Add Category
Ongoing debate and disagreement over Brisbane's Olympic Games venues is "not a good look", according to Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee president Andrew Liveris.
The committee is holding its first meeting of the year on Friday amid ongoing fall-out from the turmoil and indecision over stadiums and their cost.
Earlier this week, the Queensland government rejected a recommendation from former lord mayor Graham Quirk to build a new complex at Victoria Park.
Instead, it is opting to upgrade Lang Park, the aging Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC), as well as making some improvements to the Gabba.
Brisbane's LNP Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner on Friday repeated his support for the Victoria Park proposal, putting him at odds with LNP Opposition Leader David Crisafulli.
"I think the Quirk report really clearly explained Victoria Park was the better option but this is the government's decision," Cr Schrinner said.
Mr Crisafulli on Thursday already ruled out building new venues for the Games if the LNP wins government later this year.
But Cr Schinner said it was a lost opportunity and any post-election review would have to take another look at a Victoria Park stadium proposal.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday the build-up to the Sydney Olympics was not smooth sailing either, but he was confident Brisbane's issues could be sorted out.
"Hosting the Olympics is always a complex issue. I'm from Sydney and I remember that there was criticism in the lead-up to the Sydney 2000 Games," he said.
"The Brisbane Olympics will be a cracker. It will be great for Brisbane, it'll be great for Queensland and it'll be great for Australia."
Mr Liveris said afterwards it had been a "very productive and collaborative meeting".
He said "the two sides of government" had declared the Victoria Park proposal dead and he had listened "very carefully" to that.
He said everyone remains committed to the Games going ahead in Brisbane.
"We reaffirmed it, everyone around the table, $17 billion of economic value for Australia, $8 billion for the state of Queensland, job creation and the gift of these Games, that needs to be the main narrative."
'Expect the unexpected'
Mr Liveris admitted the venue situation needs to be fixed.
"What's going on right now is not a good look for any of us," he said.
"We're planning the delivery of the event, the building of the stage is the responsibility of the government.
"We will listen very attentively because we have a responsibility according to the Olympic host contract to the IOC to put the venues and masterplan into action.
"This sort of activity is expected in Olympics … expect the unexpected. Paris not that long ago was still working out venues."
Mr Liveris said the athlete and spectator experience was key for the Olympic brand.
"We are renters of their brand, so we have the privilege of having the Olympic rings," he said.
"We cannot detract from their brand so yes it matters how we put on the games."
Federal Sport Minister Anika Wells said there was a lot to discuss following the events this week.
"I think it's a timely opportunity for us to all have an honest conversation about how this is progressing and set a pathway forward," she said.
Koala habitats at risk, conservationists say
Conservationists are concerned the planned upgrade to the QSAC at Nathan would threaten koala habitat in adjacent Toohey Forest.
The 260-hectare forest is considered a suburban ecological island for koalas, where they can access food, water and habitat 10 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD.
Queensland Conservation Council director Dave Copeman said they want assurances from Olympic organisers that construction would not impact local koala populations.
"Toohey Forest is a really important piece of bushland … if the stadium is going to be rebuilt there, let's make sure that it doesn’t damage koala habitats," he said.
The Quirk review suggested a "significant" area of forest would need to be removed to create adequate space for security screening for spectators and safe access to athletes and officials.
"… the Griffith University campus could be used for athlete entry, however clearance of significant bushland would be needed to allow this to happen safely," the report found.
But Mr Copeman said widespread clearing could be avoided.
"We don't need to clear bush to put in the infrastructure, we could put the infrastructure somewhere else," he said.