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Posted: 2024-11-29 05:57:05

Queensland's premier doesn't believe Brisbane "needs another stadium," as a 100-day review into infrastructure for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games kicks off.

But David Crisafulli also would not directly answer whether the government would veto the option of a new stadium if it was recommended by the independent panel.

The review was an election commitment from the LNP to "get the Games back on track" and "ensure a lasting legacy for all Queenslanders".

On Friday, Mr Crisafulli named the seven members of the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority board – the team tasked with the review – as well as the scope.

It will be chaired by property industry veteran Stephen Conry AM, with the Property Council of Australia's Jess Caire and sporting and events leader Tony Cochrane among the other members.

A woman with dark hair wearing a pink blazer.

Jess Caire is part of the board looking into Olympic venues. (Supplied: Property Council of Australia)

The government also unveiled the terms of reference for the 100-day review, with the scope covering "new, upgraded and temporary venues," Olympic and Paralympic villages, transport infrastructure and Games governance.

There are a number of guiding principles outlined, including that the review will "maximise the use of existing venues" to "minimise new construction, thereby enhancing cost-efficiency and promoting sustainability".

Will Brisbane get a new stadium?

The details of the review's scope sparked questions about whether it left the door open to the potential for a new stadium.

While Mr Crisafulli has previously spoken about "no new stadiums", the terms of reference do not explicitly rule it out.

A politician in a suit and tie talking with hand gestures.

Premier David Crisafulli announced the review, and the board who will be undertaking it, at Star on Friday. (AAP: Jono Searle)

Asked to explain why the word "new" was included in the scope, Mr Crisafulli replied "there are multiple new venues" already proposed, such as the Brisbane Live arena project.

"It needs to be about generational infrastructure, it's not about new stadiums," he said.

Brisbane Live exterior daytime graphic with arena in the middle and fans walking nearby

The Brisbane Live arena has already been proposed for the 2032 Games. (Supplied: Queensland government)

Pressed if he would veto any possible recommendation of a new stadium, he said "I don't think it is too much to ask for this group to be given 100 days".

"In answer to my position, I don't believe the city needs another stadium. I don't," Mr Crisafulli said. 

"Let me be clear. I've said that so the terms of reference reflect what the priority is."

He was also questioned about private sector investment after one of the review's guiding principles stated that "delivery models and opportunities for private sector investment" should be considered "to enable delivery within the $7.1 billion funding envelope".

Mr Crisafulli said he would not "chase the private sector out of this state".

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the review's terms of reference "really makes it clear that all options will be considered".

"Now, the government's made it clear that that was never their intent, they were not expecting to build a new stadium, but with the terms of reference that have been set up they're broad enough to consider all options," he said.

"And I believe that there'll be lots of submissions coming in with lots of different options that will be considered by this review panel."

A politician speaking with his hands on a stage.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said all venue options will be considered. (AAP: Jono Searle)

Second independent venue review

The former Labor government had originally proposed demolishing and rebuilding the Gabba stadium ahead of the Games.

But amid growing concerns about the $2.7 billion cost, then-Premier Steven Miles ordered a 60-day review of key sporting venues headed by former lord mayor Graham Quirk.

Mr Quirk's review recommended replacing the Gabba rebuild plan with a new "greenfield" stadium at Victoria Park, at a cost of up to $3.4 billion.

A render showing victoria park with a new stadium and two indoor arenas surrounded by housing and the cbd skyline

A new stadium at Victoria Park, in Brisbane's suburb of Herston, was proposed by the earlier 60-day review. (Supplied: Archipelago)

However this was swiftly rejected by the Miles government, which instead announced it would look at upgrading the Gabba, Lang Park and the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre to host the athletics.

The LNP did not support the QSAC option and pledged to appoint an independent Olympics Coordination Authority to conduct a 100-day review if it won the election.

An image of the QSAC (Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre) exterior

When Labor announced its QSAC plan, the LNP did not support the option. (ABC News: Dean Caton)

Law changes for the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority were fast-tracked through state parliament overnight in a late-night sitting.

On Friday, Mr Crisafulli said that the government has now fired the "starting gun" on the review.

"This is now day one of 100, their time starts now, and we're going to deliver world-class infrastructure," he said.

The review is set to be completed in March.

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