Queensland election 2024: David Crisafulli says no new Olympics stadium, rules out QSAC
David Crisafulli has declared the 2023 Olympic stadium won’t be QSAC, while insisting a new stadium was not on the cards.
QLD Votes
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD Votes. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The LNP has announced a $250m Olympic infrastructure fund dedicated to grassroots sport club upgrades across the state, as Opposition Leader David Crisafulli declares the 2032 stadium “won’t be QSAC”.
Asked repeatedly whether he would be open to accepting private investment to build a new stadium, Mr Crisafulli insisted a new stadium was not on the cards.
“Our focus is on generational infrastructure,” he said.
“Now, we are going to give people world class venues.
“It won’t be QSAC, but we’ve spoken about no new stadiums.”
The $250m fund would sit outside the existing $7.1bn bucket, and would be tagged onto the LNP’s first budget next June.
Mr Crisafulli said the additional money was designed to make regional Queensland feel included in 2032 legacy.
“(It;) about making sure that every single part of the state benefits,” he said.
“We also want to make sure that then every region is able to bid for projects across all 12 regions.”
A total $11.1m of the $250 has so far been awarded to four sports clubs, including the Pine Rivers Football club which received a $3.8m kick-in on Sunday.
Mr Crisafulli confirmed that projects announced during the election campaign would be “first cab off the rank,” with remaining funds to be divided through a grant application process.
Local councils would also be asked to chip in, with Moreton Bay propping up a seven-figure contribution to the football club upgrades.
An Olympic co-ordinated delivery authority would be created from scratch, with the board to include one regional Queensland member.
Opposition Deputy Leader Jarrod Bleijie said, if elected, the LNP would also appoint a full-time chief executive to replace Emma Thomas whose interim contract will expire in February.
“If they had to set the co-ordination authority up, none of this would have been an issue,” he said.
“He (Steven Miles) passed legislation to set it up, they never appointed a board.”
Despite slamming the government’s lack of action on the games delivery, the LNP refused to give insight as to where the main stadium would be held.
Who bowled it better? Crisafulli risks a Howard in pursuit of glory
The message seems pretty clear: mix sport and politics at your own peril – just ask Scott Morrison or John Howard. But maybe David Crisafulli missed the memo?
LNP pledges $7.6m for art gallery, fire station revamp
The Wondai Regional Art Gallery and Kingaroy fire station could be set for significant upgrades, with $7.6 million in funding pledged for both projects.