Bicycle Queensland welcomes today’s announcement of the results of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games 100 Day Review.
The announcement of the 63,000 seat major venue at Victoria Park gives real impetus to the creation of a wide, well-let and signposted walking and cycling link from the Brisbane CBD to this main stadium. This important connection also needs to link to the Valley, and the announcement of a new $650M aquatic centre at the existing Centenary Pool at Spring Hill in close proximity to the main venue reinforces the need for this vital link that includes both venues.
The current tired, old, narrow and inadequate path that goes behind the Grammar schools towards Victoria Park has needed significant upgrading for some time now, and the Games should see the creation of a world-class active travel corridor through this space and beyond into the Valley, creating a much-needed connection as a lasting legacy.
The 100 Day Review lists 9 critical transport programs to implement, including active travel and accessibility aligned to the Games Master Plan, acknowledging the need for more sustainable transport options and also acknowledging that existing transport infrastructure is insufficient to meet the Games transport requirements.
Given the regional distribution of Games venues across south-east Queensland and beyond, it is not surprising there is a heavy emphasis in the report’s critical transport program on public transport improvements. Nevertheless there are three important elements noted for improving active travel:
1. Expand inner-city and venue active travel corridors
2. Illuminate and shade inner city paths
3. Create bike and micromobility venue parking
Encouragingly, the report notes “A program of active travel infrastructure and facility upgrades needs to be co-ordinated, planned and prioritised across Queensland to ensure all venues, transit hubs and live sites can be adequately serviced by active travel needs”. This is great to hear.
BQ believes that the planned inner-city and venue expansion of active transport corridors should be complemented by an investment program across government of improved cross-city corridors that link to these essential new Games corridors, providing the opportunity for the public to ride all the way from home or hotel to venues. The rise of e-mobility supports this with longer journeys being easily undertaken, and the very welcome announcement of bike and micromobility parking at venues will be a key enabler for these trips.
“It is encouraging to hear that the review has listened to feedback,” said Bicycle Queensland CEO Alton Twine “but now the real work begins to plan and active the critical infrastructure to enable a successful Games and legacy”.
BQ looks forward to working with the Queensland Government on shaping the outcomes of this 100 Day Review to build great infrastructure for a successful 2032 Games and for the future of all Queenslanders.
