Will the Brisbane 2032 Olympics have a budget blowout?

Queensland's government has rejected fears of a budget blowout, though the Games chairman acknowledged the original bid budget is no longer realistic due to the decentralised nature of the event.

How will the decentralised venues affect the Brisbane 2032 Olympics budget?

Organisers are expected to secure sponsorships to cover operational costs associated with spreading events across Queensland, with the government insisting it will not cost Queenslanders extra.

What is the construction budget for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics infrastructure?

The infrastructure construction budget for the 2032 Games is $7.1 billion, funded jointly by the state government and commonwealth, and is committed to remaining unchanged.

Home / Sports / Brisbane 2032 Budget Blowout Fears Rejected

Brisbane 2032 Budget Blowout Fears Rejected

4 Feb

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Summary

Organisers acknowledge the 2021 bid budget is no longer realistic.
Government insists construction costs will remain unchanged.
Decentralised event locations will not increase costs for Queenslanders.

Brisbane 2032 Budget Blowout Fears Rejected

Fears of significant cost overruns for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games have been met with strong reassurances from the Queensland government. Games chairman Andrew Liveris acknowledged on February 4, 2026, that the initial 2021 bid budget of $4.9 billion "bears no resemblance to reality" given the plan to spread events across Queensland, from the Gold Coast to Cairns.

However, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie reiterated on February 5, 2026, that the $7.1 billion infrastructure construction budget, jointly funded by the state and commonwealth, remains firm. They stated that the decentralised hosting model "won't cost Queenslanders one extra cent," placing the onus on Mr. Liveris to secure sponsorship to make the Games operationally cost-neutral.

Experts note that cost overruns are common for large-scale events due to long planning horizons and economic shifts. Mr. Liveris mentioned that a major Australian company has already been signed as a commercial partner. Organisers are also looking to the upcoming Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, noted for its dispersed venues and associated challenges, for lessons learned.