The Queensland Government has launched a 60-day review into infrastructure costs for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Starting today, the review will assess the expenses and longer-term benefits of building new sporting and living facilities.
It comes after Queensland Premiercommitted to a review during his inaugural speech as leader in December. Miles said the issue of Olympic infrastructure costs had become “divisive”.
2032 Olympics review
Queensland won a bid to host the 2032 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021. Australia has hosted two Games before — Sydney 2000 and Melbourne 1956.
Events will be held in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.
Significant infrastructure is required to host the Games, including sporting venues, accommodation and transport.
Infrastructure
Several new facilities have been approved for the 2032 Games, such as a new indoor arena in the Brisbane CBD and a redevelopment of the Gabba.
The developments have a combined cost of over $5 billion.
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Costs will be split between the Queensland and Federal governments.
Controversy
Current financial pressures have led to concern about Queensland hosting the Games. In particular, the $2.7 billion Gabba rebuild drew criticism after the International Olympic Committee said it was unnecessary.
Miles hasn’t opposed any projects but said new infrastructure must create long-lasting benefits to justify costs.
Southeast Queensland is in the midst of a significant housing crisis, caused in part by a lack of housing stock and affordable properties.
60-day Olympics review
Starting today, the long-term benefit of infrastructure for the games will be assessed in an independent review led by former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk. It’s due to deliver findings to the Queensland Government on 18 March.
Miles said he would accept the review’s recommendations, which could advise some infrastructure projects to be scrapped entirely.
The Federal Government welcomed the review and said now is ato scrutinise plans for the Games.
