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≡ SPOTLIGHT ≡
“Today we fire the starters gun on Brisbane 2032, this is day 1 of 100 in fixing the Games chaos and locking in a plan for the world’s biggest event.”
That’s Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, the Liberal National Party leader and new head of the state government, in a Friday statement on the formal beginning of the review of the public-funded building program for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Crisafulli accused the former Labor government – which brought the Games to Brisbane – of mishandling the selection of the main stadium for the Games as a significant campaign issue and did not let up on Friday:
“We’re out of the blocks and finally on the track after three years of false starts. Seven experts in their fields will help guide planning for a world class Games we can be proud of, and a legacy future generations will rely on.
“Today marks the end of the embarrassing chaos and the start of a groundswell of pride in 2032. Queensland will deliver a world-class event and lasting legacy for all. We will put Queensland back on the path to victory for 2032.”
Crisafulli named seven members of the review committee, whose initial report will be due in 86 days, or 21 February 2025 (a Saturday), with the final report due on 8 March 2025 (also a Saturday).
Beyond the political hyperbole, the Terms of Reference for the review group outline the process, but also significant constraints on Queensland’s options.
Number one is money:
● “Evaluate affordability: Examine all proposed infrastructure investments for their economic viability and value for money. This includes ensuring investments within the venues program remain within the agreed $7.1 billion funding envelope from the State and Australian governments, and other investments for athlete’s villages and transport infrastructure meet legacy and Games needs.”
The $7.1 billion “funding envelope” is in Australian dollars; about $4.63 billion U.S. today, and already includes A$2.5 billion to build a 15,000-seat Brisbane Arena for swimming during the Games.
Then there are the questions of building and logistics:
● “Assess infrastructure demand alignment: Confirm that infrastructure projects are strategically chosen based on demand, ensuring they are located in the right places to meet the needs of the Games and support Queensland’s long-term legacy outcomes.”
● “Assess connectivity and integration: Evaluate the interconnectivity of venues, transport systems, athlete’s villages and precincts within the infrastructure network including the need to facilitate access during the Games and promote long-term mobility solutions.”
● “Evaluate deliverability: Assess the feasibility of completing infrastructure projects on time and within budget, considering resource availability, Olympic Host Contract and Games commitments and other risk factors. This includes reviewing infrastructure procurement, staging strategy and delivery models, including those that involve private investment, and evaluating industry capacity.”
The scope of the review involves all venues, villages, transport and infrastructure aspects of the 2032 Games, also including governance. The instructions to the review group also emphasized:
“The review will prioritise the utilisation of existing venues and infrastructure to minimise new construction, thereby enhancing cost-efficiency and promoting sustainability.”
The Terms of Reference barely mentions the privately-funded Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic organizing committee, which will actually organize and stage the Games. That’s interesting.
The main focus of most observers for this review is the issue of the facility for the opening and closing ceremonies and track & field. The original proposal was to renovate the historic Brisbane Cricket Ground (the “Gabba”), estimated at A$2.7 million. A prior venue review under Labor Premier Steven Miles, led by a former Brisbane Mayor, recommended skipping the Gabba and building a brand new stadium in the Victoria Park Area for A$3.4 billion.
Miles refused to spend that kind of money and preferred his own third solution featuring existing venues, to fix and expand the 48.500-seat Queensland Sport and Athletic Centre (QSAC) in nearby Nathan, Queensland for track & field, and upgrade 52,500 Lang Park – now known as Suncorp Stadium – for the ceremonies.
Crisafulli mocked this less-costly solution, saying during the campaign:
“QSAC is not the right venue. I haven’t met a Queenslander who thinks that’s either visionary or value for money, other than Steven.
“I don’t think there’s any scenario where any Queenslander looks at that plan and doesn’t see anything but cringeworthiness from a desperate government.”
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said in Friday’s statement, however, that the budget does matter:
“We asked Queenslanders for 100 days to fix this mess and that’s what we’re delivering. The Board will now get on with preparing for a world-class event driving economic growth into the regions, once in a generation infrastructure.
“This Board has the right mix of skills, experience and regional representation to get the job done and I look forward to working with them to ensure all of Queensland benefits from the Games.
“The Review will identify the infrastructure required to fulfill the Games’ vision while aligning with long-term planning, budget priorities, and legacy objectives.”
This will be fascinating.
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