Analysis: Why the outlook for Brisbane 2032 is finally optimistic

Brisbane can at last be optimistic that our Olympic and Paralympic Games can be the best ever with Labor’s plans to recycle old venues and penny pinch a thing of the past, writes state political editor Hayden Johnson.

For the first time since Steven Miles’s heartfelt sermon supporting the Gabba 12 months ago Brisbane can be optimistic our Games can be the best ever.

How things have changed from the 2023 Future Brisbane event to Friday’s.

Already shaky sentiment for the 2032 event plunged off the Gateway Bridge these past 12 months as populism drove Labor to recycle old venues and penny pinch across the state in an effort to deliver the ALDI Olympics.

No more.

An unassailable group of four men and five women – experts in their fields – will now consider how Brisbane can secure generational infrastructure the state can be proud of.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli during the Future Brisbane event. Picture: Supplied by the Office of the Premier.

Premier David Crisafulli knocked it out of the park when he declared Brisbane is in this position because “there’s too many decisions made by politicians”.

He hasn’t acknowledged, however, the findings of this brilliant board of experts delivered in 100 days won’t be binding.

Should they recommend a new stadium, Queensland’s chief politician considers it within his rights to knock it on the head.

This decision Mr Crisafulli makes in 100 days – where Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venues and generational infrastructure will be built – might be the most important of his career.

The Premier must look beyond the 2028 state election and have the political courage to prove the optimism overflowing from level six of the The Star Brisbane on Friday wasn’t misplaced.

Courier Mial political editor Hayden Johnson with Rod McGeoch at the Future Brisbane event yesterday. Picture: Adam Head

It’s also incumbent on Labor and Mr Miles to put aside any political gain from whatever the Premier decides and swing behind in support.

Critical plans for venue and transport infrastructure can’t be changed if Labor returns to power in 2028 and it’s vital the Opposition doesn’t wreck for the next three years.

As Sydney 2000 Bid Committee supremo Rod McGeoch shared on Friday, unity among decision makers is the lowest bar Brisbane must step over on its path to a world-class Games.

You can feel the buzz building once again.