The master plan for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games in Brisbane will undergo a 60-day review, which is aimed at assessing the worthiness of investing in new and existing infrastructure, and is hoped to quell division amongst stakeholders over spiralling costs.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles, who recently took over the retired Annastacia Palaszczuk, made the infrastructure review his priority when he appointed Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk to oversee the review.
“The mission is simple, make sure the Games work for Queensland and delivers for Queenslanders,” Mr. Miles said.
The 60-day review will quantify relevant advice from stakeholders starting Jan. 18 and aims to determine what value will be gained from upgrading major Brisbane sports venues, including the Brisbane Arena, the ‘Gabba, and upgrading minor venues and building new facilities.
On June 10, 2021, Brisbane’s bid to host the games was approved by the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) board, and hosting rights were ratified the following month.
Mr. Quick has recently overseen the development of the pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and said he was “looking forward to working on the review with my fellow reviewers and meeting with stakeholders to capture their views.”
“This is important work for all Queenslanders which I am pleased to be a part of, having been involved from the inception of the idea of hosting the Games.”
Meanwhile, independent advisors Ken Kanofski and Michelle Morris are conducting the review.
Premier Does Not Rule Out Scrapping Olympic Stadium Rebuild
Recently, Mr. Miles has been vocal about not ruling out scrapping the rebuild of the ‘Gabba, which has blown out to $2.7 billion (US$1.8 billion) from an initial estimate of around $1 billion. The project is understood to be Mr. Quirk’s most pressing evaluation.
Additional key investment criteria for Olympic Stadia to be considered by Mr. Quirk include whether projects are value for money, fit for purpose, and deliverable, as well as what legacy they will leave to the Brisbane community.
The review will take onboard information and advice from stakeholders and consultants, and the state government will establish a delivery authority for the games, which will be operational towards the middle of this year.
According to Mr. Miles, the review is essential to reign in costs that have created division amongst Brisbane Olympic proponents and detractors. In December 2023, Brisbane’s lord mayor, Adrian Schrinner, resigned from the games delivery forum after he believed the former government led by Ms. Palaszczuk had “completely lost its way.”
“The Games are a chance for us to unite, but it has become divisive,” Mr. Miles said.
“We want to deliver a Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games that brings Queenslanders together and creates legacy benefits for decades to come.
“We’re going to deliver value-for-money Games venues that benefit Queenslanders long after the Games are over, and the review will help us to achieve that.”
Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace will receive the findings on March 18 and said she anticipates a robust process.
“We need to make sure we get these infrastructure investments right, and I look forward to receiving the report from these three eminent individuals.
“We’ve already said we’re not going to pre-empt the outcomes of this review, which I know will be carried out without fear or favour.”
