BFPCA Submission to the Queensland Government 100-Day Review

What is the 100-Day Review?

The Queensland Government’s 100-Day Review of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure is a critical assessment of the proposed and existing venues, villages, and transport systems associated with the Games. It is undertaken by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority. The review aims to ensure that the infrastructure delivers value for money, aligns with long-term urban and transport strategies, and leaves a positive legacy for Queenslanders. Importantly, it seeks to address key community concerns around health, environmental sustainability, and governance, making this an opportunity to rectify systemic issues such as excessive aircraft noise pollution that have long affected Brisbane’s residents.

As part of this process, individuals and organisations have been invited to provide submissions. BFPCA has contributed a detailed submission, focusing on how the Games can address the significant challenges posed by aircraft noise pollution, inadequate governance, and unsustainable development.

Executive Summary

BFPCA’s submission to the 100-Day Review of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure highlights critical community concerns and provides evidence-based recommendations to ensure the Games leave a positive legacy for Queensland. Brisbane’s communities have suffered severe noise pollution and health impacts since the opening of Brisbane Airport’s New Parallel Runway in 2020. This submission focuses on six key issues:

1. The Case for a Curfew at Brisbane Airport: A night-time curfew is essential to safeguard community health and wellbeing. Brisbane remains one of the few major Australian cities without this critical protection, despite overwhelming evidence of the severe health impacts of night-time aircraft noise.
2. Unchecked Development Using the Olympics as Justification: The Brisbane 2032 Games must not be a vehicle for fast-tracking poorly considered infrastructure projects. Past failures, such as the New Parallel Runway, highlight the need for rigorous evidence-based assessment and genuine community engagement to prevent harm.
3. Olympic Village at Northshore Hamilton: The proposed site is among the worst in Brisbane for aircraft noise pollution. Housing elite athletes in such an environment risks international embarrassment, undermining Brisbane’s reputation and duty of care to its guests.
4. The Case Against Delivery Drones and Air Taxis: The introduction of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) without proper community consultation will exacerbate Brisbane’s noise and environmental challenges. AAM projects must be suspended until comprehensive impact assessments are conducted and clear governance frameworks are established.
5. Banning Lead-Based Avgas: The Queensland Government must ban leaded aviation fuel, a major source of airborne lead pollution. This aligns with global best practices and supports Brisbane’s commitment to a sustainable, health-focused legacy.
6. Governance: The submission also advocates for stronger governance mechanisms to ensure meaningful community consultation. Existing engagement fora are inadequate, operating as “engagement theatre” without delivering real influence. BFPCA proposes establishing an independent community oversight body with enforceable accountabilities to integrate community concerns into Games planning.

BFPCA calls on the Queensland Government to act decisively to address these issues, prioritising the health, wellbeing, and sustainability of Brisbane’s communities. By taking these steps, the Government can ensure the Games deliver not just sporting success but a lasting legacy of positive urban development and community trust.

Read the BFPCA submission to the 100 Day Review: