A former mayor has been appointed to lead the independent 60-day review of the venue infrastructure ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles and Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace announced that former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk will lead the infrastructure review.
Mr Quirk said that he is looking forward to working on the review with his fellow reviewers and meeting with stakeholders to capture their views.
“This is important work for all Queenslanders which I am pleased to be a part of, having been involved from the inception of the idea of hosting the Games.”
The review will be informed by targeted consultation and relevant advice from a broad range of stakeholders.
It will include both major sports venues (the Gabba and the Brisbane Arena) and the program of new and upgraded minor sports venues.
Premier Miles said his government wants the Games to bring Queenslanders together and create legacy benefits for decades to come.
“The Games are a chance for us to unite, but it has become divisive.
“I’m determined to end the division and bring people together, which is why I’ve committed to this 60-day review and establishing a delivery authority,” Premier Miles said.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said, “We understand global conditions are resulting in cost and labour market pressure for all jurisdictions.”
Minister King said the Federal Government entered into a 50/50 co-funding agreement with the Queensland Government with capped investment for the Brisbane Arena, and funding for 16 new or upgraded venues.
“We want to ensure the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games leave an enduring Games legacy for Brisbane and south east Queensland, as well as the wider State and the nation long after the closing ceremony is over.”
The review will assist the Queensland Government in assessing infrastructure investments to be made against key criteria, including value for money, fit-for-purpose, deliverability and community legacy.
Findings will be provided to Minister Grace on Monday 18 March 2024.
Minister Grace said that the state would see an infrastructure investment on a vast scale in the lead up to the Games.
“This will deliver more economic activity, more jobs and legacy infrastructure that will benefit Queenslanders in coming decades.
“We need to make sure we get these infrastructure investments right and I look forward to receiving the report from these three eminent individuals.”
The Miles Government will also establish a delivery authority for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games which will be operational towards the middle of 2024.
