Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has left the door slightly ajar for a new stadium in Brisbane when announcing the members of an Advisory board which will undertake a 100-day review of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure.
Speaking at an event at The Star Brisbane, Premier Crisafulli said he wanted to see world class venues across the State and for the potential of the existing venues to be maximised.
“I still don’t think Brisbane needs a new stadium. I look forward to the board doing its work,” he said.
Premier Crisafulli said the board would be chaired by commercial property expert Stephen Conry and include Athletics Australia vice-president Jill Davies, developer Laurence Lanchini, Transurban’s Sue Johnson, entertainment entrepreneur Tony Cochrane, Property Council chief executive Jess Caire and regional hospitality and tourism business owner Jamie Fitzpatrick.
He said the board members were seven of the “best and brightest” and would conduct the review and then “drive it and see it through”.
“The reason we are where we are is that too many decisions have been made by politicians.”
The board’s Terms of Reference (TOR) were revealed at the event and did not preclude the board making a recommendation for a new stadium.
The TOR states: “The review will prioritise the utilisation of existing venues and infrastructure to minimise new construction.”
Also speaking at the event, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the city needed, not one, but two new stadiums.
The announcement of the board members came a day after the State Government tabled enabling legislation in Parliament to kick start the 100-day review.
Premier Crisafulli said the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 would enable the appointment of a Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority and commencement of the 100-day review.
He told Parliament yesterday a rescoped Authority’s core focus would be planning and delivering infrastructure, transport and legacy projects, to enhance liveability and sustain future growth for Queenslanders.
“Not only will these laws enable the 100-Day Review, but it also establishes a clearer purpose for the Authority’s work around Games legacy, ensuring regional Queensland benefits from the Games.”
