“We are seven years out from Queensland’s golden opportunity on the world stage to drive a tourism legacy, deliver generational infrastructure to connect Queensland and deliver the greatest show on earth,” said Queensland’s premier, David Crisafulli.
“We are delivering for 2032 and beyond with the venues, accommodation and transport infrastructure that will benefit Queenslanders for generations to come.”
The state’s Olympic and Paralympic Games minister, Tim Mander, called the period from today until the event begins on July 23, 2032, “the most exciting seven years in Queensland’s history”.
CEO appointed for Games Infrastructure Authority
This morning the state government announced Simon Crooks will lead the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), which is responsible for the delivery of seven new venues and the upgrade of 10 existing venues for the Olympic Games.
Crooks will start the role on August 1, moving over from the Destination Brisbane Consortium, where, since 2016, he has been the director overseeing the development of the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf development on behalf of its three joint venture partners, The Star Entertainment Group, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium. Queen’s Wharf began a phased opening last August.
“Simon’s transparent and collaborative approach is exactly what Queenslanders need and deserve,” said Queensland’s deputy premier and its state development, infrastructure and planning minister, Jarrod Bleijie.
“Simon has over 40 years’ experience working and leading major infrastructure projects in the UK and Queensland with runs on the board and experience of delivering infrastructure in our market conditions.”
Chair of GIICA, Stephen Conry, said the global search process that culminated in Crooks’ appointment was “rigorous”.
“The appointment of a new CEO has been a critical responsibility of the GIICA board, which unanimously supported the appointment,” said Conry.
“It marks another critical milestone in GIICA’s responsibilities as we progress delivery of vital infrastructure for Queensland.
“Simon will provide strong leadership and bring enormous project delivery experience and skills to this vital role.
“Simon is well regarded by industry and government.
“He understands the stakeholder engagement responsibilities inherent in the role. He is well qualified to maintain the critical momentum of delivery to ensure we meet our commitments to Queenslanders.”
Crooks said the role was “an opportunity to give back to the state that has given me so much”.
Deloitte report proposes $70.7 billion economic opportunity of Olympics
A new report from Deloitte Access Economics suggests with the right “reform effort”, Brisbane’s Olympics could deliver a $70.7 billion lift to GDP over the 20 years following the Olympic Games.
Deloitte divides these potential economic benefits into three areas – people, place and perception.
The report suggests a $540 million economic benefit from healthcare savings if the Olympics result in a sustained increase in physical activity across the population. Meanwhile an ongoing uplift in volunteering and the skills gained by Olympic volunteers have been assigned a $2.4 billion value by Deloitte.
The vast majority of the economic benefit is predicted to come from the infrastructure investment generated by the Games, including Olympic venues themselves and greater connectivity within Southeast Queensland and Queensland more broadly, as a result of better transportation and access, creating a $53 billion jump in productivity.
Finally, a boost to the perception of Brisbane, Southeast Queensland and Australia through hosting the Olympics could deliver a $24 billion economic value according to Deloitte, achieved through increased tourism, more foreign investment and greater exports of Queensland products.
Southeast Queensland is tipped to see the greatest share of tht potential economic value of the opportunity modelled by Deloitte, at $39.5 billion in potential gross regional product, while the rest of Queensland could enjoy a $19.3 billion uplift in gross state product and other Australian states and territories could see a $11.9 billion benefit.
Procurement process begins for Victoria Park precinct
The Queensland Government has also chosen today’s seven-year milestone to launch expressions of interest for those wishing to put themselves in the running to develop the master plan for the Victoria Park precinct, which includes Brisbane’s new 63,000-seat stadium – arguably the hero venue project of the Olympics.
The master plan will cover the area including the stadium, Brisbane Showgrounds and the surrounds. Technical site investigations, planning and design are all part of the current master plan building stage that’s up for procurement.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for industry leaders to help deliver Queensland’s largest infrastructure legacy,” said deputy premier Bleijie.
“With the precinct to include Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park, the National Aquatic Centre in Spring Hill and the Brisbane Athlete Village in Brisbane Showgrounds, it will become a key part of Queensland’s Games legacy.”
Expressions of interest to undertake the task of master planning the Victoria Park precinct are open now until August 1, 2025.
A shortlist of potential candidates will be established from the expressions of interest lodged, with those on the shortlist invited to engage in a request for tender process to win the pivotal planning work.
