Brisbane 2032 Olympics review: Commonwealth-state funding agreement torn up
A funding agreement between the state and federal governments to split the cost of Brisbane’s Olympic and Paralympic Games could be torn up as part of the LNP’s 100-day review.
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A funding agreement between the state and federal governments to split the cost of Brisbane’s Olympic and Paralympic Games could be torn up as part of the LNP’s 100-day review.
The review is expected to be the final say on how Brisbane will host the 2032 event, prompting demands for it to consider all ideas raised by city powerbrokers and stakeholders.
State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie insists the 100-day review will have an open scope, but will not consider new stadiums.
It prompted Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to corral business leaders and agitate for the state government to expand the review terms of reference to consider a stadium at Victoria Park as well as ideas put forward by other stakeholders.
“This is the big reset that’s required after three years of incredibly poor decision-making from the former state government,” he said.
“I want to see all options on the table to ensure this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to host the Games delivers a proper legacy of better public transport and the type of modern stadium needed for a growing city.
“Everyone agrees the former government’s idea for a temporary venue at QSAC is a terrible idea, however, the previous plan to demolish and rebuild the Gabba was disruptive and costly.
“Transport infrastructure will be critical and the review can’t just look at a stadium in isolation, but rather how to seamlessly move large numbers of spectators.”
Mr Schrinner said leveraging private investment to lower the cost of a stadium for taxpayers was a huge untapped opportunity.
Asked whether a knockdown and rebuild of the Gabba was considered a new stadium, Mr Bleijie said “I can’t answer that”.
“We want the panel to be able to talk with all the bodies involved, including Lord Mayor of Brisbane, and we’re working through the process now drafting the terms of reference which I’ll take to Cabinet but the review panel will have the capacity to offer what’s in the best interest of Queensland,” he said.
“It’s really an open scope for the independent infrastructure co-ordination authority to look at the whole Olympic and Paralympic Games, in terms of legacy … generational road and rail infrastructure as a priority.”
Mr Bleijie declined to comment on reports the site of the old Toombul Shopping Centre would be included in the review.
In a major revelation, Mr Bleijie also revealed the funding document signed in February 2023 between the Queensland and Commonwealth governments would be reviewed.
It is understood the state government has sought advice about whether Commonwealth cash for Brisbane Arena could be repurposed and used to fund the state’s, yet to be determine, main stadium for athletics.
Mr Bleijie said he was in talks with the federal government about its contribution to Brisbane Arena at Roma St.
“I’ve spoken to both the Catherine King, the Infrastructure Minister, also spoken to Anika Wells, the Sports Minister federally, and advised them that the scope of the review will include all the venues and the original agreements that were put in place between the government and the International Olympic Committee,” he said.
“The $2.5bn Brisbane Live was just a federal government contribution.
“The federal government refused to commit to the stadium infrastructure.
“Now we know why, because they didn’t trust the former government to get that right either.
“It will form part of the review, and I understand through the department of the federal government that the Brisbane live is currently subject to a program validation report.
“I’ll be interested to see that report, and whether it says the $2.5bn even stacks up.”
The intergovernmental agreement was inked in February 2023 by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and then premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
Under the agreement, the federal government provides a capped financial contribution to Queensland of up to $3.43bn for venue infrastructure.
It includes up to $2.5bn for Brisbane Arena and $935m for minor venues.
Queenslanders will also get a say on Olympic and Paralympic Games venues, with the LNP government to launch a public consultation session.
“We want Queenslanders to have a say, because we don’t think they had a say under the previous government,” he said.
The first cabinet session of the new state government was held on Monday, where Premier David Crisafulli urged ministers to stay focused on improving the lives of Queenslanders.
“It’s a big job ahead of us,” he said.
“The work that happens in here is important, it’s important work – it’s important that in here we do what we say were going to do and we fulfil that and we keep the focus on those promises we made Queenslanders.”
Mr Crisafulli said the work of ministers would be done “through those lenses of doing good for people”.
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