“Today we fire the starters gun on Brisbane 2032, this is day one of 100 in fixing the Games chaos and locking in a plan for the world’s biggest event,” said Queensland Premier David Crisafulli last Friday.
“We’re out of the blocks and finally on the track after three years of false starts.”
The previous state government commissioned a review into the Olympic venues but rejected some of its key recommendations the day it made them public and planned to proceed with an alternative venue plan which prioritised refurbishment of existing venues over construction of new ones.
The previous review followed discontent over a plan to knock down ageing Brisbane stadium the Gabba and build a new stadium in its place, which was expected to cost $2.71 billion.
The latest review is to be conducted by a seven-member board of a new Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority, with Premier Crisafulli also announcing the board members who have begun undertaking the review.
The seven members of the board are Stephen Conry AM – its chair – who has extensive property industry experience, Jess Caire, currently the executive director of the Queensland branch of the Property Council of Australia, Tony Cochrane AM, who brings experience in the sporting, events and entertainment industries to the table, Jill Davies, who has experience with successful Olympic bids in addition to planning and delivering multiple Olympic Games, Jamie Fitzpatrick, who has experience in hospitality, tourism and events predominantly in North Queensland, Sue Johnson, who has experience in legacy infrastructure, and Laurence Lancini AM, founder and executive chairman of Lancini Property Group.
“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,” said Crisafulli.
“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.”
David Hourigan has also been appointed interim CEO for the delivery authority. He comes to the role with experience in government and the transport industry. He is moving over from National Heavy Vehicle Regulator where he was chief safety and productivity officer.
The 100-day review, wrapping up in early March, will consider the interplay of venues, transport, athletes’ villages and Brisbane’s precincts while also assessing affordability, deliverability and demand with an aim of maximising economic, social and environmental impact with its final proposal.
Once the government has evaluated the outcomes of the review and chosen a way forward, the coordination authority will also be responsible for delivering the Games venues.
By the time the review is complete, Brisbane will have a little over seven years to deliver its Olympic vision.
