Brisbane 2032 Games president on Gabba rebuild

Steven Miles has written to the International Olympic Committee over a dramatic development he says is necessary to “maintain unity” ahead of the 2032 Games.

Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games boss Andrew Liveris says he is “not married” to the Gabba being rebuilt for the event, but has called on the government to make a decision sooner rather than later.

It comes as Premier Steven Miles revealed he had written to the International Olympic Committee to reassure the organisation of the government’s commitment to the Games.

Brisbane 2032 Games president, Mr Liveris, said the organising committee would deliver the Games in “whatever venue was chosen”, but said he still believed the Gabba could prove the best option for both the event, and the city long-term.

“I think if we can make that work, that would definitely be something that I think the city needs. But having said that – not at any cost,” he told ABC Radio on Tuesday.

“I like the idea of the Gabba, but I’m not married to it.

“There was definitely a lot of noise around the Gabba being torn down, so we have time – not a lot of time. Obviously the sooner we can finalise scope, the better.”

Andrew Liveris and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

Mr Liveris’ comments come after Mr Miles announced last week former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk would lead a 60-day review of Games venues.

The Premier has since written to the International Olympic Committee to reiterate the state government’s support for the Brisbane 2032 Games in the wake of the dramatic development.

In a letter seen by The Courier-Mail, the Premier tells IOC chair Kirsty Coventry while the Games remained an “extraordinary opportunity”, in a bid to “maintain unity” Mr Miles was convinced the best course of action was “resetting the approach taken to-date”.

“This commitment starts with two immediate actions”, he writes, outlining his plan of a 60-day review of the Olympic venues and the establishment of an independent delivery authority.

A digital depiction of how the Gabba will be transformed for the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.

Mr Miles goes on to say he had also consolidated the functions of government focused on Brisbane 2032 into Minister Grace Grace’s state development and infrastructure portfolio.

“I am a strong believer in the ability of Brisbane 2032 to unite our state,” he said.

“Brisbane 2032 is primarily about showcasing the best of sport and presents a fantastic opportunity to revitalise our infrastructure, renew urban areas, and create community facilities that build an enduring legacy for generations to come.”

Asked whether the back-and-forth would have any impact on Brisbane’s reputation in terms of hosting the Games, Mr Liveris revealed he had spent “an enormous amount of my time” on the phone to the International Olympic Committee since former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk resigned in December.

“We’ve gone into overtime to make sure our reputation doesn’t take any negative step,” he said.

“The Premier has been good on that, he’s absolutely, totally been engaged in making sure the IOC and IPC hear what they need to hear, that this is a study to optimise the delivery of the Games.

“But really to optimise infrastructure for the city and the state.”

Originally published as Brisbane 2032 Games president on Gabba rebuild