Games’ boss Andrew Liveris delivers direct order to AFL and cricket over stadium saga

Olympics boss Andrew Liveris has conceded the transformational Victoria Park plan is “dead” and has urged AFL and cricket leaders to “speak up” about their needs for a new stadium.

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The 2032 Games’ boss has urged AFL and cricket leaders to “speak up” about their needs for a new stadium in the wake of Premier Steven Miles rejecting an independent review’s recommendation to build a new facility in Victoria Park.

Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President Andrew Liveris said due diligence was yet to be done on the state government’s unpopular decision to base critical events at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC).

The towering figure applauded the detailed findings from a venues review led by former lord mayor Graham Quirk and noted widespread support for the proposal to build a modern stadium in Victoria Park.

But Mr Liveris conceded the transformational plan was “dead” given both the government and Opposition had ruled it out.

“The two sides of government here in the state have basically said it’s dead, so I’ve listened very carefully to that,” he said.

“I’m not going to say yes or no to Victoria Park.

“I’ve seen the comments of the Lord Mayor – I’m actually very pleased that people are thinking about the legacy of Queensland for what will be AFL and cricket.

“But honestly, AFL and cricket need to speak up, it’s not the Olympics’ job.

“We will receive what the state says is an important legacy and then we’ll work with that.”

Andrew Liveris at 1 William St ahead of a meeting. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Following the eagerly anticipated meeting of the committee and following days of widespread criticism of the government’s handling of the Games, Mr Liveris said the board’s discussions were “very” robust.

“We’ve had a very productive and collaborative meeting,” the 2032 Games boss said.

“Having run boards all my career and knowing what stakeholder management is, this group of stakeholders are aligned on firstly, recapturing the narrative of why this is good for Queensland and good for Brisbane and, frankly, good for Australia.

“We reaffirmed it, everyone around the table, that $17 billion of economic value for Australia, $8 billion for the state of Queensland, job creation and the gift of these games – that needs to be the main narrative.”

Ahead of the meeting, Mr Liveris said the ongoing bickering over venue infrastructure is “not a good look” as he set his sights on whipping the organisation committee into line.

The global business tycoon said he was concerned by the negativity that had engulfed the Games as he prepared to address the committee members, which includes Premier Steven Miles and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

“What’s going on right now, it’s not a good look for any of us,” Mr Liveris said.

“We need to improve that … I’m working on that.”

The committee president also conceded this “sort of activity” is not uncommon in the decade before hosting the Games, and warned Queenslanders to “expect the unexpected” as passions flare.

Mr Liveris said the responsibility of the body was to ensure premium athlete experiences were delivered for both Olympians and Paralympians but stressed the showpiece “matters” when pressed about the original promise of transformational infrastructure.

He said the organising body was capable of hosting the Games at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre but appeared to push the furore about legacy back on to the state government, who he has said in the past have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform Brisbane.

“The building of the stage is the responsibility of the government and clearly that 60-day review has come out (and) the venues and infrastructure output of that will definitely be discussed and reviewed (at the meeting),” Mr Liveris said this morning.

The state government decision to upgrade the ageing QSAC complex has created uproar. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“Should the city of Brisbane and the Queensland and federal government decide on a new stadium – that’s for legacy reasons.”

The committee president also appeared relieved both Mr Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli had pledged to follow through with hosting the Games after it was reported this week the government had considered ditching the showpiece event.

“I’m very excited to hear both sides of politics support having the Games – that’s off the table,” Mr Liveris said.

“This will be the location of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, please do not lose sight of that. I haven’t and I’ve kept this thing moving down the track.”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner will continue to push for a stadium at Victoria Park despite Mr Crisafulli ruling out a new facility for the 2032 Games.

Mr Crisafulli yesterday committed to setting up an independent delivery authority should he win the October election. But he said the body would be restricted to recommendations to ensure no new stadiums were proposed.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner at Victoria Park, the proposed site for an Olympic stadium. Picture: Liam Kidston

The stance has left the two senior LNP leaders at odds, with Mr Schrinner this morning declaring any review would have to consider a new facility at Victoria Park following the “very compelling case” put forward in Graham Quirk’s review of Games venues.

“I think any review would have to look at Victoria Park,” Mr Schrinner said ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee meeting.

“Ultimately, we do need an oval stadium in Brisbane.

“We’ve got Suncorp Stadium for the moment, that’s getting an upgrade, the Gabba will limp through until the Olympics but what happens after that?

“We need a good quality oval stadium for AFL, cricket (and) for large concerts like Taylor Swift.

“This is an ongoing need of the community and it’s got nothing to do with the Olympics, it’s what our community needs.”

Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells said earlier this week the Albanese government was eager to see the costs for Steven Miles’ most recent Games infrastructure plan.

Funding arrangements for the Games were delicately negotiated but the new venue plan will require further discussions.

Ahead of the committee meeting, Ms Wells said the gathering was a “timely opportunity for us all to have an honest conversation about how this is progressing and set a pathway forward”.

Originally published as Games’ boss Andrew Liveris delivers direct order to AFL and cricket over stadium saga