Linkedin
Facebook
Email
more
2026 Leading Cities – Brisbane report
The story of Brisbane is being written now
The question is whether you will be one of the authors.
In the third edition of our annual Brisbane report, we examine the forces shaping the narrative of Brisbane’s future, beyond the 2032 Olympic Games.
With insights from some of the city’s best thinkers, this report highlights the growth, opportunities and challenges for Brisbane in the years to come.
Read the report now and get a sneak peek at what happens next >>
SKIP TO A CHAPTER IN THE REPORT:
In 2026, Brisbane is a changing city
From big country town to vertical neighbourhoods, Brisbane is getting a glow-up.
Brisbane is rapidly evolving into a denser, village‑style metropolis shaped by changing demographics, affordability pressures and new lifestyle expectations. Apartments, local centres and connected precincts are replacing long commutes and quarter‑acre blocks, while the lead‑up to the 2032 Games is accelerating infrastructure investment, urban renewal and long‑term planning.
Detached housing is projected to fall from 60% to 46% of Brisbane’s dwelling stock by 2046, a sign that a fundamentally different city is taking shape.
Ross Elliott
"The 2032 Games will force us all to think more critically of the things we are really proud of, as opposed to the things we’ve become habituated to talk about. This is the opportunity for the community and civic leaders to bring some clear focus to what has in the past been a more vague and opaque kind of discussion."
The friendliest Australian city
Brisbane is the only city in Australia to be named one of the world’s friendliest cities.
The city stands out for its enviable lifestyle, abundant natural environment, and high quality of life, appealing to people at every stage of life. In fact, Brisbane boasts the greenest suburbs of any Australian capital, with over 79% of residents living in areas with significant tree cover.
Thriving sport, cultural, and foodie scenes, plus new venues like the Glasshouse Theatre, make Brisbane a vibrant destination for locals and visitors alike.
Read the report to learn more about the economic potential in Brisbane’s natural assets.
James Tuma
“Brisbane is uniquely placed to accelerate its development as the world’s leading sub-tropical city, using the Games as a leverage point for the transformation.”
Brisbane economic development is on an upward trajectory
With the 2032 Games catalysing growth, Brisbane is ripe with opportunity.
Brisbane is entering a once‑in‑a‑generation economic moment, where Olympic legacy, population growth and infrastructure investment converge to create powerful, long‑term opportunity.
The scale of opportunity is immense:
- Brisbane exports are expected to grow 3.5% annually to 2031, outpacing the rest of Australia.
- Brisbane’s economy is projected to expand from $201bn today to $275bn by 2041.
- The population of Greater Brisbane is forecast to reach between 3.25 and 4.29 million by 2046.
The Brisbane City Council is considering more activation of the Brisbane River and a 24-hour economy to raise Brisbane’s profile as a destination city.
Read the report for a comprehensive exploration of Brisbane's economic transformation.
Gabriel Ho
“Integrating Olympic infrastructure from venues to the athletes’ village into everyday city life will deliver a transformative legacy. Enhanced transport, revitalised urban spaces, and community facilities will become enduring assets, ensuring Brisbane’s growth, competitiveness, and vibrancy long after the Games conclude.”
Brisbane’s precinct plans to inject new life in urban entertainment hubs
Precincts featuring major venues for the Brisbane 2032 Games first in line for uplift.
Work is happening at state and local levels to investigate specific inner-city economic clusters and understand what makes them unique. This will help identify future priorities for renewal. The goal is interconnected neighbourhoods close to high-frequency public transport, jobs, services, shopping, entertainment, leisure, dining opportunities, and diverse living options, including affordable, social, and accessible housing.
Current planning targets Woolloongabba, Newstead, Albion, Kurilpa, South Bank, Queens Wharf, the Howard Smith Wharves and the Brisbane CBD.
Raynuha Sinnathamby
“Most importantly, the Olympic legacy offers SEQ the chance to become an aspirational destination for young people. A single visit – whether to compete, study, or simply experience the city’s iconic lifestyle – can spark a lifelong bond with Queensland.”
Brisbane’s tech moment is arriving faster than expected
From AI to smart cities, technology is reshaping Brisbane’s future at scale.
Brisbane is rapidly emerging as a globally connected technology hub, with a growing ecosystem spanning AI, health, food tech, aerospace and advanced manufacturing. South-East Queensland has Australia’s fastest growing supply of tech workers, projected to employ 185,000 workers by 2030. As government initiatives accelerate digital upskilling, Brisbane’s proximity to the Asia-Pacific could see it become the home for global tech innovation.
Flagship projects range from quantum computing to biotechnology and hypersonic flight, as technology becomes embedded in how the city works, moves and competes.
Read the full report to learn more about Brisbane’s technology momentum.
Matthew Gooden
“As the hub of South-East Queensland, Brisbane will need to transition towards autonomous shuttles, integrated ride-sharing, and connected public transport, all coordinated through AI-driven multimodal journey platforms."
The Brisbane lifestyle attracts global talent
The city where overseas talent come for the career but stay for the lifestyle.
World-class education and research facilities create a strong talent ecosystem, supported by a relaxed way of life that has made Brisbane a global leader in education, sustainable development and innovation.
Home to global schools like Montessori, Waldorf and Reggio Emilia, Brisbane offers a breadth of learning styles. The quality education starts at early learning facilities and extends through primary, high school with fantastic options for both university and vocational training.
Ensuring our workforce upskills to meet the changing demands of an increasingly digitalised world will be a key challenge going forwards.
For a deeper understanding of Brisbane's education and workforce, refer to the complete report.
Deborah Terry
"Brisbane must invest in large-scale battery storage, pumped hydro, and emerging energy storage technologies to enhance grid stability."
Boosting community fitness with the 2032 Olympic Games
Can Brisbane use this once-in-a-generation chance to get Australia moving?
With billions committed to community infrastructure, schools programs, volunteering and athlete support, the Games offer a rare opportunity to deliver lasting social and health benefits. Through its Elevate 2042 strategy, Brisbane aims to lift physical activity levels, expand access to sport for under‑represented groups, and strengthen pathways from grassroots to elite competition.
With under half of Australian adults meeting recommended activity levels and failed attempts by previous host cities, Brisbane may face an uphill battle in converting ambition into real participation beyond 2032.
Natalie Cook
“There is, of course a small percentage of athletes at the top end, but most athletes are doing it as a hobby, while trying to be the best in the world and going into debt. So, I'm hoping that that financial burden and hardship is not a part of the generation we see in 2032.”
SPECIAL THANKS TO...
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, CONTACT OUR TEAM:
