100-Day Review of Brisbane Olympics Plan and Infrastructure

[AustralianFan]

100-Day Review of Brisbane Olympic Plan

Ok, so the clock is now ticking on this 100-Day Review of Brisbane’s Olympic Plan as announced by the newly elected Premier of Queensland, David Crisafulli.  March 2025 is when we can expect to hear the outcomes of this Review.

From ITG is the background behind this Review:

 

David Crisafulli sets review for Brisbane 2032 Olympics pla

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has set a 100-day deadline to clarify the 2032 Olympic plan, ending project uncertainty. By March, the new LNP government aims to finalise its vision, with an independent Infrastructure Authority to be announced in 30 days to assess transport and infrastructure.

This authority will then have up to 100 days to report on which projects, including a main stadium, will best build a legacy for Queensland. QUT property economics expert Dr Lyndall Bryant said the government now faces significant choices on the best legacy path for 2032 Brisbane and the state.

"It’s probably no surprise that it won’t go in the direction the Labour government said it would," Dr Bryant told NewsWire. "I’d imagine the new government would want to put its own stance on where the infrastructure goes. Infrastructure includes many things; some are set in stone and can’t be changed, like the athletes' village. Those projects will go ahead. But the stadium is the big one; it’s the thing on everyone’s lips."

The former Labour government had considered a $2.7 billion (€2.5 bn) upgrade to Brisbane's Gabba Stadium or a new $3.4 billion (€3.2 bn) stadium at Victoria Park. Brisbane’s former mayor, Graham Quirk, supported a new stadium at Victoria Park, calling the Gabba “end of life.” However, former Premier Steven Miles instead proposed a $1.6 billion (€1.5 bn) upgrade to QSAC to host 40,000 spectators, with opening and closing ceremonies at Suncorp Stadium.

Mr Crisafulli opposed this QSAC upgrade, calling it "going backwards." He assured that "within 100 days, Queenslanders will see a plan that they are proud of, and, in doing so, we can restore faith in that process." The government might also revisit a $6 billion (€5.6 bn) private proposal for a 60,000-seat stadium and athlete village at Brisbane's Northshore. Dr. Bryant emphasised that private-sector partnerships shouldn’t be ruled out entirely.

——

The federal and Queensland governments will provide a $7.1 billion (€6.6 bn) "funding envelope" for the Games. As part of this, the federal government has committed $2 billion (€1.9 bn) for a new Brisbane Arena at the Roma Street Station precinct, expected to host swimming events.

Tim Mander, the new Olympics and Paralympics minister, will work with Tourism Minister Andrew Powell to ready Queensland for the Games and develop a 20-year tourism plan. Mr Crisafulli stated, "By bringing together tourism and environment under one portfolio with an experienced minister in Andrew Powell, we will overcome the roadblocks that have stood in the way of Queensland benefiting from new eco-tourism opportunities."

"As minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander will ensure every Queenslander can benefit from world-class sports and from the Games’ legacy."

[AustralianFan]

So, the previous Miles Queensland Government passed the legislation which established the Games Venue Legacy Delivery Authority (GVLDA) for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Further, they appointed Emma Thompson as interim CEO of GVLDA.

Now, with the recent election of the Crisafulli Queensland Government, some questions are:

1. Will the Brisbane 2032 GVLDA actually be the organisation which conducts the 100-day review of the Olympic Plan?
2. Will Emma Zthomoson survive or will Crisafulli appoint another CEO of his choice?
3. Will Crisafulli establish or appoint a different entity or person altogether from the GVLDA  to conduct the 100-day Review?

[Gonzo]

The 100 day clock has not started to tick yet as the Authority has yet to be established

[AustralianFan]

19 minutes ago, Gonzo said:

The 100 day clock has not started to tick yet as the Authority has yet to be established

Correct.

[AustralianFan]

5 hours ago, Gonzo said:

The 100 day clock has not started to tick yet as the Authority has yet to be established

Which Authority were you referring to ?

That was my question too.  We know the GVLDA or Games Venue Legacy and Delivery Authority has already been established earlier in 2024 when the legislation was passed by the Queensland Parliament and signed by the Governor into law. 

Here is the Queensland Government’s media release link re the GVLDA legislation being voted up by the parliament:

Legislation passes baton to Games Authority - Government of Queensland

So, will the new Queensland Government set up yet another entity or authority to conduct this 100-day Review of Brisbane’s Olympic Plan?
I’m not sure so I guess detail on who or what organisation exactly is going to conduct 100-day Review is still to be confirmed (?).

 

[Gonzo]

The QLD Deputy Premier said on Friday the review will begin once the members of the authority are announced, which he said would be by the end of the next week, then the 100 day clock will start to tick

[Tejas57]

On 11/24/2024 at 9:17 PM, Gonzo said:

The QLD Deputy Premier said on Friday the review will begin once the members of the authority are announced, which he said would be by the end of the next week, then the 100 day clock will start to tick

by my calculations that puts us mid march...

 

interesting as its around the time the federal election will be on if the rumors are true. perhaps trying to bury it in the campaign news? 

[AustralianFan]

On 11/24/2024 at 6:17 PM, Gonzo said:

The QLD Deputy Premier said on Friday the review will begin once the members of the authority are announced, which he said would be by the end of the next week, then the 100 day clock will start to tick

Excellent, thanks 

[AustralianFan]

The Brisbane Times is today reporting that:

The Queensland government has introduced legislation to allow a new independent delivery authority to begin its 100-day review of Olympic venues post-haste.

New Name for Games Authority

The Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements and Other Legislation Amendment Bill will change the name of the authority from the Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority to the slightly more acronym-friendly

Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA)

GIICA will be required to undertake Premier David Crisafulli’s promised 100-day review into Olympic venues, which will begin once the board is in place.

GIICA will be required to undertake Premier David Crisafulli’s promised 100-day review into Olympic venues, which will begin once the board is in place.

The legislation will also require regional representation on the GIICA board to “ensure Queensland’s regional areas receive legacy benefits from the Games.

[Gonzo]

The 100 day clock starts ticking from today

March 9 2025

[Gonzo]

Make that 100+3 days

Review to be handed down March 12

Quote

 

Board Members

Stephen Conry (Chair) - Commercial Property Developer

Jill Davies - Strategy Consultant, Vice Chair Athletics Australia

Laurence Lancini - Property Developer

Sue Johnson - Transurban QLD Manager

Tony Cochrane - Sports Events Administrator

Jess Caire - QLD Property Council Director

Jamie Fitzpatrick - Hospitality Group Director

 

 

[Gonzo]

So, Crisafulli has done his Olympic diving Gold Medal worthy backflip and somersault

Exploring new stadiums and venues will be included in the review

Victoria Park a near lock now

[AustralianFan]

2 hours ago, Gonzo said:

Make that 100+3 days

Review to be handed down March 12

 

Excellent news.  Finally, the Games prep back heading in the right direction as far as the Track and Field venue goes.

The other venues preparation and planning proceeding along nicely in the background.

 

[AustralianFan]

Terms of Reference  < click the link

It’s that the cattle prod is in good working order and this Review is up and running with the GIICA Board appointed.

Here are some key points from the 100-day Review terms of reference:

 

100-day Review of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure

The primary objectives of this 100-day review are to:

• Assess infrastructure demand alignment: Confirm that infrastructure projects are strategically chosen based on demand, ensuring they are located in the right places to meet the needs of the Games and support Queensland's long-term legacy outcomes.
• Assess connectivity and integration: Evaluate the interconnectivity of venues, transport systems, athlete’s villages and precincts within the infrastructure network including the need to facilitate access during the Games and promote long-term mobility solutions.
• Evaluate affordability: Examine all proposed infrastructure investments for their economic viability and value for money. This includes ensuring investments within the venues program remain within the agreed $7.1 billion funding envelope from the State and Australian governments, and other investments for athlete’s villages and transport infrastructure meet legacy and Games needs
• Evaluate deliverability: Assess the feasibility of completing infrastructure projects on time and within budget, considering resource availability, Olympic Host Contract and Games commitments and other risk factors. This includes reviewing infrastructure procurement, staging strategy and delivery models, including those that involve private investment, and evaluating industry capacity.
• Identify priority projects: Identify critical infrastructure investments that are essential for both Games-time needs and long-term growth for Queensland, while recommending opportunities for cost savings across thenvenues program.
• Maximise long-term benefits: Ensure that infrastructure investments support regional economic development and align with broader strategies, including tourism, and deliver lasting community benefits such as increased housing and improved public amenities.
• Assess Games governance: Evaluate the current governance arrangements for the Games and recommend any changes that are considered to increase the likelihood for successful delivery of the Games, including the infrastructure required, and to reduce the overall cost and risk in delivering the Games.

[AustralianFan]

2 hours ago, Gonzo said:

So, Crisafulli has done his Olympic diving Gold Medal worthy backflip and somersault

Exploring new stadiums and venues will be included in the review

Victoria Park a near lock now

Am hoping so.

Will be interesting what the Review recommends about the current Vic. Park location vs a new location for cross-country equestrian if Victoria Park is indeed where the Review recommends construction occurs of a new Track and Field/AFL/Cricket legacy stadium.

Noting also the Terms of Reference stipulates the Review must stay within the existing funding envelope.   Is the hidden implication here then a private/public funding partnership for a new stadium?

[AustralianFan]

Sounds like new Queensland Premier Crisafulli is preparing everyone for no new stadium.

This is troubling.   Why else would he come out so publicly with such a statement already with the 100-Day Review barely 2 days old?

https://x.com/abcnews/status/1862393802616414439?s=61

 

[yoshi]

It's a 100 day review to determine which international cricket ground in the Gabba area of Brisbane would be the best one to choose for a renovation...

[Rob2012]

On 11/30/2024 at 12:05 AM, AustralianFan said:

Sounds like new Queensland Premier Crisafulli is preparing everyone for no new stadium.

This is troubling.   Why else would he come out so publicly with such a statement already with the 100-Day Review barely 2 days old?

https://x.com/abcnews/status/1862393802616414439?s=61

 

Feels like this way of wording it gives them leeway to do whatever they want. Using an existing stadium means there's not another new stadium. Building a shiny new stadium and knocking an old one down leaves you with the same number of stadiums. Politician speak.

 

[Tejas57]

#BREAKING: 9News can reveal exclusive details on the future of the Gabba. Meanwhile, the current focus remains on crime.

 

essentially they are saying the talk is it will be a knockdown and rebuild of the Gabba. (there is a video at the tweet)

 

 

Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Why we don’t want to be world-class
Mike O'Connor

 

 

The danger inherent in asking everyone to have their say is that they will do just that, so in response to Premier David Crisafulli’s invitation, here is my contribution to The Great Olympic Debate.
Having previously described our Olympic bid as an act of ego-driven madness, it’s fair to say I’m not the Games’ most ardent fan, but I accept that there’s no turning back now and that it’s onwards and upwards to 2032.
First the stadium. When all the singing and dancing is done and the music stops, it will be announced that a new stadium will be built and it will be located in Victoria Park.
ADVERTISEMENT
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
It will be in that section of the park that is closest to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and take advantage of the existing bus interchange adjacent to the hospital and the nearby Exhibition railway station, with a pedestrian tunnel or bridge built to link the station with the stadium.
The park has been one of the lungs of the city since it was gazetted in 1875, and this role and the right of the city’s citizens to enjoy it have to be respected.
Developers have been casting covetous glances in its direction for years, but the threat of the public outrage that would be triggered by any attempt to encroach upon it has kept it safe.
As long as the government and council don’t get greedy and try and use the stadium as an excuse to grab more of the park than is necessary, the political damage suffered by resuming public green space will be manageable.
If hyperbole could build sporting venues, then we’d be ready to host the Games tomorrow, so let’s take a breath.
There’s been talk of us maturing into a world-class city and mirroring some of the great European centres. Let’s forget all that. Many of Europe’s world-class cities are overcrowded, suffer significant social discord and are sinking beneath a tsunami of mass tourism.
We don’t want to be like that. Brisbane is a modestly sized city blessed with a subtropical climate with easy access to a magnificent coastline, and while we have suffered our share of stumbling, bumbling political ineptitude, is a wonderful place to live.

 

 

Europe’s world-class cities have their share of problems.
Some claim we have a small-town mentality. That is the whole point. Biggest is not best. Stadia and rock concerts do not define cities. Is a city with 10 arenas five times more liveable than one with two? Probably not.
There’s nothing wrong with having a small – or, in Brisbane’s case, modestly sized – city mentality. We don’t want to be the envy of the world. We want to enjoy what we have.
There seems to be a misplaced belief that if we build the right structures people will come from all over the planet and say, “Oh, look. A big stadium. Isn’t it marvellous!”
People will come here because we are uniquely situated in relative geographic isolation and have developed our own culture. We are so different from Europe and the UK as to be on a different planet, which is what is so bloody wonderful about the place.
To be sure, things could be better in the Sunshine State. The newly elected government has the job in front of it to repair the health system, control youth crime and attend to the disgrace that is the Bruce Highway, but none of this detracts from the fact that we are fortunate to live in place that would be the envy of the world if they knew about it, so let’s not get too excited at the prospect of becoming a world-class city. We are already there.
It is also misguided to suggest that if only we were like the rest of the world, if only we would grow up, life would be so much better. No it wouldn’t. It would be demonstrably worse.
When I was growing up in Brisbane, men wore hats and women wore hats and gloves, trams rattled down the street, Mum and Dad bought the weekly groceries with pound notes and shillings, and the City Hall clock towered over the city, so I’ve watched my city grow.
It will continue to expand and prosper and hopefully retain its charm.
I wish those tasked with overseeing the Games every success, but please stop talking about us becoming world-class.
I’ve seen a lot of the rest of the world. It’s a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.

[Gonzo]

Rebuilding the Gabba has always been the most logical option in terms of existing infrastructure ... but what about the school kiddies? 

[Sir Rols]

Lol! That would just be too funny. A year of angst, reviews and flip-flopping… all to go back to square one.

[AustralianFan]

17 hours ago, Rob2012 said:

Feels like this way of wording it gives them leeway to do whatever they want. Using an existing stadium means there's not another new stadium. Building a shiny new stadium and knocking an old one down leaves you with the same number of stadiums. Politician speak.

 

Yes true.  

[AustralianFan]

7 hours ago, Tejas57 said:

#BREAKING: 9News can reveal exclusive details on the future of the Gabba. Meanwhile, the current focus remains on crime.

 

essentially they are saying the talk is it will be a knockdown and rebuild of the Gabba. (there is a video at the tweet)

 

 

Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Why we don’t want to be world-class
Mike O'Connor

 

 

The danger inherent in asking everyone to have their say is that they will do just that, so in response to Premier David Crisafulli’s invitation, here is my contribution to The Great Olympic Debate.
Having previously described our Olympic bid as an act of ego-driven madness, it’s fair to say I’m not the Games’ most ardent fan, but I accept that there’s no turning back now and that it’s onwards and upwards to 2032.
First the stadium. When all the singing and dancing is done and the music stops, it will be announced that a new stadium will be built and it will be located in Victoria Park.
ADVERTISEMENT
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
It will be in that section of the park that is closest to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and take advantage of the existing bus interchange adjacent to the hospital and the nearby Exhibition railway station, with a pedestrian tunnel or bridge built to link the station with the stadium.
The park has been one of the lungs of the city since it was gazetted in 1875, and this role and the right of the city’s citizens to enjoy it have to be respected.
Developers have been casting covetous glances in its direction for years, but the threat of the public outrage that would be triggered by any attempt to encroach upon it has kept it safe.
As long as the government and council don’t get greedy and try and use the stadium as an excuse to grab more of the park than is necessary, the political damage suffered by resuming public green space will be manageable.
If hyperbole could build sporting venues, then we’d be ready to host the Games tomorrow, so let’s take a breath.
There’s been talk of us maturing into a world-class city and mirroring some of the great European centres. Let’s forget all that. Many of Europe’s world-class cities are overcrowded, suffer significant social discord and are sinking beneath a tsunami of mass tourism.
We don’t want to be like that. Brisbane is a modestly sized city blessed with a subtropical climate with easy access to a magnificent coastline, and while we have suffered our share of stumbling, bumbling political ineptitude, is a wonderful place to live.

 

 

Europe’s world-class cities have their share of problems.
Some claim we have a small-town mentality. That is the whole point. Biggest is not best. Stadia and rock concerts do not define cities. Is a city with 10 arenas five times more liveable than one with two? Probably not.
There’s nothing wrong with having a small – or, in Brisbane’s case, modestly sized – city mentality. We don’t want to be the envy of the world. We want to enjoy what we have.
There seems to be a misplaced belief that if we build the right structures people will come from all over the planet and say, “Oh, look. A big stadium. Isn’t it marvellous!”
People will come here because we are uniquely situated in relative geographic isolation and have developed our own culture. We are so different from Europe and the UK as to be on a different planet, which is what is so bloody wonderful about the place.
To be sure, things could be better in the Sunshine State. The newly elected government has the job in front of it to repair the health system, control youth crime and attend to the disgrace that is the Bruce Highway, but none of this detracts from the fact that we are fortunate to live in place that would be the envy of the world if they knew about it, so let’s not get too excited at the prospect of becoming a world-class city. We are already there.
It is also misguided to suggest that if only we were like the rest of the world, if only we would grow up, life would be so much better. No it wouldn’t. It would be demonstrably worse.
When I was growing up in Brisbane, men wore hats and women wore hats and gloves, trams rattled down the street, Mum and Dad bought the weekly groceries with pound notes and shillings, and the City Hall clock towered over the city, so I’ve watched my city grow.
It will continue to expand and prosper and hopefully retain its charm.
I wish those tasked with overseeing the Games every success, but please stop talking about us becoming world-class.
I’ve seen a lot of the rest of the world. It’s a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.

Politicians.  They announce a Review by a newly appointed “Independent” Olympic body, then proceeds to “direct” it’s inevitable conclusion with public comments in the media.

[Gonzo]

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/victoria-park-precinct-plan-to-be-presented-to-olympic-venue-review-20241203-p5kvgm.html

https://www.smh.com.au/interactive/hub/media/tearout-excerpt/37546/Arcadis-Victoria-Park-Strategic-Plan_Final_reduced.pdf

[AustralianFan]

The following Victoria Park Strategic Plan Discussion Paper by Arcadis and now being reported widely in the media been sent to the 100-day Review of the Brisbane Olympic Plan and Infrastructure.

 

• Arcadis-Victoria-Park-Strategic-Plan_Final_reduced.pdf
  13.7 MBViews: 14

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Proposal

• A new 60,000+ seat oval stadium is the centrepiece of the Brisbane Bold 2032 concept put forward by the Architectural, Landscape and Urban Design company, Archipelago.
• A productive use of sports and recreation zoned land that was formerly Victoria Park Golf Course, the site is ideally positioned to leverage further benefits from existing mass transit investments in Brisbane Metro and Cross River Rail.
• The Brisbane Bold 2032 concept responds to the driver of the impending Brisbane 2032 Games as an opportunity to create legacy infrastructure for the State.
• It envisages a sporting precinct that is also able to accommodate a multi-purpose indoor arena and a new National Swimming Stadium.
• However, we argue that irrespective of the Olympics, SEQ needs a new oval stadium, suitable for Cricket, AFL and concerts and that this can be developed in a commercially sustainable way with strong private sector involvement.