Queenslanders deserve much better than Crisafulli’s cop-out over 2032 Brisbane Games venues

David Crisafulli’s decision to completely rule out any new stadiums being built for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games should he become Premier is a total cop-out, writes Stephanie Bennett.

David Crisafulli’s decision to completely rule out any new stadiums being built for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games should he become Premier is a total cop-out.

Queenslanders deserve a clear choice on the Games venues when they head to the polls in October.

The LNP has conceded they will not give them that choice.

Make no mistake – the blame for this absolute mess lies squarely at the feet of Premier Steven Miles and his predecessor Annastacia Palaszczuk, as they have bungled almost every step over the past three years.

The Graham Quirk-led review recommended a new venue at Victoria Park has been ruled out by David Crisafulli. Pictured Supplied by ARCHIPELAGO

But it is nonsensical for Mr Crisafulli to in one breath declare his passion for an independent delivery authority and in the next promise a watertight terms of reference which would stop any new stadiums being recommended.

We just had an independent review. It cost taxpayers nearly half a million dollars, took two months, toured every potential site, interviewed hundreds, and analysed 900 submissions.

It concluded that a new stadium at Victoria Park would be the most cost-effective option – and deliver the state the best legacy outcome.

But we should not be surprised. Mr Crisafulli is a politician, too.

If he had promised yesterday to let the independent authority canvas all options, he would have been opened up to Labor attacks in all-important regional electorates of secret plans to spend big on unnecessary stadiums in the southeast.

Queensland Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli will also ignore the Quirk review’s recommendations. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Glenn Campbell

But if Mr Crisafulli cared about legacy he could have copped that, knowing that should he win – which he is likely to – he would have a mandate to deliver a world-class, legacy piece which would change the city for generations.

He could have left the scope more open and allowed the independent authority to be truly that.

Indeed, he could have let Queenslanders decide.

Instead, Mr Crisafulli’s policy position is nothing more than his continued determination to be a small target and coast to victory as just that. Queenslanders deserve better.