Sporting Wheelies Welcomes Brisbane 2032 Review and Delivery Plan

Media Release

Sporting Wheelies, Queensland’s leading organisation for adaptive sport, recreation, and allied health for people with disability, has welcomed the release of the Brisbane 2032 100 Day Review and Delivery Plan, endorsing its renewed focus on equity, infrastructure, and statewide legacy outcomes.

The Delivery Plan outlines a blueprint to guide Brisbane 2032 legacy investment, including a proposed Parasport Centre for community activation as part of a redeveloped Sleeman Sports Complex, and best-practice accessibility embedded across Games infrastructure and operations.

“This is a pivotal moment,” said Dane Cross, Chief Operating Officer of Sporting Wheelies. “For the first time in Queensland’s history, we have the chance to build venues, systems, and communities that are inclusive by design – not retrofitted after the fact. The Parasport Centre is one part of the puzzle, but so too is ensuring that all Queenslanders with disability can access opportunities in their own regions, now and into the future.”

Backing a Parasport Centre – But with an Eye on Access and Activation

Sporting Wheelies supports the vision for a flagship Parasport Centre and recognises the opportunity to align this facility with Queensland’s broader goals for inclusion and accessibility. However, the organisation notes that challenges remain.

The 100 Day Review itself raises topographical and transport concerns at the Sleeman site – challenges that will need to be addressed if the venue is to be truly inclusive and accessible for all.

“There’s no use building a world-class facility that people can’t reach,” said Dane. “Accessibility starts at the front gate. That includes transport, parking, wayfinding, and user-friendly design from the ground up.”

Sporting Wheelies has also expressed a strong interest in becoming a tenant and activation partner in the new Parasport Centre and supporting other venues across the Indoor Sport Network.

“Our track record speaks for itself. We’re already delivering grassroots and elite sport, exercise physiology, community programs, and regional outreach. We know how to activate these spaces – not just build them.”

Delivering on the Legacy Goals

Sporting Wheelies welcomes the reaffirmed commitment to the national participation target of 500,000 people with disability in sport by 2032, with Queensland’s proportional share being approximately 120,000.

“It’s an ambitious but achievable target – if we invest not just in venues, but in programs, people, and partnerships,” said Dane. “It’s not enough to have courts. We need coaches, club support, and accessible environments where people feel safe and welcome.”

Sporting Wheelies has already submitted detailed advice to the 100 Day Review, calling for:

• The delivery of a flagship Parasport Centre backed by a statewide network of accessible, best-practice venues;
• Sport-specific infrastructure standards for para-sport (including goalball, wheelchair basketball, boccia, and wheelchair cricket);
• Stronger collaboration across regional communities, ensuring equity of access outside of the southeast;
• Inclusion of people with disability in decision-making, leadership, and program delivery.

Many of these recommendations have been reflected in the Delivery Plan.

Click here to read our full submission.

Beyond Sport: Welcoming the Whole-of-Games Commitments

Sporting Wheelies also welcomes the broader priorities identified in the 2032 Delivery Plan, recognising that true inclusion is about more than just sport. Key deliverables that align with the organisation’s mission include:

Accessible Transport Solutions

The commitment to improve accessible transport—particularly connections to Games venues—is essential. Sporting Wheelies emphasises the need for:

• Step-free access across public transport;
• Wayfinding systems for people with vision or cognitive disabilities;
• Accessible pick-up/drop-off zones and pathways;
• Integrated transport that works for regional and urban users alike.

Inclusive Tourism and Precinct Planning

Precinct planning must consider the entire visitor and user experience, including Changing Places amenities, inclusive wayfinding, and sensory-friendly spaces. These upgrades benefit not just athletes, but families, tourists, and locals alike.

Inclusive Procurement and Disability Employment

The Plan’s call for inclusive hiring and procurement practices is a critical step forward. Sporting Wheelies urges tangible targets and ongoing accountability in ensuring people with disability are employed in meaningful roles before, during, and after the Games.

A Call to Collaborate

Sporting Wheelies stands ready to work with the Queensland Government, Games bodies, and local councils to realise this inclusive vision. With more than 40 years of experience, and a team of access consultants, athletes, coaches, allied health professionals, and people with lived experience, the organisation offers a ready-made legacy partner – not just a stakeholder.

“This isn’t just about being consulted. It’s about being involved. We’re ready to lead, partner, and deliver real outcomes that matter to our community,” Dane said.

Click here to get in touch.