International Olympic Committee bosses warn Queensland to ‘respect’ 2032 promises amid a venue review

In a subtle shot across the bow at the Games’ tardy start, the new Queensland government has been reminded to ‘respect’ promises made to the IOC amid the new state government’s 100 day review of the 2032 masterplan.

An artist impression of the north eastern view as a major revitalisation of Woolloongabba and The Gabba Stadium.

The International Olympic Committee has reminded Brisbane Olympic organisers that they have to “respect” the various commitments that were made to secure the 2032 Games.

In a subtle shot across the bow at the Brisbane Games’ tardy start, and amid the new Queensland state government’s 100 day review of the Games’ masterplan, the IOC’s executive director Christophe Dubi told The Australian there were two clear issues.

He said: “what really matters is to do the right thing from two stand points: that the venue choices which are going to be made serve the long term usage of the community from the elite athletes to community sports. At the same time it is immensely important that the promises made at the time (of winning the Games) to the IOC and in particularly to the International Federations be respected.”

Christophe Dubi, IOC Olympic Games Executive Director, speaks during an LA28 and International Olympic Committee (IOC) press conference in Los Angeles on November 14. Picture: Patrick T. Fallon / AFP

Brisbane was awarded the Games in July 2021 – a decision made more than 10 years out, and three years earlier than usual, to fit in with the South East Queensland strategy to develop transport links between the Sunshine and Gold Coasts.

But those extra years have been frittered away with political indecision about the location of the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies and the athletics stadium. There is also a lingering question about the swimming venue and whether it will be a portable pool or a permanent facility.

At the time of wooing the IOC back in 2021, a consortium of Brisbane and South east Queensland leaders presented a slick video with accompanying thick documentation about having a new stadium with a capacity of 50,000 in the “Albion Precinct”, a redevelopment of railway land in Brisbane’s north.

Artist impression of the proposed Gabba redevelopment.

The IOC had added its own notes, suggesting that Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast could be an alternative venue for track and field and a refurbished Gabba could then host the ceremonies.

By July of that same year Brisbane had assured the IOC that it would use existing and temporary venues wherever new permanent venues were not supported by a viable business plan that fulfilled the long term needs of the local community. It had earmarked The Gabba as the relatively low cost venue for track and field and the ceremonies because it was going to be refurbished anyway. As for promises to World Athletics? That was for an athletics track that could be used to help develop the sport after the Games. On the back of a 92 page questionnaire and additional document and promises, Brisbane was then awarded the 2032 Olympics.

World Athletics president Seb Coe, who is one of seven candidates to be the IOC president when elections are held to replace Thomas Bach next March, has been pushing for a permanent venue to stage world class athletics events and be an inspiration hub for coaching and administration after the Games.

World Athletics president Seb Coe.

The documents, as submitted by the Queensland bidders said: “Once upgraded the venue (The Gabba) will feature: a minimum capacity of 50 000, making ‘The Gabba’ the largest oval stadium in South East Queensland and best equipped to meet the requirements for the Games and to maximise ticketing revenues.’’

But the subsequent flip-flopping between the $2.7bn Gabba upgrade; a new $3.4bn stadium at Victoria Park or the $1.6bn upgrade to QSAC, or even the $6bn private-government partnership for Brisbane’s Northshore has given rise to ongoing concerns that the advantage of time has been lost.

However Mr Dubi added: “We have really full trust in Brisbane 2032 (organisers) being a super partner to collaborate with the authorities and steer the whole process in the right direction.’’

There is some good news for the Brisbane organisers who will be relying on IOC moneys to help underpin their Games operating budget.

The IOC executive board announced on Tuesday that global sponsorship for the IOC’s Olympiad period from 2029 to 2032 had already reached US$6.2bn.

“We think this is a good figure so far out and we’ve already got a large proportion of what we’d hoped to get,’’ IOC spokesman Mark Adams said.

“We’ve created a good platform to get even more particularly after a very successful Olympic Games in Paris.’’