State offers Carey Park land for Gold Coast's 12,000-seat Olympic arena

What's happening

The proposed Gold Coast Arena in Southport has secured a land commitment from the State Government. Premier David Crisafulli says the state will give land at Carey Park to Gold Coast City Council for the venue, which council plans describe as a 12,000-seat arena capable of hosting Olympic and Paralympic events in 2032.

The Premier also made clear that no state funding is available for construction. He said council is responsible for funding the arena and delivering it in time for the Games, leaving the city and its private partners to close the financing gap.

The key details

The land offer addresses one part of the project's funding puzzle, after council earlier signalled it would seek asset transfers rather than cash from the state.

• Location: Carey Park, Southport, where council gave in-principle support for an arena in May 2024.
• Capacity: about 12,000 seats under council's plans, with sport, music and entertainment uses.
• Delivery model: a consortium with development, promotions and architecture experience was named in March as the public-private partnership proponent.
• Funding: no state money for construction; council and its partners must fund the build.
• In August, industry reports said the project had been paused while council sought state support, with potential costs reported as high as $1 billion.

Timeline and next steps

Council and its consortium partner are refining the investment, delivery and design case. Earlier reporting indicated construction was targeted to start in 2028 with opening in 2030, ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Games. Formal transfer of the Carey Park land, a funding plan and planning approvals are the next milestones to watch, and the timetable may shift as these are settled.

What it means for Gold Coast property owners and developers

A major indoor venue in Southport would add to the momentum already building in the city's CBD, where several apartment towers are proposed or under way near the light rail. Large entertainment venues can lift foot traffic, hospitality trade and the appeal of nearby residential and commercial property, which is a positive signal for Southport landholders.

However, the arena is not yet funded, and the Premier has ruled out state construction money. Owners and investors should treat any value uplift as dependent on the project reaching financial close and construction. This is general commentary, not financial advice.

Frequently asked questions

Where would the Gold Coast Arena be built?

At Carey Park in Southport, on land the State Government says it will give to Gold Coast City Council.

Will the state pay to build the arena?

No. Premier David Crisafulli says no state funding is available and council is responsible for funding and delivery.

How big would the arena be?

Council plans describe a 12,000-seat venue that could host Olympic and Paralympic events in 2032.

Source: ABC News Gold Coast local news briefing, published 15 October 2026. This article is an independent summary and commentary by GC Prestige based on the original report — read the source for full details.