What’s happening?
Townsville has officially been proposed as a host city for sailing and football events as part of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games under Queensland’s newly unveiled 2032 Delivery Plan. The city, alongside the Whitsundays, is being considered to co-host Olympic sailing, and is also in line to host football matches at North Queensland Stadium.
The 2032 Delivery Plan, more than 1,340 days after Queensland secured the Games, outlines how $7.1 billion in Games venues and $9 billion in Bruce Highway upgrades will support not only the Games but regional communities across the state—placing Townsville in the box seat for a legacy well beyond 2032.
Why it matters?
The 2032 Delivery Plan recognises Townsville and other regional centres as key players in delivering a truly Queensland Games—not just a Brisbane-based event. For Townsville, this means increased tourism, upgraded infrastructure, better transport connections, and support for local sport at all levels.
“These Games are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver an infrastructure, tourism and grassroots sports legacy to benefit all of Queensland,” said Premier David Crisafulli.
“Delivering 2032 and Beyond sets the plan to build much more than what’s needed for a few weeks of competition. This is a plan that builds for our future, ensuring regional communities continue to benefit for decades to come.”
Local Impact
For Townsville, the impact is both immediate and long-term. The city stands to gain:
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Olympic sailing events, drawing global audiences and athletes to the city’s waterfront.
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Olympic football matches hosted at the North Queensland Stadium, showcasing the region’s major sports venue.
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Major Bruce Highway upgrades between Brisbane and Cairns, directly improving transport access to and from Townsville.
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Opportunities through Queensland’s 20-year tourism plan to boost visitor numbers before, during, and after the Games.
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Access to the $250 million Games On! program to enhance local grassroots sporting clubs.
“Come 2032, through better connectivity and the right infrastructure, Townsville will be ready to open its doors not only to the Games but to more tourists, more employment and more opportunities,” Premier Crisafulli said.
By the numbers:
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🏗️ $7.1 billion: Capital works budget for Games venues across Queensland.
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🛣️ $9 billion: Investment into Bruce Highway upgrades from Brisbane to Cairns, including sections critical to Townsville.
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🏉 $250 million: Allocated to the Games On! program to support community-level sports infrastructure across the state.
Zoom In
Townsville’s inclusion in the Delivery Plan reflects the Queensland Government’s focus on elevating regional centres. With world-class venues like the North Queensland Stadium and natural coastal assets, Townsville is well-positioned to embrace the global spotlight.
The city’s involvement is more than symbolic—it is strategic. Its sailing and football offerings showcase regional capacity to deliver Olympic-standard experiences and leverage existing strengths, such as tourism infrastructure and sporting culture.
Zoom Out
The 2032 Games are being used as a platform for the most ambitious infrastructure program in Queensland’s history. The Delivery Plan is being implemented by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority and backed by consultations, expert reviews, and statewide community feedback.
Queensland’s regional cities—including Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, and Townsville—are no longer in the periphery but at the centre of planning. From venue builds to major transport links like The Wave rail and Bruce Highway upgrades, the entire state is being reshaped to meet the opportunities of 2032.
What to Look For Next?
Townsville residents can expect updates on sailing and football event logistics, timelines for Bruce Highway works in the area, and funding announcements under the Games On! grassroots sport initiative. With the Plan now in motion, operational details will follow as Queensland transitions from planning to delivery.
To follow updates, visit: www.qld.gov.au/delivering2032
