Queensland’s construction sector is confronting a significant and sustained labour shortage as preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games intensify, with a new report warning of growing productivity pressures across the state’s $120 billion infrastructure pipeline.
According to project advisory firm WT, its latest analysis From vision to legacy: a game plan for Brisbane 2032 and beyond forecasts a rolling three-year average labour shortfall of 27,200 workers in 2026/27, 43,400 in 2027/28 and 46,000 in 2028/29 – assuming all forecast projects are funded and productivity remains at current levels.
Those figures also assume no workers are lost to retirement, interstate or overseas migration, or sector attrition.
WT Queensland State Lead Jack Shelley said the state’s construction market is entering a period of “unprecedented demand” that will test both capacity and productivity.
“Brisbane 2032 is not just a global sporting event – it’s a macroeconomic inflection point for Queensland,” Shelley said.
“The volume of concurrent projects is unprecedented.
“Without early planning and targeted workforce strategies, the risks of delivery delays, cost escalation and lost legacy benefits increase significantly.”
The report warns that unless the workforce challenge is met head-on, the state could struggle to deliver the scale of investment currently slated, spanning transport infrastructure, housing, and Games-related venues.
WT’s modelling underscores that even modest slippage in productivity could compound the labour shortage and inflate project costs.
A key finding of the report is the need for a substantial lift in productivity, noting that some Queensland construction sites average as little as 2.5 productive days per week.
It points to a mix of systemic inefficiencies, skills bottlenecks, and fragmented project delivery models as contributing factors.
As part of its recommendations, WT highlights the importance of reform initiatives such as the Queensland Procurement Policy 2026 and the Queensland Productivity Commission’s construction inquiry, both aimed at driving greater efficiency and value across public works.
“Brisbane 2032 is a rare opportunity to raise the bar on how we plan, scope and deliver major venues,” said Tim Bessell, WT’s National Sports & Venues Sector Lead.
“The Games will be judged not just by what’s ready on day one, but by the legacy it leaves behind.
“That means locking in scope early, designing for long-term use, and embedding value from the outset, so every venue delivers for Queenslanders well beyond 2032.”
The WT report outlines several policy and market interventions to help alleviate workforce strain, including early contractor involvement to improve project planning, scenario-based capacity modelling, and targeted investment in training, modular building methods, and off-site manufacturing.
“Every dollar spent on Brisbane 2032 should be working twice as hard – once for the Games, and again for Queensland’s long-term growth,” Bessell added.
