Editor’s view: Deal done, now let the Games really begin

The Prime Minister and Premier have struck a deal on funding for Brisbane’s 2032 Games venues, now let’s get on with it, writes the editor.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese deserves credit for having negotiated a deal with Queensland that will ensure not only we deliver an Olympics and Paralympics in 2032 that will wow the world, but that Brisbane will continue to benefit from it into the future.

Despite signs for months his government had been crab-walking away from the commitment made by his predecessor Scott Morrison to fund half the Games, it turns out the Prime Minister was just being canny.

The political sticking point in the deal is now clear. The rebuild of the Gabba was something nobody in Canberra had ever signed off on. It was in fact literally dumped on them on the eve of the original funding announcement by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk – who is desperate to ensure value for her $5.4 billion Cross River Rail line.

And since that time, federal Labor have lost to the Greens the seat in which the Gabba is situated – Kevin Rudd’s former electorate of Griffith – and they will be wanting to wash their hands of the rebuild, which will require East Brisbane State School to be relocated.

Hence the deal: the State will go it alone on the Gabba rebuild, costed in today’s dollars at $2.7 billion. The Federal Government will take on the cost of building the new Brisbane indoor Arena at Roma Street, costed at a very similar $2.5 billion – and so close enough to a 50-50 split.

The remaining $2 billion or so in other Games-related infrastructure will be shared by the two levels of government. It is a sensible deal.

But it is now that the real work begins. And that will require no more wasted time, or letting egos get in the way – because while nine years seems like a long time, it is not. The clock is already ticking, loudly.

When it comes to an event of this size the logistics require the consideration of a wide variety of factors, any one of which coming in too late can set in motion a chain reaction of delays.

Having enough workers available to build and upgrade the sheer number of venues, roads, rail and other projects required is a clear example, not just in Queensland but across the country, with Infrastructure Australia having previously warned of an upcoming labour market squeeze.

But more importantly, rebuilding the Gabba will have to take place between the two Ashes series, in late 2025 and 2029. The technical difficulty of building Brisbane Arena above Roma Street Station cannot be overstated either – with engineers understood to have warned the politicians it is a bit of a nightmare.

But Roma Street is the right location for the Arena, that will host the swimming at the Games in a drop-in pool and then concerts and events into the future. Building right next to what will become the city’s busiest train station is perfect, in terms of moving people in and out.

Ms Palaszczuk this week spruiked the unique headstart Brisbane has had in having the longest run-in to a Games of any previous host. But it was almost two years ago that the IOC awarded us the Games and all we really have to show for it is the two signatures that the two leaders will put to paper today.

The Premier and Prime Minister will be all smiles when they meet for that signing event in Brisbane on Friday, and they have a strong working – if not personal – relationship.

Both of them have fought hard in recent months to ensure the best outcome for their own governments. Fair play. Now it is time to get the best outcome for Queensland.

TRAGEDY TRULY HITS HOME

Queenslanders are an optimistic lot by nature, so when news broke that two miners were trapped after an accident deep underground near Cloncurry, we were hoping for a miracle.

Unfortunately, despite heroic rescue efforts, that didn’t eventuate, and late yesterday it was confirmed that Dylan Langridge and Trevor Davis were dead.

Our thoughts are with their family and friends, as well as their colleagues at the Dugald River Mine, and everyone who works in this potentially dangerous industry.

Of course, mining’s importance to Queensland’s prosperity cannot be understated. The men and women who work underground, and those who operate heavy machinery, are a special breed. They face risks daily and despite safety measures taken by their employers mining remains one of Australia’s most dangerous jobs. They may be well paid, but with the dangers they face and the hardships they endure, they’re worth every cent.

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