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A multimillion-dollar Paralympic Centre of Excellence is planned for Brisbane under a landmark legacy deal between the state government and the University of Queensland.

With facilities at the University of Queensland already geared to 20 out of 23 current Paralympic sports, the St Lucia campus is a ready-made location for an enduring legacy.

The Paralympic Centre of Excellence will be the first of its kind, with international standard venues, a wheelchair and prosthetics workshop, accessibility to student workforce and education, and dedicated testing facilities for the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and beyond.

Both the Queensland Government and UQ have pitched in $44 million each to deliver the centre, with construction expected to begin in 2025-26 and completed in 2027-28.

Paralympics Australia president Jock O’Callaghan shared “this is an overwhelming demonstration from the Queensland Government that the Brisbane 2032 can deliver tangible outcomes before the Games and a meaningful legacy that will live on for generations to come.

“This proposed development can not only produce future Paralympic champions and develop world-leading sporting expertise, but importantly, provide a range of opportunities to improve the lives of Australians living with a disability.”

Of the 4.3 million Australians with a disability, only one in four currently participate in sport – despite 75% wanting to take part.

The Premier said the State Government’s support was an example of the Legacy hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is all about.

Premier Palaszczuk notes “a Paralympic Centre of excellence inspires more parathletes to compete in 2032. But it also provides invaluable research and other opportunities for our community.

“This is what Legacy is all about: the long-lasting benefits to our community long after the Closing Ceremonies.”

Steven Miles, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure adds “Brisbane 3023 is our opportunity to build infrastructure and create legacy that will benefit Queenslanders for decades to come. 

“A facility like this would train more Paralympians and provide education and research opportunities for more Queenslanders.”

Stirling Hinchliffe, Queensland Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister Assisting he Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement advised “this will be the first Centre of Excellence of its kind anywhere in the world combining leading research, sport technology, rehabilitation, and a potential runway to a Paralympics medal podium in 2032.

“It will set a new international benchmark for inclusion and elite Paralympic sport as the first of many tangible legacies Queenslanders have told us they want from the 2032 Games.

The announcement of government support for the Centre comes as 500 Queenslanders prepare to gather in Brisbane today for the Brisbane 2032 Legacy Forum to shape the state’s Games legacy plan

Image: An artist’s impression of the new Paralympic facility at University of Queensland, St Lucia

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