The decision to potentially use QSAC as the Brisbane Olympic stadium has raised concerns about the impact it may have on revenue due to fewer tickets being available for sale, as it would be the smallest Olympic stadium since Amsterdam 1928. Brisbane 2032 chairman Andrew Liveris emphasized the need for due diligence to understand the effect of this decision on the overall bottom line of the Olympics. He stated that further assessment needs to be done to determine the ramifications on the master plan and that discussions with the IOC and IPC will be crucial in assessing the impacts.
IOC co-ordination commission chair Kirsty Coventry expressed confidence that the Olympics would fit into whatever venue master plan Queensland decides to adopt, foreseeing that changes may occur leading up to the opening ceremony 8½ years from now. There have been signs of cracks between the three levels of government following the venues reset, with differing opinions on certain recommendations. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner supported the Victoria Park recommendation, while federal Sport Minister Anika Wells emphasized that the decision regarding QSAC lies with the Queensland government.
Liveris mentioned that physical signs of Olympic preparations will soon be visible across south-east Queensland, with early decisions set to kick off this year including tenders, procurement, and groundbreaking. The IOC Brisbane 2032 co-ordination commission meeting coincided with the launch of the Australian swimming team’s new Speedo kit in Brisbane, where Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus stressed the importance of not being half-hearted about the Games. She emphasized the need to make decisions with the best interest of the Games, athletes, and the country in mind to ensure the best possible outcome.
The Queensland government’s response to the Quirk review has led to ongoing discussions and assessments with the IOC and IPC to understand the implications of using QSAC as the Brisbane Olympic stadium. Liveris highlighted the importance of engaging with stakeholders to assess the impacts on the master plan and the overall success of the Games. Coventry expressed optimism that good decisions will be made for the people of Queensland and surrounding cities, taking into consideration the feedback from various communities.
Fissures between the three levels of government were evident following the venues reset, with differing opinions on the best course of action. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner supported the Victoria Park recommendation, while federal Sport Minister Anika Wells emphasized that the decision regarding QSAC falls under the jurisdiction of the Queensland government. Liveris indicated that steps would soon be taken to kickstart physical preparations for the Olympics, starting with early and uncontested decisions this year.
The launch of the Australian swimming team’s new Speedo kit in Brisbane coincided with the IOC Brisbane 2032 co-ordination commission meeting, where discussions about venue decisions and preparations took place. Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus urged for a wholehearted effort in making decisions about the Games to ensure the best outcome for Brisbane and the country. Liveris expressed optimism about the progress of Olympic preparations in south-east Queensland, emphasizing that early decisions would soon be implemented, marking the beginning of tangible work towards hosting the 2032 Olympics.
