet again, the Government is happy to take Ipswich’s talent but refuses to invest in it,” she said. “Our athletes are some of the best in Queensland – they just don’t have the same facilities. It’s time the Government stopped treating Ipswich like an afterthought”.
With less than a decade to go, Ipswich’s leaders say they won’t stop until Brighton Homes Arena has an Olympic event locked in – and the city finally gets the investment it has been promised.
