Brisbane 2025: Building future confidence

Leading Cities > Brisbane

 

Brisbane report - 2025 edition

The future is here and it's in Brisbane 

 

Brisbane is transforming, as preparations continue for the 2032 Olympic Games.  
Our green and famously liveable city is brimming with opportunities for those looking to capitalise on Brisbane’s Olympic journey. But with any rapid growth, there are both upsides and downsides.

This comprehensive report documents the progress, challenges and opportunities for Brisbane in 2025 and beyond.                   

Download it now.




                                   
 

 

CHAPTERS IN THE REPORT:

Brisbane Report                        
Opportunity

Brisbane Report                        
Economy

Brisbane Report.                        
Infrastructure

Brisbane Report.                        
Population

Brisbane Report                        
Culture

Brisbane Report                        
Sustainability

In 2025 and beyond, Brisbane is a city of opportunity

Australia's lifestyle capital is attracting the nation's top innovators.

With the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, Brisbane is set to shine on the world stage, driving unprecedented infrastructure development and economic growth. The city's population is growing rapidly, expected to reach six million people by 2046, with significant growth in the number of small businesses.

Despite its rapid growth, only around 3% of people can identify Brisbane on a map, presenting a unique opportunity to boost its global recognition.

Read the full report to get the complete picture of this thriving city's journey to becoming a global powerhouse.

 Post-pandemic, Brisbane city is attracting high-quality professionals, thanks to its thriving innovation hubs and business success stories                          
                                 
 

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Lord Mayor of Brisbane

Adrian Schrinner

"Brisbane is alive with opportunity and our State of the City report has revealed that our economy is set to grow 68% to $275bn by 2041. 

CEO - Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA)

Anthony Ryan

Anthony Ryan

"From a Brisbane perspective, the work that we’re doing in med tech and life sciences is making the world take note...We’re now seen as a global leader and therefore investments are going to flow..."

Brisbane economic development is firing on multiple pistons

Brisbane's $183bn economy is thriving, expected to grow 68% to $275bn by 2041.

The city boasts the fastest growing working-age population among Australia's major population centres. Spurred on by a willing workforce and a contagious optimism, international companies are setting up bases in Brisbane.

Over the next decade, the best growth opportunities in Brisbane are offered by the construction, technology, health and energy sectors.

The luxury hotel market in Brisbane is also thriving, with demand continuing to outstrip supply. This presents a prime opportunity for investors and developers, especially as the city experiences the highest growth in revenue per available room of any Australian city.

The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are the final touch, catalysing monumental change in Brisbane’s economy.

Read the report for a comprehensive exploration of Brisbane's economic transformation.

 Post-pandemic, Brisbane city is attracting high-quality professionals, thanks to its thriving innovation hubs and business success stories                          
                                 
 

 

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CEO - Committee for Brisbane

Jen WIlliams

“New business registrations are up, vacancy rates are down, and new developments are appearing on the skyline.” 

Rapidly expanding Brisbane infrastructure

Brisbane is a city in the throes of an infrastructural revolution.

The city is seeing new approaches to mass transit and has undertaken new road-building programs to alleviate bottlenecks, with a $15.5bn five-year pipeline for Greater Brisbane.

In addition to transport, Brisbane is experiencing a boost in dining, retail, accommodation, and entertainment precincts, particularly along the Brisbane River.

New walking bridges and stadium constructions are part of the infrastructure for the 2032 Games, with the New Performing Arts Venue set to open in late 2025.
The $103.9bn expected construction pipeline for Queensland over the next five years will create 20,000 jobs in the next two years alone. This investment aims to deliver economic and community value for the next 20-30 years through integrated planning and leveraging technology to improve productivity and delivery more within constrained timeframes.

Read the report to find out how you could take part in Brisbane's infrastructural renaissance and leave your mark on a city that's shaping the future.

 

Brisbane is in the throes of an infrastructural revolution..            
                             
 

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CEO - QMCA

Andrew Chapman

Andrew Chapman

"We have this one opportunity that the Games gives us, to invest in real city-changing infrastructure that will deliver economic and community value for the next 20-30 years.”

Brisbane offers an unmatched quality of life with its accessible lifestyle, affordable housing, and booming job market.          
     

Accessible, High-Quality Living

Brisbane offers an unmatched quality of life with its accessible lifestyle, affordable housing, and booming job market.

The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with a burgeoning food culture, riverside developments, and renowned restaurants and bars. 

Major infrastructure and public development projects are underway to maintain connections and accessibility, as part of the city’s commitment to continuing to provide this enviable quality of life.

Inside the report, you will find valuable insights into Brisbane’s current landscape and future prospects.

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Economist, RSM Australia

Devika Shivadekar

“Brisbane offers good affordability, so it is likely to be the choice for people making the move to Australia.” 

Spotlight on the Brisbane arts and culture scene

A city celebrated for its ethnic diversity and inclusive atmosphere. 

Brisbane can be characterised by its flat social and cultural framework that promotes support and achievement in excellence. 

Brisbane can be characterised by its flat social and cultural framework that promotes support and achievement in excellence. Soon, the New Performing Arts Venue (NPAV) will join the city's cultural offerings, contributing to its artistic landscape.

The city possesses distinct precincts along the Brisbane River, each with its own character, including Queen's Wharf, Howard Smith Wharves, James St, and South Bank, while the transformation of Eagle Street Pier is anticipated to elevate the waterfront dining scene by 2028.

Although the city encounters challenges in retaining creative talent and obtaining federal arts funding, there are opportunities to enrich its cultural scene through investments and improved evaluation of the commercial worth of arts events.

For a deeper understanding of Brisbane's cultural vision and possibilities, refer to the complete report.


Brisbane's sporting scene is on the verge of an incredible transformation                      
                                     
 

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Sustainability is woven into Brisbane’s DNA.

Australia's lifestyle capital has earned global recognition for its green environment

Brisbane has been recognised as one of the world's most sustainable cities, achieving a gold level standard from the UN SDG Cities Global Initiative and ranking in the top five in Asia-Pacific by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement.

The city enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually and is surrounded by natural habitats, home to diverse wildlife and plant species. 

It should be no surprise that Brisbane is committed to delivering the world's first climate-positive summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. Companies seeking to supply the Games will need to meet stringent sustainability requirements, setting new standards for emissions reduction and waste management.

Read the full report to learn more or contact your local RSM adviser to get started on your sustainability journey.



In 2016, Brisbane City Council achieved carbon neutrality, setting a remarkable precedent. It should be no surprise that Brisbane is committed to delivering the world's first climate-positive summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.                     
                                      
 

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Partner, National Lead - ESG

Jacob Elkhishin

"Brisbane must invest in large-scale battery storage, pumped hydro, and emerging energy storage technologies to enhance grid stability."

A green and gold road to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games

Elevating Brisbane and South East Queensland to the world stage

Playing host to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will have a lasting impact on Brisbane and Queensland as a whole.

The 2032 Games are expected to create 129,000 jobs and spur a $20bn economic boost from 2021 to 2036, yielding $8.1bn in direct social and economic benefits to Queensland. Furthermore, the Games are already accelerating infrastructure progress, leading to enhancements in both public and active transportation.

Once you are an Olympic and Paralympic city, you will always be one.

By hosting this event, Brisbane will elevate its global identity, highlighting the city's exceptional cultural and environmental attributes while supporting local enterprises. Additionally, the event is set to enrich arts, culture, and creativity, contributing to more vibrant and unique communities.

Read the full report for more details on how Brisbane plans to leverage this opportunity for long-term growth and sustainability.



In 2016, Brisbane City Council achieved carbon neutrality, setting a remarkable precedent. It should be no surprise that Brisbane is committed to delivering the world's first climate-positive summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.                     
                                      
 

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President of the Board for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee

Andrew Liveris AO

Andrew Liveris

"We will get millions of tourists to our region who aren’t coming right now. From the Barrier Reef to the rainforest and beaches – we have it all.”

SPECIAL THANKS TO...

Andrian Schrinner
Lord Mayor of Brisbane
Brett Clark
Co-founder
ePharmacy and Chemist Warehouse Partner
Anthony Ryan
CEO
Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA)
Jen WIlliams
CEO
Committee for Brisbane
Andrew Chapman
CEO
QMCA
Andrew Liveris AO
President of the Board for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee
Steve Greenwood
CEO
Queensland Futures Institute
Devika Shivadekar
Economist
RSM Australia

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