Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Qld govt disregards expert panel on venues

Despite Premier David Crisafulli saying he would listen to the experts for the Olympics venues plan, his deputy has sensationally torn up their report.

Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Jarrod Bleijie has sensationally torn up the recommendations of an independent panel over where Queensland should hold sporting events at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Mr Bleijie and Premier David Crisafulli intervened and dismissed some views of the 100-day panel to instead relocate sports or build infrastructure that was not recommended.

This is despite Mr Crisafulli labelling the independent panel – led by prominent property expert Stephen Conry – as “seven of the best and brightest”.

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It is understood the state government is planning to announce a $650m National Aquatics Centre will be built Victoria Park, despite the panel’s final report arguing against it.

Suggestions the government would move rowing from southeast Queensland to the crocodile-infested Fitzroy River have also shocked the panel.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Mr Bleijie was unhappy with the draft report handed to him by the panel of seven experts and pushed for changes before their final document was produced on March 8.

Now, high-level sources revealed Mr Crisafulli and Mr Bleijie have intervened to shift Olympic sailing, which was slated to be held in Moreton Bay.

Mr Crisafulli and Mr Bleijie are understood to have opted to split sailing events between the North Queensland local government areas of Townsville and Whitsunday.

Sharing sailing between the two regional areas, connected by 277km of the Bruce Highway, was not recommended by the independent panel.

It is despite Mr Crisafulli saying at The Courier-Mail’s Future Brisbane lunch in November – when he was asked if sailing could be held in Townsville – he would listen to the experts.

Mr Crisafulli argued the state has messed up Olympic planning because of politicians intervening.

“Let’s let the experts decide rather than the politicians, the reason why we’re here is there’s been too many decisions made by politicians,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.

“The lessons are not to make it about us, make it about athletes and make it about everyday Queenslanders.”

Speaking on the Sunshine Coast on Monday, Mr Bleijie revealed his views would be realised in Games planning.

“The benefit of having the deputy premier as a local member of parliament (for Kawana) will ensure the Sunshine Coast does play a major role,” he said

However Mr Bleijie and Mr Crisafulli have repeatedly refused to answer questions about venue locations or considerations within the 100-day review.

“I can’t confirm or deny anything that may or may not be in a report,” Mr Bleijie said.

“What we’re going to deliver is the 2032 delivery plan that will be the envy of any Olympics held now or in the future.”

It is understood the state government’s decision-making has been driven by a desire to better include regional Queensland.

Mr Crisafulli in November said “we do have to have events spread throughout the state”.

Originally published as Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Qld govt disregards expert panel on venues