Imagine planning your dream wedding, only to discover your chosen venue is suddenly unavailable due to a massive construction project! That's the reality facing couples who had their hearts set on tying the knot at Victoria Park in Brisbane. But according to Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, they had plenty of warning.
It all boils down to the new Brisbane Stadium, slated to be built at Victoria Park to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The construction means the Victoria Park golf and function center, a popular wedding destination, will have to close its doors when earthworks begin in mid-2026.
Bleijie stated that the public has known about the stadium plans since March of the previous year. He emphasized that the 63,000-seat stadium was a known factor. However, the report recommending the stadium was actually handed to the state government 10 months prior, which is a detail that might raise some eyebrows.
He also mentioned that the government is working with the landlord and tenant to ensure booked functions receive their deposits back. Furthermore, they're negotiating compensation packages for the tenant, who won't be able to operate their business from mid-2026 due to the construction. The priority, as Bleijie explained, is safety: "It’s important from a health and safety perspective that when the earthworks start, you just can’t have anyone on the site, and that’s, unfortunately, including the business.”
Simon Crooks, chief of the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority, echoed this sentiment. He highlighted that both the state government and Brisbane City Council are collaborating with park tenants to facilitate a smooth transition. This includes providing support for workers and ensuring all event deposits are refunded. Crooks pointed out that the Queensland government confirmed Victoria Park as the stadium site in March 2025. Following this, the GIICA provided updates to the park's tenants, including a notice in October 2025 that early site works were expected to begin in mid-2026.
But here's where it gets controversial... Did the couples truly have enough notice? The Deputy Premier insists they did, but the timeline might suggest otherwise. What do you think? Were the couples given ample time to adjust their plans, or could more have been done to minimize the disruption? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
