Brisbane 2032 boss backs ‘right-size’ stadium, as LNP unloads on QSAC

The news

Brisbane 2032 president Andrew Liveris has given his strongest opinion yet on the need for a “right-sized” Olympic stadium.

His comment in Brisbane on Wednesday came as LNP Opposition Leader David Crisafulli, if elected next month, all-but ruled out “horrendous” plans to temporarily boost the capacity of the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre.

Why it matters

Under current Labor government plans, QSAC would be upgraded to hold 40,000 people during the Olympic Games – then be reduced to just 14,000 in legacy mode – at a cost of $1.6 billion or more. The plan is subject to a project validation report not due until after the election.

It is the latest of several stadium proposals either put forward by the government, recommended by its Quirk review, or pitched by the private sector to either upgrade the Gabba or build a new stadium before 2032.

Crisafulli, who was highly critical of the initial Gabba proposal and has ruled out a new stadium, has vowed a new “100-day review” to finalise venue and transport planning that’s unlikely to back QSAC.

Liveris rebuked organising committee chief Cindy Hook in May for urging people who wanted a new stadium for the flagship ceremonies and athletics events to speak up.

What they said

At a media conference before Wednesday’s Committee for Economic Development of Australia “Lessons from Paris” business lunch, Liveris said potential venue revenue was just as important as project costs.

“You just have to be in the Stade de France watching the sevens rugby, with 80,000 people providing revenue and top sponsors providing revenue, to understand the power of having a right-size stadium for the Olympics,” he said.

“Now, if QSAC ends up being the answer based on cost and revenue, then we will have to look at where we do events, but we’re waiting for the [report] on that.”

Despite the QSAC consternation, Liveris said Brisbane 2032 was overall in “great shape”, and with decisions around Brisbane Arena “pretty much done, it’s really down to the athletics location”.

He added that the takeaway from meetings with more than 20 sporting federations in Paris was that they would be happy with whatever Queenslanders, and state and federal governments, decided.

“It’s a horrendous plan and its prospects in the eyes of any Queenslander, other than a bloke called Steven, is zilch.”

LNP leader David Crisafulli on Labor’s QSAC pitch

“So year-end next year, I’m hoping that we get to the other side of the big venues,” Liveris said, noting Paris organisers were still deciding on venues 600 days out.

Speaking at a media conference of his own in Brisbane’s north, Crisafulli was asked if he thought QSAC was the best option for Brisbane’s future needs.

“No, I don’t,” he said. “And I think the premier regrets saying that because he knows it’s not the right option, and he knows Queenslanders don’t back it.”

Crisafulli refused to be drawn on an alternative.

Another point of view

Premier Steven Miles has justified the QSAC option as the best value for money, with Labor accusing the LNP of supporting construction of a new stadium behind closed doors.

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