Wall Planning Group (WPG) was proud to be part of the project team developing a Social Impact Evaluation (SIE) for the proposed Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, a key venue for the 2032 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Brisbane. The Moreton Bay Regional Council and The Mill at Moreton Bay engaged WPG to provide expertise on the social impact aspects of their Project Validation Report. The evaluation was crucial to ensure that the project is cost-effective, fit for purpose, relevant to surrounding communities, and deliverable within the broader Olympic planning framework.

Scope of the Social Impact Evaluation

WPG’s role included assessing baseline statistics for communities in the immediate region and across the extended catchment area anticipated to use the facility both before and after the Olympic Games.

The Evaluation Explored:

• The alignment of the project with community social values.
• Identification of potential negative impacts and measures for mitigation.
• Opportunities for social and community benefit arising from the development.
• Recommendations to enhance the project’s long-term community legacy.

Key Findings & Recommendations

The SIE confirmed that the Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre would deliver significant positive outcomes, including enhanced sporting opportunities, greater community access to high-quality facilities, and long-term social benefits beyond the Games. WPG provided targeted recommendations to manage potential impacts and to maximise community benefit, ensuring the project aligns with both regional aspirations and Olympic requirements.

Outcome & Impact

The SIE formed a critical part of the submission to the Sports Venue Review, which recommended that the development proceed with an increased seating capacity. Notably, the facility achieved a rare GREEN rating—the only Olympic venue to date to have earned this distinction—demonstrating its exceptional alignment with community values, sustainability, and legacy planning.

This project highlights WPG’s expertise in delivering rigorous, community-focused evaluations for high-profile developments, ensuring projects achieve both immediate and long-term social value.