Queensland Premier Steven Miles stated that the mission of the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games in Brisbane is to ensure that the Games work for Queensland and deliver for Queenslanders. In response to assessing the worthiness of investing in new and existing infrastructure, a 60-day review of the master plan is underway to dampen division amongst stakeholders escalated by spiraling costs.
After recently taking over from the retired Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier Miles appointed Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk to oversee the infrastructure review. The goal is to quantify relevant input from stakeholders and determine the value that will be derived from upgrading major Brisbane sports venues, including the Brisbane Arena and the ‘Gabba, as well as building new facilities. Brisbane’s bid to host the games was approved in mid-2021 by the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) board and hosting rights were ratified the following month.
The overseeing of the review and the development of pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, is Mr. Quirk’s most pressing evaluation. Premier Miles stressed on the importance of the review and mentioned that it is essential to reign in costs that have created division amongst Brisbane Olympic proponents and detractors. This will ensure that the Games unite Queenslanders and create legacy benefits for decades to come. The review will take onboard information and advice from stakeholders and consultants, with a delivery authority set to be operational towards the middle of the year.
In addition to Mr. Quirk, independent advisors Ken Kanofski and Michelle Morris will carry out the review. On March 18th, Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace will receive the findings, and there are expectations for a robust process. She emphasized the need to ensure that the infrastructure investments are made correctly and that the review will be carried out without fear or favor.