Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Andrew Liveris updates IOC on delays

Brisbane 2032 has secured a powerful ally at the very top just days out from the release of the 100-day review into Olympic venues which leaders say will provide much needed clarity and certainty.

Brisbane Olympic Games Organising Committee president Andrew Liveris

Brisbane 2032 has landed a major boost at a critical moment, securing a key ally at the highest level just days before the release of a pivotal review into Olympic venues, which leaders say will finally deliver long-awaited clarity and certainty.

Brisbane 2032 Coordination Commission Chair Kirsty Coventry was overnight voted the IOC’s new president, succeeding Thomas Bach.

“The result is a resounding proclamation of Kirsty’s leadership and a historic moment for the IOC and Movement,” Brisbane’s Olympic boss Andrew Liveris said.

“Kirsty has been incredibly positive, supportive and instrumental in promoting Brisbane 2032’s progress across the IOC movement and beyond.

“Brisbane 2032 is fortunate to have had so much of Kirsty’s experience and attention on our progress towards the Games in 2032 and I have no doubt that focus will continue in her new role as IOC President.”

Newly-elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry. Picture: Fabrice Coffrini

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner praised Ms Coventry’s election to IOC president and noted the state’s venue masterplan would usher a new chapter in Games planning.

“With the outcomes of the State Government’s 100-day review due to be released within days, l’m relieved at the prospect that we’ll finally be able to move forward with clarity and certainly,” he said.

It comes ahead of the long-awaited venue masterplan will deliver a positive way forward for the Games as he moved to allay concerns within the International Olympic Committee about delays.

An optimistic Mr Liveris briefed the International Olympic Committee in Greece overnight on the Brisbane Organising Committee’s progress since the Paris 2024 Games.

In addressing the “ongoing discussion and debate” in Australian media about Brisbane’s Olympic venues, Mr Liveris noted the 100-day review panel was tasked with delivering the best infrastructure investments.

“I’ve been briefed throughout the review – and our venue and sport teams have had the opportunity to provide critical input,” he said.

“I’m positive about the way forward.

“Whatever you’re reading, please understand we are being consulted … we are the centrepiece of the conversation.”

Belgium IOC member Ingmar de Vos asked Mr Liveris about the status of the “famous 100-day review”.

Mr de Vos noted it was not unusual for a host city’s bid to change, but pushed for it to be finalised.

“The sooner the better, we would like to see a confirmation of all the venues,” he said.

Brisbane 2032 CEO Cindy Hook

Mr Liveris said the infrastructure review ensured there were legacy benefits for Queenslanders as he acknowledged work needed to start on major infrastructure.

“Frankly, next week will be very important,” he said.

“The (sporting) federations that are affected are being informed as we speak, there will be more on that next week – we promise you.”

Mr Liveris also revealed he and the organising committee board would travel around Australia and the Oceania to promote the Olympics.

“We’ll meet with everyday Australians to speak about what it means to host the Games,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to visiting schools, sports clubs, community groups and more, to listen to locals’ dreams and aspirations as we build towards the Games.”

Brisbane 2032 CEO Cindy Hook said the organising committee was developing its brand and would reveal emblems in 2026 before Brisbane’s marketing rights starts in 2027.

The Olympic and Paralympic sport program will be developed over the next 12 to 18 months, which will include the additional sports recommended to the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee for approval.

Ms Hook revealed more than one dozen federations have approached the committee expressing interest in being part of the 2032 Games.

The criteria for new sports will be popularity and universality, gender equality, optimisation, economic and operational considerations.