‘We need to plan ahead’: Builders bemoan uncertainty over Olympic venues

The construction industry has slammed planning for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games as a “shemozzle”, raising fears key venues might not be completed on time.

At a state parliamentary hearing on Tuesday, the Australian Constructors Association warned that many of the 2032 projects could end up being delivered at the same time, putting them at risk of delays.

Chief executive Jon Davies took aim at the previous Labor government, saying three years had been wasted since Brisbane was named Olympic host.

The previous Labor government had hoped to host the Olympics at upgraded existing venues, including Suncorp Stadium (pictured under construction in 2002).Credit: Heath Missen

He said Queensland was still no closer to a 2032 plan, with the Liberal National government’s 100-day independent infrastructure review not due until March.

“The Olympics, what a shemozzle we’ve had there,” he told the hearing.

“Industry has got no greater certainty as to what they’re supposed to be building, how they’re supposed to be building it, where they’re supposed to be building it.

“Ours is an industry that needs to be able to plan ahead.”

It could take up to two years for a company to put together a successful bid for a new project, Davies said. But construction companies would have far less time, as tenders were set to be sent out soon after the 100-day review was completed, with the 2032 Games fast approaching.

Davies said instead of projects being spaced out, the 100-day review might lead to them being delivered at the same time, potentially creating delays.

“One thing that suffers when we get all squashed up and we’re all trying to rush around, trying to do things, is productivity,” he said.

The hearing is scrutinising the introduction of a productivity commission, which would be tasked with independently reviewing the construction sector and recommending ways to fast-track projects and avoid cost blowouts.

Poor productivity in the industry across Australia cost $56 billion, Davies said, and nearly $11 billion in Queensland alone.

“That number is enough to pay for all planned Olympics infrastructure, with enough money left over to build a few schools and hospitals,” he said.

The LNP government on Tuesday backed the independent review to “get on with the job” and deliver a 2032 blueprint after looking at all submissions.

The review will assess “new, upgraded and temporary venues”, with 2032 boss Andrew Liveris recently backing a proposed $3.4 billion stadium in Brisbane’s Victoria Park as the Olympics’ centrepiece.

The previous Labor government knocked back that idea, instead opting to upgrade ageing facilities such as the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, Suncorp Stadium and the Gabba.

Asked what he thought of the Victoria Park stadium plan, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie on Tuesday said: “It’s a 100-day review. We wanted it to be an independent review, and they now have to get on with the job and look at all the submissions.”

The LNP government has been adamant Olympic venues will be built on time and within the $7.1 billion budget.

AAP

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