Paralympic Centre of Excellence – a Legacy of 2032

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will today (22 March) announce support for a Paralympic Centre of Excellence.

The centre, at the University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus, will be a world-leading facility helping participation and training for para-athletes in the lead-up to the 2032 Games.

It would include:

• International standard sport venues
• A wheelchair/prosthetics workshop and
• Dedicated testing facilities
• Accessibility to student workforce and education

The Premier said the State Government’s support was an example of the Legacy hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is all about.

“A Paralympic Centre of excellence inspires more parathletes to compete in 2032,” the Premier said.

“But it also provides invaluable research and other opportunities for our community.

“This is what Legacy is all about: the long-lasting benefits to our community long after the Closing Ceremonies.”

The Queensland Government will provide $44 million towards the Centre of Excellence.

The University will provide $44 million.

It is asking the Federal Government for matching support.

The Premier said her government’s support is on the table.

Key points:

• Construction is expected to begin in 2025-26 and be completed in 2027-28.
• Will cater for 20 out of 23 Paralympic Sports
• 22 fulltime staff
• Of 4.3 million Australians with a disability only one in four participates in sport while 75% want to participate
• Provides a possible long-term home for  Paralympics Australia

Quotes attributable to Steven Miles, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure:

“Brisbane 2032 is our opportunity to build infrastructure and create legacy that will benefit Queenslanders for decades to come,” Mr Miles said.  

“A facility like this would train more Paralympians and provide education and research opportunities for more Queenslanders.”

Quotes attributable to Stirling Hinchliffe, Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting he Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement:

“This will be the first Centre of Excellence of its kind anywhere in the world combining leading research, sport technology, rehabilitation, and a potential runway to a Paralympics medal podium in 2032.

It will set a new international benchmark for inclusion and elite Paralympic sport as the first of many tangible legacies Queenslanders have told us they want from the 2032 Games.

With facilities at the University of Queensland already geared to 20 out of 23 current Paralympic sports, the St Lucia campus is a ready-made location for an enduring legacy.”             

Quotes attributable to Jock O’Callaghan, President Paralympics Australia:

“This is an overwhelming demonstration from the Queensland Government that the Brisbane 2032 can deliver tangible outcomes before the Games and a meaningful legacy that will live on for generations to come.

“This proposed development can not only produce future Paralympic champions and develop world-leading sporting expertise, but importantly, provide a range of opportunities to improve the lives of Australians living with a disability.

“I congratulate and thank the Palaszczuk Government for today’s announcement and I now look forward to progressing this world-leading plan with the Federal Government.”

Quotes attributable to Deborah Terry, Vice-Chancellor University of Queensland:

“Through our partnership with the Queensland Government and Paralympics Australia, we have an opportunity to build a world-leading paralympic facility in Brisbane.

The Centre will be a lasting legacy, supporting more people with disabilities to access sport and strive for gold beyond 2032.”

MEDIA ASSETS - Paralympic Centre of Excellence.

Media contact: Shane Doherty 0439 624 473