Brisbane's RNA Showgrounds Upgrade to Cost $287.5 Million

It is Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 1:11 pm.

It is Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 2:58 pm.

There is a picture of the future showgrounds.

This is a short summary:

The RNA showgrounds in Brisbane will be upgraded for the 2032 Olympic Games at a cost of $287.5 million.

The upgrade is part of a $3.5 billion investment in athletes' villages.

What happens next?

Construction will start after the Ekka this year.

The state government is spending almost $300 million to upgrade the RNA showgrounds for the 2032 Games.

The 20,000-seat outdoor arena will be improved with better seating and accessibility.

Construction will begin after the Ekka, and the event will continue until 2032 without interruption.

The state government previously did not reveal the cost of the upgrades.

The Ekka will still be held at the showgrounds.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie says the project is on budget.

He said they would finish the project on time and within budget.

The RNA requested $287.5 million for the upgrade.

The project is being done by Hutchinson Builders.

The upgrade is part of the $3.5 billion investment in athletes' villages for the 2032 Olympic Games.

There are concerns about the exhibition station and costs.

The showgrounds upgrade is part of the $3.5 billion investment in athletes' villages.

Last year, Mr. Bleijie incorrectly said the funds would come from a different source.

Shadow treasurer Shannon Fentiman found this mistake alarming.

She is concerned about Mr. Bleijie's handling of large amounts of money.

Mr. Bleijie was asked about the exhibition station for the 2032 Games.

The exhibition station is used for special events at the showgrounds.

The IOC is working with the government on the station's operation.

They have not made a final decision on the station's operation for the Games.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie says the upgrade is on budget.

Documents show that upgrades may be needed for the exhibition station's security.

Ms. Fentiman is asking for clarity on the exhibition station's operation.

Mr. Bleijie previously said the station would be open, but now he is not sure.

The accessibility of the showgrounds will be improved.

A new village will be built to house athletes during the Games.

Construction began last year, and it includes restoring heritage-listed grandstands.

The RNA chief executive says the upgrades will ensure the Ekka continues for 150 years.

The designers have created accessible pathways for the showgrounds.

This will be important for Paralympic athletes and for the showgrounds' legacy.

The upgrades will make the showgrounds more accessible.

The construction involves innovative use of space.

The footprint of the showgrounds has decreased, but the event space has not.

A new multi-storey facility will replace the old horse stables.

The RNA announcement follows the release of the Victoria Park masterplan.

The government has not revealed the costs of the infrastructure.

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