The Lord Mayor of major Australian city Brisbane has resigned from a key infrastructure delivery forum ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.
Adrian Schrinner is stepping down from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Intergovernmental Leaders Forum.
The Liberal National Lord Mayor is also concerned about the Labor government’s plans to demolish and rebuild a major stadium for the Olympics opening ceremony and athletics, the Gabba.
The Olympics are due to be held from July 23 to Aug. 28, 2032, in Brisbane, 3,155 days from now. The 2024 games will be held in Paris, while Los Angeles will host the 2028 summer Olympics.
Mr. Schrinner believes the Olympics should be overseen by an independent games coordination authority, which he says was promised to the international Olympic committee and Queenslanders.
Concerns With $2.7 Billion Gabba Redevelopment
Mr. Schrinner said he will no longer “fall into line” and support the state government’s current $2.7 billion (US$1.8 billion) Gabba plan, stating it had “become clear” that there must be better options than demolishing and rebuilding the Gabba.
“I have no doubt there are good alternatives to the full demolition and rebuilding of the Gabba, but the State Government has never genuinely looked for them with an open mind,” he said.
“If they won’t do it, let’s appoint an independent body that will. We could even look at alternatives for the opening and closing ceremonies, such as events along the Brisbane River that are open to all.”
Energy Minister Mick De Brenni said, “I think ratepayers will be seriously considering whether they'll be returning him to office, if he’s not going to be at the table doing his job, why be the Lord Mayor.”
The state government left the door open for Mr. Schrinner to return to the committee anytime.
The Lord Mayor travelled with Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk in 2021 to bid for the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
“Ever since the premier and I travelled to Tokyo together to secure the 2032 Games, I have been a committed team player, despite numerous setbacks and political differences,” Mr. Schrinner said.
“I have done this because I strongly believed that only by working together can we stage the best-ever Games and deliver a legacy that benefits all residents.
“However, it’s clear that the Games have become more about over-priced stadiums rather than the promise of vital transport solutions.”
Main Arena Upgrade During Gabba Rebuild
On Friday, Minister Hinchliffe announced a $137 million (US$91 million) upgrade for the RNA Showground Main Arena to host cricket, the Brisbane Lions, and major events during the Gabba redevelopment.“An extensive South East Queensland-wide review has identified the RNA Showgrounds’ Main Arena as the best possible temporary venue during The Gabba rebuild,” Mr. Hinchliffe announced.
“The RNA Showgrounds Main Arena will be upgraded to deliver a cost-effective, 20,000-seat alternative home for the Brisbane Lions, cricket and major events.”
However, out of this funding, the Palaszczuk government has only committed $45.7 million, asking for the Brisbane City Council for more support.
“Brisbane City Council, the RNA, and The Gabba’s primary tenants have been asked to share the remaining $91 million cost for the Main Arena upgrade to proceed,” Mr. Hinchcliffe said.
In response, Mr. Schrinner said, “Friday’s farcical demands over the RNA stadium aptly demonstrated that the state is not interested in team work and that the Gabba rebuild should be independently re-evaluated.”
However, Mr. Hinchliffe claimed Mr. Schrinner had been “out there calling for the RNA as the solution,” in quotes cited by the ABC.
“While the city is contributing zero dollars to delivering the games, it seems that it is important that we do engage the city in solving the root problems that they can be part of solving.”
