Toowoomba Olympics: Treasurer David Janetzki says equestrian centre of excellence is in LNP’s 100-day review

Toowoomba’s dream of hosting events at the Olympics is still alive — just — after new treasurer David Janetzki revealed a major project was part of the LNP’s 100-day review.

Toowoomba’s last chance to host Olympic events in eight years’ time is being considered in the new LNP government’s 100-day review, following speculation the city would completely miss out.

Toowoomba South MP and new Queensland treasurer David Janetzki has finally outlined whether key local projects will be part of the LNP government’s plans for the state, including around the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.

Mr Janetzki, who now holds the keys to the coffers and is also the state’s energy minister following a convincing LNP election victory, said he had successfully inserted the Toowoomba Showgrounds’ upcoming Equestrian Centre of Excellence (ECE) into the government’s new snap review of current venues.

Toowoomba Showgrounds

However, it remains unclear as to the region’s potential contribution to the state’s energy make-up through the Cressbrook Dam pumped hydro scheme.

Prior to the election, Mr Janetzki pledged he would advocate for the ECE to be included in the 2032 Olympics if the LNP was swept to power.

Toowoomba’s Olympic dreams appeared dashed after a planned $80m upgrade of Clive Berghofer Stadium was killed following a review earlier this year led by former Brisbane mayor Graham Quirk.

Aside from hosting teams before the games as well as supplying key elements like food, the region’s hopes of any direct involvement in 2032 hinges on the ECE.

The project by the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland is slated to be built irrespective of the Olympics, meaning it would qualify as legacy infrastructure that is a key criteria of the games.

Treasurer David Janetzki. Picture: Richard Walker

Mr Janetzki said the review would cover the ECE, but gave no indication as to how seriously it was being considered.

“I have repeatedly said that the equestrian centre of excellence is my top priority in the new government’s 100-day Olympic review,” he said.

“It’s time for a strong focus on generational infrastructure that leaves a genuine legacy.”

Another major project that could be part of the LNP’s plans is the Cressbrook Dam pumped hydro scheme by BE Power, which is currently being purchased by the government-owned energy asset firm Stanwell as part of a pre-election action.

The government made good on its promise to scrap the beleaguered Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project in the Mackay region, with Queensland Hydro arguing it would have blown out its budget by billions of dollars.

Aerial photograph of Lake Cressbrook, Thursday, January 05, 2012. Photo Kevin Farmer / The Chronicle Helicopter services courtesy of Heliwest Group

It is instead banking on an undisclosed combination of smaller hydro projects to keep pace with its net zero commitments for Queensland.

Mr Janetzki did not respond to a question about the project in time for publication.

It comes as premier David Crisafulli stopped short of confirming Cressbrook was one of the projects the government was looking at to replace Pioneer-Burdekin.

Speaking in Rockhampton, Mr Crisafulli said department heads were looking at a number of schemes.

“The department is looking at a number, and it’s important they do so — they should be able to operate free from political interference,” he said.

“We have given them that commitment and the other commitment I give Queenslanders is that you’ll see that report.

“I think people will see that for what it is, a government that believes in transparency.”

Mr Crisafulli also reaffirmed the LNP’s support for smaller pumped hydro projects like at Borumba on the Sunshine Coast.

Cressbrook is still currently progressing through approvals with the Toowoomba Regional Council.

“All forms of energy generation need to be in the mix if we’re going to meet these carbon-zero targets (but) you need to look at the cost-benefit analysis with all of these projects,” Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald said.

“Council has been measured with its assessments, it’s only stage three now,” he said.