AS momentum builds towards the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, frustration is growing in Ipswich – where leaders say the booming region is being left behind in the race for critical sporting infrastructure.
The frustration has been reignited by a fresh $1 million Queensland Government commitment to the University of Southern Queensland to plan a new athletics centre in Toowoomba – a project aimed at strengthening athlete pathways across the Darling Downs.
Queensland Sport and Racing Minister Tim Mander said the funding formed part of long-term Olympic planning to boost infrastructure across the state.
But in Ipswich, the announcement has struck a nerve.
Despite rapid population growth and a strong sporting culture, the city still lacks a synthetic tartan athletics track and a major indoor arena capable of hosting sports such as basketball, netball and volleyball – forcing local athletes to travel to Brisbane or the Gold Coast to access elite-level facilities.
In a show of unity, State Members across Ipswich, Ipswich West, Bundamba and Jordan issued a joint statement accusing the Government of sidelining the region.
“Ipswich has been effectively ignored in the 2032 Games Delivery Plan by the Crisafulli LNP Government, with no confirmed Olympic venues or facilities at this time,” they said.
“Our region deserves better. We are demanding legacy, not luxury – infrastructure that reflects Ipswich’s population growth, strategic importance and sporting potential.”
State Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said the failure to deliver a synthetic track highlighted a lack of commitment.
“Labor committed $5 million towards a tartan track in 2024. The LNP government failed to match that commitment,” she said.
State Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum described the situation as a “snub”.
“It’s a damning indictment that Ipswich has been completely overlooked in the Olympic plan,” he said.
State Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said the infrastructure gap extended well beyond athletics, pointing to surging demand for indoor sports.
“We desperately need a major indoor facility to cater for basketball, futsal, badminton and more,” she said.
“If the Government can fund projects elsewhere, it can fund Ipswich.”
She also raised concerns about the uncertain Olympic future of Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield, which has shifted from a confirmed venue to a “maybe” under the current delivery plan.
State Member for Ipswich West Wendy Bourne said the city’s ability to produce elite athletes despite limited facilities made the lack of investment even more stark.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding acknowledged the Toowoomba funding but said it also signalled opportunity.
“While it is disappointing that Ipswich is the only co-host city yet to receive Games investment, we are putting forward a strong and credible case,” she said.
Mayor Harding said the planned Hilton Garden Inn Ipswich would strengthen the city’s ability to host pre-Games training camps and visiting teams.
