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Legacy planning for global events ensures the infrastructure needed helps the area keep growing and thriving in a way that lasts.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) defines Olympic legacy as the long-term benefits for the area and its people. It says the Games should lead to better places to live and work, a stronger economy, and a happier society. That includes smart building, using high-quality materials and caring for the environment. It also includes creating spaces that bring people together and makes life better for those who come after us.

The 2032 Games will reach beyond Brisbane. Well-planned infrastructure will help South-East Queensland become an even more exciting and welcoming region. Regional Queensland will feel those effects too, thanks to investment in sports, community and transport infrastructure.

What is legacy infrastructure planning?

Legacy infrastructure planning gives us the chance to make cities, towns and spaces easier to get to and around, welcoming, and full of life. When done well, it can boost a community's wellbeing and leave a lasting impact in shaping a city’s identity for future generations.

When preparing to host a major event, focusing on long term benefits that can be realised is important.  That includes better transport, more housing and improved sports facilities and public spaces. For example, a transport network that is easy to use for everyone and better for the environment will move many people during the Games. It will also better connect areas after the Games which is good for people’s daily lives and the economy.

Another example is the opportunity to add more housing to the area. Historically, after the Games, the villages where athletes and team officials stay are usually turned into homes for the community.

Communities across the state will also benefit from additional sports facilities that are provided in the lead up to the Games. Some of these facilities will be used to hold Games events but others will be used for training facilities.  They will help to meet the needs of a growing population.

Case study: The legacy of Sydney 2000

The Sydney 2000 Olympic Games showcased Australia's ability to host world-class events. It left a legacy with infrastructure that continues to shape Sydney's urban landscape more than two decades later.

Urban renewal

Sydney 2000 drove urban renewal, updating its urban landscape with projects like Sydney Olympic Park. Olympic Park transformed a former industrial area into a vibrant hub that continues to host major sports events, concerts and festivals, and has huge parklands used by locals. Each year, more than 14 million people visit and more than 200 businesses operate from this location.

Improved transport

One of the most notable legacies of the Sydney 2000 Olympics was the improvement in transport. Infrastructure plans for rail and road were brought forward to happen before the Games. Olympic Park Railway Station was built to handle the influx of visitors and provide direct access to all venues. That eased traffic and set a precedent for using public transport for major events.

Upgrades to the M4 Motorway, creating bus lanes and expanding cycling paths improved access to and around Olympic Park. Now, it continues to promote a more sustainable transport system in and around the area.

Homes from the Athlete Village

After the Games, the Athlete Village was converted into a thriving suburb called Newington. This development added thousands of homes to Sydney’s housing stock. It was one of the first to add features that were better for the environment, like buildings and technology that saved energy and water. Decades later, Newington has continued to grow. It now has schools, parks and shops, making it a vibrant part of Sydney.

Benefits to the environment and the community

The Sydney 2000 Olympics addressed environmental and waste issues. It led to restoring 160 hectares of damaged land into a large urban parkland with cycle paths, open spaces and playgrounds. This area is now a popular hub for outdoor activities and cultural events. It also led to Australia's first large-scale urban water recycling system. This system saves 850 million litres of drinking water every year.

Case study: The legacy of London 2012

The 2012 Olympic Games in London transformed East London. It used to be an industrial area and is now a vibrant community. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a focal point, which housed most Olympic venues, residences and plazas. When planning for the Games, structures were built to be scaled down or disassembled for future use. This emphasised energy-efficient, sustainable and recyclable designs.

Today, the park attracts locals and tourists. The park is divided into two zones. The North Zone features low-rise housing, parklands and a business district. It also has sports venues like a VeloPark for cycling and hockey and tennis training centres. The South Zone has high-rise housing, the Aquatic Centre, the Olympic Stadium and a large landscaping project.

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Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

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