Confusion over Olympic review processes to end ‘imminently’

The independent review of Brisbane 2032 Olympic infrastructure will “imminently” open its doors to public submissions, ending weeks of uncertainty for venue opponents and proponents alike.

A Games Independent Infrastructure and Co-ordination Authority spokesman confirmed there would shortly be clarity about how stakeholders and residents could have their voices heard.

Not shortly enough for Save Victoria Park spokeswoman Sue Bremner, who said she would have expected processes to already be in place when the GIICA board was announced so it could hit the ground running.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie (second from right) with State Development Deputy Director-General Leah Kelly, GIICA board members Sue Johnson, Tony Cochrane, Jill Davies, Jamie Fitzpatrick, Jess Caire and chairman Stephen Conry, and interim CEO David Hourigan this week. Board member Laurence Lancini dialled in.Credit: X/@JarrodBleijieMP

“It’s been a week since the premier announced the terms of reference for the 100-day review and, even given that there is set-up time, one would imagine that they would have had in train what the process is going to be,” she said.

“For any groups, but certainly for a voluntary community organisation such as ourselves, we need to know as soon as possible what the format is, whether it’s going to involve interviews, as the Quirk report did, whether there’s a page limit.

“What are going to be the requirements? And most of all, seeing as we’re going over Christmas/New Year very soon, what’s the end submission date?

“If they can get that out ASAP, it will, it will enrich the quality of the submissions that they get because it gives people appropriate lead time.”

Those in favour of a Victoria Park stadium were also at a loss. Arcadis Brisbane Games and legacy lead Paul Allan, who contributed to the Quirk review earlier in February, said he was eager to spruik Victoria Park’s merits to the panel.

“The terms of reference are there, but I’m not sure how they’re going to [proceed],” he said.

Arcadis has prepared a discussion paper on Victoria Park, outlining a strategic case for a sports precinct on the site. Allan said he planned to “feed it into the review”.

“If it’s a formal process, that that’s the probable path we’ll follow,” he said.

The proposed Victoria Park stadium is one of the more contentious proposals.Credit: Archipelago

“If it’s an informal process, I probably still plan on submitting this to try and, again, help with their assessment of all the different venues.”

Other interest groups were similarly frustrated. Fair Funding for Football co-founder Chris McCoy said the group had been waiting to make a submission to the review since October’s election.

“The Olympics gives Queensland and football a real opportunity to leave an Olympic legacy for an Olympic sport through an upgraded, fit-for-purpose stadium at Perry Park,” he said.

“We’ve been wanting to stress to the review just how important a Perry Park legacy is for the state and the sport, but so far we’ve been unable to find a way to lodge our submission.”

A GIICA spokesman said the 100-day review would consider public submissions, targeted consultation and relevant advice from stakeholders and experts.

“The public consultation period of the review will open imminently, allowing individual Queenslanders and organisations to provide their views and ideas. Further details will be available soon,” he said.

The spokesman said the new GIICA board had a busy first week analysing and reviewing Games infrastructure, planning and legacy projects.

“Having held its first formal meeting this week, the board will be extremely busy in the lead-up to Christmas, as they continue with targeted engagement, and will be meeting again on Monday as part of a regular series scheduled over the coming weeks,” he said.

“Hosting the Games is a privilege that will define Brisbane and Queensland for decades to come and the work being undertaken in the Review will help achieve this vision: to ensure the right infrastructure is built in the right place.”

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