Editorial: We must still think big on our Games

We have squandered the headstart the International Olympic Committee gave us by approving our bid in mid-2021, writes the editor.

The worst outcome from the Olympic and Paralympic Games being held in Queensland in 2032 would be a slapdash hodgepodge planning solution that fails to deliver on the real legacy this once-in-forever event offers our state.

That is why the outcome of the venues review being conducted by former Brisbane LNP lord mayor Graham Quirk is so important.

It is why The Courier-Mail has been publicly ventilating the biggest ideas put to the Quirk review, which is being conducted behind closed doors.

And it is why it will be critical for both Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli to publicly back whatever it is the review recommends.

We have squandered the headstart the International Olympic Committee gave us by approving our bid in mid-2021, for a range of reasons that have previously been raked over in this column. But if we can lock in some decisions by the middle of this year, we will still get an additional year to the seven that host cities traditionally have had to prepare for the biggest event in the world. We must not waste another month, let alone another 12.

There is no shortage of opinions when it comes to how our Games should be staged. From athletics at a rebuilt QSAC at Nathan to a brand new stadium at Victoria Park; an upgraded Suncorp Stadium that would host the ceremonies to an indoor concert venue at the existing site of the Gabba. The big ideas from some of the most qualified brains in Queensland have been canvassed by The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail in recent weeks.

The Courier-Mail’s position is quite simple, and has been consistent since our first backing of the bid almost a decade ago: We believe it is critical to ensure the hosting of this event leaves our capital city and our state better off in terms of genuine legacy that improves our already world-famous quality of life. That means we believe in the opportunity presented here for transformational transport infrastructure such as the connection of the Sunshine Coast to the commuter rail network.

We also believe in these Games being a catalyst for a far better-connected central business district. The Brisbane equivalent to Sydney’s Homebush redevelopment for the 2000 Olympics will, after all, be our capital’s inner-city in 2032.

We also believe strongly in the softer legacy opportunities – such as a more active community, and real rather than symbolic connections with our local Indigenous heritage.

We will therefore be watching closely what Mr Quirk and his team come up with when the review is released next week. This cannot be another wasted opportunity.

The only certainty is that the $2.7bn demolition and rebuild of the Gabba, as promoted by former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, is now dead and buried.

Indeed, the Quirk review is Premier Miles’s way to torpedo that plan that as Ms Palaszczuk’s minister responsible for Games infrastructure he had shepherded through state cabinet last year.

This is not necessarily a terrible outcome, as the project was riddled with challenges. But that should not be seen as a green light to deliver a Games done on the cheap.

Spending the money that the federal and state governments have already budgeted for venues does not mean fewer hospitals or schools. The investment is actually quite reasonable in the context of total government spending.

What is critical is that we do not shy away from thinking big. We will never get this chance again.

The only thing we cannot afford here is to miss the opportunity.

MAKE THE MOST OF COST-OF-LIVING HELP

The causes of our current cost-of-living crisis are many and varied – from the Covid hangover to wars in Ukraine and Gaza and housing availability that hasn’t kept pace with population growth.

The solutions to these problems are generally complicated and long term, but in The Courier-Mail today we identify practical ways that you can cushion the rising cost of essentials.

The state government offers various concession and rebate programs, but as we reveal today almost $23 million of the budgeted cash went unspent last year.

This includes relief for expenses relating to kids’ sporting fees, energy bill help for people dealing with medical conditions that require a stable temperature, payments for reading glasses, smoke alarm installation and even transport reimbursement for hospital visits. Check out our full list on pages 10 and 11 and, if you are eligible, make sure you apply.

There is no shame in getting the assistance you are entitled to, especially during this current crisis.

And we are interested in hearing what other practical cost of living measures Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli suggest during their head-to-head, exclusively at couriermail.com.au tomorrow at 9am.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here