Brisbane may lose the opportunity to host tennis matches for the 2032 Olympics at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Tennyson if its facilities are not upgraded, Tennis Australia has warned.
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Tennis Queensland has proposed a $113 million upgrade to the arena, but securing funding remains a challenge. Under the proposed upgrade plan, QTC would gain a new 3,000-seat arena, eight additional courts, and temporary seating for the event. However, Tennis Australia has stressed that Brisbane’s current tennis facilities do not meet the necessary international standards.
A Tennis Australia spokesperson explained that the current facilities do not meet the required standards, which is why Tennis Queensland is seeking additional government funding as part of the Olympic review process. The spokesperson added that if the funding is not secured, Melbourne would be considered as an alternative host city.
The proposal was submitted as part of the 100-day review into infrastructure requirements for the 2032 Games. The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority completed its report on March 8, and Queensland is expected to announce its final delivery plan on March 25.
Tennis Queensland chief executive Cameron Pearson highlighted the importance of the upgrades, noting that the state does not have enough courts, sufficient seating, or large enough player facilities to meet international standards.
Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell reaffirmed that the state would announce its infrastructure plans soon, emphasising the importance of making the most of the upcoming Olympic period to create a lasting legacy for the state.
Meanwhile, Nick Staikos, minister of Victoria, acknowledged that Melbourne is an attractive option for hosting the Olympics. He remarked that it was not surprising people would consider Melbourne, given its reputation for having some of the best sporting facilities in Australia.
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Opposition Labor Shadow Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Grace Grace, called on Queensland Premier David Crisafulli to ensure the event remains in Brisbane. She argued that the investment would provide generational infrastructure for Queenslanders and questioned why future talents, such as the next Ash Barty, should not have access to world-class facilities in their home state.
The upcoming announcement on March 25 will determine whether Brisbane can secure the necessary funding or risk losing one of its Olympic events to Melbourne.
Published 17-March-2025