Brisbane Olympics 2032: Organising committee chair Andrew Liveris says Games could make city a ‘lifestyle superpower’

Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic Games could transform Queensland into the ‘lifestyle superpower’ of the world, with the chair of the organising committee revealing plans to ensure we capitalise on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic Games could transform Queensland into the “lifestyle superpower” of the world as the man planning the event reveals how he’ll ensure it leaves a legacy for generations.

In an exclusive interview to mark 10 years until the 2032 event, Brisbane organising committee chair Andrew Liveris has revealed his plans to ensure Queensland capitalises on the once-in-a-lifetime golden opportunity.

The global business executive – who has advised Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Scott Morrison – says the state is bursting with enthusiasm for the event, with his inbox overflowing with expressions of interest at a rate he’s never seen before.

Conscious of burnout, Mr Liveris is insisting a steady-as-she-goes pathway, with planning truly kickstarted by the appointment of a chief executive officer later this year.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the first opportunities for people to be involved with the event will go to tender over the next two-to-three years, with business bosses in the knowledge, finance and people systems, data and technology sectors urged to ready themselves.

After the technology contracts are awarded the organising committee will go to tender on security contracts and then mascot and medal design.

A render of the Brisbane Olympic Village at Hamilton. Picture supplied by Populous

“We’re going to have to go better than LA (2024), it’s our duty to deliver a net positive games in today’s society,” he said.

“This is well trodden ground but we want to be unique, we don’t want to recreate someone else’s games.

“We actually want to bring that amazing Queensland spirit into the design of what we end up getting to put on in this great show, and that’ll include things like mascots and medals. So that’ll be the big fun part.”

Mr Liveris said the legacy of the Brisbane Games – which will be driven by a new committee formed after advocacy by The Courier-Mail – would be a key measure to whether the Olympics were a success.

“London … they did have legacy,” Mr Liveris declared.

“They obviously had a very successful games and the East End was transformed and created quite a legacy for that part of the city

“I’ve seen other examples where they talked about and it didn’t create it, a good example of that … is Atlanta, Atlanta never created legacy.”

Brisbane organising committee chair Andrew Liveris. Britta Campion / The Australian

However, Mr Liveris believes the decade-long runway into the 2032 event means Brisbane has the chance to reposition itself as a global city.

He likens Brisbane’s opportunity to Barcelona – not the country’s major city but a place transformed by four weeks of Olympic and Paralympic sport.

“Now everyone knows about Barcelona as an incredible fun, cultural place to go,” he said.

“Sydney put on the best party the world has ever seen … and no one’s mimicked that.

“I think we can do a Sydney but we can also take Brisbane to a level that it isn’t mentioned as the third city in Australia, it’s mentioned as the pre-eminent location for investment or leisure and for these golden moments of life … the ultimate location to live.”

With Sydney’s volunteers, London’s equestrian and Barcelona’s diving venue in mind, Mr Liveris is already envisaging what the imagery and moment of Brisbane’s Games might be.

He firmly believes if Brisbane can capture the world’s attention it will transform the nation.

“I’ve really felt passionately about Australia punching above its weight globally, yet we’ve never had that imported to the country where people say now there’s a G20 country that’s leading … that’s innovative … there’s a location full of entrepreneurs and oh by the way, it’s a lifestyle superpower,” he said.

Brisbane’s Olympics committee is a lean operation, with just two full-time employees working from a modest space on Albert St in the CBD.

Mr Liveris insists overheads will remain low, with prudent financial management a hallmark of his leadership.

An artist’a impression of the Victoria Park Cultural Hub. Picture supplied by Populous

“If you think about it as a big build, you’ll go the way of some very unsuccessful Games and I think we’ve got to be very mindful of that,” he said.

However, he says securing commercial sponsors for the Brisbane Olympics and growing the bank balance well in advance of the event would be an early focus.

“We’re going to be knocking on the doors of everyone we can – with the Australian Olympic Committee’s support of course – who falls between the cracks of the top sponsors and those already committed domestic sponsors for Paris after 2026,” he said.

With venues for the 2032 event all but locked in, Mr Liveris said planning work must continue to ensure the state doesn’t squander its advantage.

“Some of it does need shovels in the ground sooner rather than later … be sure that what we committed is delivered when we said it would be delivered.”

Mr Liveris, a global executive familiar with the Games through his former role as chairman of Dow Chemicals, revealed he intends to lead the organising committee until the 2032 flame is extinguished.

Brisbane Arena will host swimming. Picture supplied by Populous

“My mindset is I go all the way … and I have the energy, the enthusiasm and honestly … I can’t think of anything more full circle for me as an individual than this,” he said.

International Olympic Committee 2032 Coordination Commission chair Kirsty Coventry believes Brisbane’s planning is in good shape.

She praised the ongoing enthusiasm of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who she has grown closer with after the pair bonded over noodles in a Tokyo hotel before Brisbane won the Games.

“From my side it’s just really been appreciated, her enthusiasm and excitement for the Games in order to really unify communities … she’s spoken a lot about that as well just how the region is growing and will continue to grow all the way through past 2032,” Ms Coventry said.

“She has also been very good at not allowing that excitement and enthusiasm to overtake. “She’s really been always very specific with how she thinks that this can help the region and that is something I very much appreciated.”