Australian Aquatics Sports Launch Eleventh Hour Bid For A 2032 Olympic And Paralympic Legacy

AUSTRALIA’S aquatic sports have launched an eleventh-hour plea for a National Aquatics Centre (NAC) to be developed in Brisbane as a critical legacy from 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.

LEAVE A LEGACY: Swimming Australia CEO Rob Woodhouse leads the push for a National Aquatic Centre and a legacy from Brisbane 2032. Photo courtesy Rob Woodhouse Collection.

The CEO of Swimming Australia and dual Olympian Rob Woodhouse saying today that the legacy the Australian Swim Team delivers at the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games “would be lost immediately without an investment now.”

The Queensland government will finally announce the location of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games stadium and venues on March 25.

The government has liaised with Games partners, including the International Olympic Committee and Commonwealth, before Cabinet signs off on the delivery plan on March 24.

The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) received more than 5,000 submissions during its 100-day review.

The original plan to stage the 2032 swimming events in a drop in pool at the yet to be built Brisbane Arena looks to remain the favoured choice – but the NAC is mounting a last-minute plea for the Government to seriously consider its plan for the future of aquatics sports.

The four Australian Aquatic bodies from Swimming, Diving, Water Polo and Artistic Swimming announcing their renewed push for a national hub to be built alongside the existing Centenary pool complex to be used for the Games.

A plan that has been endorsed by the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia and World Aquatics.

In a combined statement today the Australian aquatic alliance have supported the plan to refurbish the existing Centenary Pool Complex with an indoor centre piece pool to house 19,350 for the Games.

Brisbane’s proposed National Aquatic Centre Image courtesy Archilelago.

“It would be a complex that will feature three new pools, two new dive towers and modern amenities as a new national home for Australia’s aquatic sports as well as a thriving community hub that will drive economic, health and social benefits for decades beyond the Games, and a lasting venue that is well under the $2.5 billion quoted for the Brisbane Arena project,” the statement said.

“The main indoor pool would seat 19,350 spectators during the 2032 Games before reverting to at least 5850 in legacy mode while the second indoor pool would have 5000 seats before being scaled back to 2500 and the NAC precinct is close to public transport, walking distance to the Exhibition railway line and Brisbane Metro.

“Additionally, the location of the NAC has the benefit of being within walking distance to Brisbane City and Spring Hill hotels and restaurants, the topography is well suited for construction and deck car parking that can be expanded to service the RNA Show and nearly Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service at Herston.

“None of the other venues publicly canvassed as options to host swimming in 2032 meet the long-term requirements of the community and Australia’s four aquatic sports including swimming, Australia’s most successful Olympic and Paralympic sport.”

Woodhouse leading the charge to change the mindset and thinking before a decision is announced.

“The Australian Dolphins Swim Team will always proudly represent Australia, but the legacy they deliver at the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games will be lost immediately without an investment now in this critically needed aquatic infrastructure which the National Aquatics Centre will provide for 40-50 years beyond the Games,” said Woodhouse.

“This is the greatest opportunity we have to deliver a true Olympic and Paralympic legacy – for the aquatic sports and the community – from the 2032 Games. If there is no investment in the NAC , it will be a missed opportunity to deliver an aquatics venue that Brisbane desperately needs.”

Diving Australia chief executive Alex Newton saying: “A state-of-the art facility for diving, in the lead up to, during and post the Olympic Games, is essential for the sport to be able to achieve strong results on the international stage.

Artists impression of the proposed National Aquatic Centre. Image Courtesy Archilelago.

“Currently, we quite simply do not have enough diving venues in Australia that can accommodate our current squads and competitions, let alone allow us to leverage a home Olympic Games where our goals are to expand participation.

“All four aquatics sports are determined to advocate for a truly national facility that benefits the community as well as our respective high-performance programs well beyond the two week window of hosting an Olympic Games.”

Water Polo Australia chief executive Tim Welsford said his sport wanted to create greater opportunity for the community, young and old, to enjoy the health benefits that aquatics sports and participation bring.

“A National Aquatics Centre will do that. Water Polo Australia wants to provide our sport with the first ever national high-performance hub for our Aussie Sharks and Stingers, where we aren’t in competition with the community needs but rather have enough pool space for everyone to enjoy and maximise.

“We can’t let this once in a generation opportunity of a home Olympics pass us by without building for the communities and sports beyond 2032.”

Artistic Swimming Australia chair Alex Newton said: “This is a chance to address the current challenges and future needs of the community by developing a much needed and permanent facility that is a facility for all. One that is accessible and inviting to all individuals of all ages and all backgrounds – and it is world class.”

“The NAC is a venue that will leave a true legacy not just in bricks and mortar but in the hearts and minds of the community – and all aquatic athletes.”