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The Queensland Labor government has called in a former LNP lord mayor of Brisbane to spearhead a 60-day review of the master plan for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Key points:
- Premier Steven Miles has tasked former Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk to lead a review into the 2032 Olympics master plan
- The review will kick off today, with the findings returned to the state government by March 18
- The independent probe will consider several key criteria and delve into projects such as the controversial Gabba rebuild
The review, which will be done by March 18, will delve into the controversial $2.7 billion Gabba redevelopment, the Brisbane Arena project, as well as a raft of new and upgraded minor sports venues.
Newly installed Premier Steven Miles announced plans for a review of the Games' infrastructure in December on his first day in the top job.
In the weeks since, he has also cast doubt over the future of the Gabba stadium rebuild – acknowledging debate over the mega project had become "divisive".
The independent review will begin today and will be headed by former Brisbane LNP lord mayor Graham Quirk, who led the city from 2011 until his retirement in 2019.
Mr Quirk also played a key role in pushing for the Games to come to Brisbane during his time as Chair of the South East Queensland Council of Mayors.
The government says the review will assess investment in 2032 Games venues according to "key criteria", which includes value for money, fitness for purpose, deliverability, and community legacy.
Mr Miles said the government wanted to deliver a Games that brought Queenslanders together and created a legacy that would benefit the state for decades to come.
"The Games are a chance for us to unite, but it has become divisive," he said.
"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.
"Graham Quirk enjoys great community respect and oversaw the development of the Prefeasibility and Feasibility Studies for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
'We're not going to pre-empt the outcomes'
The review panel will also include Ken Kanofski, who is a former chief executive officer in the NSW government.
Michelle Morris, who is a principal and director at major events and sports consultancy firm MI Global Partners, will also be on the panel.
"I am looking forward to working on the review with my fellow reviewers and meeting with stakeholders to capture their views," Mr Quirk said.
"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 findings of the 60-day review will be given to State Development Minister Grace Grace, who is the minister responsible for the Games.
"We've already said we're not going to pre-empt the outcomes of this review, which I know will be carried out without fear or favour," Ms Grace said.
In recent months, the government had come under pressure over its handling of the Gabba redevelopment.
In December, incumbent Brisbane LNP Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner – who is Mr Quirk's successor and former deputy mayor – withdrew his support for the stadium rebuild.
The Greens have also been opposed and outspoken against the project.
As part of the planned rebuild, East Brisbane State School – which is located right next to stadium – is set to be relocated to a new site at Coorparoo.
The move has been criticised by the school's P&C, which wants the school to remain at its existing location.
In a marked departure from his predecessor Annastacia Palaszczuk, Mr Miles elected not to make himself Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games when he became Premier last month.
He also promised to establish a delivery authority that will be responsible for the Games infrastructure.