‘I’ll fix Games mess’: Crisafulli vows to salvage Qld’s reputation
David Crisafulli has declared Brisbane’s Olympics “mess” would be fixed within 100 days of the LNP surging to power.
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Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has boldly declared Brisbane’s Olympic and Paralympic Games “mess” would be fixed within 100 days of an LNP government surging to power, salvaging Queensland’s reputation on the world stage.
Mr Crisafulli used his budget reply speech to make a pledge to get plans for the 2032 Olympics back on track, after, he said, the state government squandered its head start and controversially chose to ignore an independent review it commissioned into Games venues.
Currently, the government is pressing ahead with a controversial plan to upgrade Nathan’s Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, despite former Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk finding it did not provide value for money.
Mr Crisafulli, who has not revealed what the LNP would do with the main Olympic Games stadium if it wins government, has promised to again review the state’s Games infrastructure.
The opposition leader doubled down on a pledge to chart a course towards 2032 and criticised the government on its three-yearrecord since the state won the Games.
“A lot of time has been wasted, but I believe we can deliver a games Queenslanders can be proud of,” he said.
“While over a thousand days have been squandered, I ask Queenslanders to give the LNP 100 days to sort out the mess and salvage Queensland’s reputation on the world stage.”
He said the LNP would appoint a “truly independent” Olympic Coordination Authority to review the Olympics and Paralympics.
Mr Crisafulli said the authority would be required to deliver options within 100 days to prioritise roads and rail infrastructure, use existing venues and present legacy options for regional Queensland.
He said it would be achieved with a funding envelope “that is no greater than what is currently on the table”.
Construction on QSAC is unlikely to start before the state election – paving the way for the government’s controversial venue to be scrapped after the October 26 poll.
Development of a business case followed by detailed planning work previously prompted the state government to acknowledge shovels are unlikely to be in the ground at the Nathan site before October 26.
Premier Steven Miles on Thursday said Queensland Governor Jeannette Young would travel to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as a representative of the state government.
It’s understood no ministers will attend, with the state election just three months later.
The state government has moved to establish an independent Olympic Games infrastructure delivery authority, with advertising for appointments now open.
Former Sunshine Coast Council chief executive Emma Thomas has been appointed interim chief executive officer.
Originally published as ‘I’ll fix Games mess’: Crisafulli vows to salvage Qld’s reputation
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