BREAKING NEWS: Brisbane has just been named Australia’s top sporting city and the 20th best in the world in the 2025 Ranking of Sports Cities. This significant announcement comes from the global consultancy Burson, which evaluated 100 sports cities worldwide, highlighting Brisbane’s rise as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts.
Events like the recent NRL Magic Round and Queen’s Wharf’s “Fan Land” have propelled Brisbane ahead of major competitors like Sydney and Melbourne. This marks the second consecutive time Brisbane has outperformed its southern rivals, having previously ranked 15th in 2023. Paris continues to lead globally as the top sports city for the third year running, followed by cities such as Los Angeles and New York.
Brisbane’s ranking reflects its growing prominence, especially with the upcoming 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Juliet Alabaster, COO of the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, stated, “Over the past 10 years, Brisbane’s sporting and cultural sectors have experienced remarkable growth of 76 percent – and momentum is still building.”
In another development, Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has announced plans to activate eight new pontoons along the Brisbane River, potentially paving the way for a water taxi service. This initiative aims to enhance river transport for tourism and hospitality, pending state government approval. The pontoons, including hubs at Dutton Park and New Park Park, currently serve recreational purposes, but a review will assess their best use.
Historically, the concept of water taxis in Brisbane is not new. Discussions about river transport have circulated for years, with previous plans encountering hurdles, including a failed proposal in 2016. The $8 million investment made in 2018 to create these hubs reflects the city’s commitment to expanding river services.
Meanwhile, a serious incident occurred earlier today at Caboolture Tyres & More, where a fire broke out before 1 PM. The blaze caused extensive damage, destroying several vehicles, including a Holden Commodore. A man believed to be the shop’s manager suffered severe burns and was transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, initially reported in critical condition, but his status has since improved.
As Brisbane celebrates its achievements in sports and prepares for potential new transport options, the community is engaged in ongoing discussions about these developments. What do you think about the city’s new status and the river taxi proposal? Join the conversation in the comments below.
Stay tuned for more updates on these breaking stories as they develop.
