Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games (the Games) in 9 years. The economic benefit is estimated to be $8.1 billion for Queensland, and $17.6 billion for Australia.

The initial proposal to host the Games estimated a total cost of $4.9 billion, with an additional estimate of $1 billion for the Gabba redevelopment. In February 2023, the government announced that the revised cost estimate to redevelop The Gabba was $2.7 billion. At the same time, a joint funding agreement between the Queensland and Australian governments was announced supporting $7 billion in Games-related infrastructure projects.

Key challenges associated with delivering major events that the government and stakeholders need to consider are:

• delivering the Games to an immovable deadline
• ensuring strong governance and delivery structures given the number of stakeholders involved in the Games
• ensuring the budget is clearly determined and effectively managed
• applying effective procurement practices
• planning for long-term legacy benefits
• developing an effective framework for monitoring progress and managing risk
• delivering a climate positive Games.

We intend to deliver a series of audits examining the planning, delivery, and benefits of the Games. The audits will focus on governance, project management, allocation of funds, and the longer-term legacy the Games is expected to bring to Brisbane and Queensland. This will be our first report on the initial preparation and planning for delivering the Games.