RAIL - Back On Track Forum

This is confusing. Crisafulli is criticising the government for ignoring a few of the recommendations of the independent review, but he has also repeatedly declared he doesn't want a new venue for the main stadium, which was one of the recommendations that was ignored. Is this a backdoor method of getting the Victoria Park stadium (which would break Crisafulli's promise), or is he planning to go back to the Gabba rebuild, or is he going to continue with QSAC, which would make him guilty of what he's currently criticising the government for? I feel like he's painting himself into a corner if he wins the election.

Sunday Mail 16th June 2024 page 13

GAMES VENUE 'RUN ITS RACE'

A legendary Queensland athletics coach has fired off a scathing letter to politicians calling for QSAC to be scrapped as a venue for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, detailing accessibility and safety concerns, including a fall he had there himself. Bailey Pashley, who helped develop hundreds of athletes including a number who went on to state and national honours, sent a letter to Opposition Leader David Crisafulli and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner about the Nathan stadium after The Sunday Mail exposed just how difficult it is for disabled sports fans manoeuvring through the "tired" Gabba stadium. Mr Crisafulli, who in his budget reply speech on Thursday promised to sort out the Games "mess" within 100 days if elected in October, said it was essential Olympic infrastructure was reviewed again. ...

Brisbanetimes --> Paris has a message for people worried about Brisbane 2032: Don't be $

QuotePierre-Olivier Beckers-Vieujant, a senior member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) who has spent the past seven years overseeing preparations for the Paris Games, admits to being perplexed about Brisbane.

Unlike many Europeans, Beckers-Vieujant can readily find the Queensland capital on a map. And as the chair of the IOC's co-ordinating commission for Paris, he understands better than most the challenges host cities confront in trying to maintain public support for the world's most disruptive sporting event.

What confuses the Belgian baron, at least at this stage of Brisbane's preparations, is why there is so much consternation in Australia about Brisbane not being ready to host an Olympics and Paralympics still eight years away.

"My view on Brisbane is that nobody should start being nervous about it," he says.

"I have read articles showing there is nervousness about the fact that some venues have not been finalised, et cetera. Well, Brisbane has eight years ahead of it. The normal cycle time for preparation is seven years. Brisbane was elected very early. ...

Gold Coast Bulletin --> 2032 Olympic Games: Sydney bid boss reveals how to restore public support for world's biggest sporting event $

QuoteThe Sydney 2000 Olympics supremo has warned political leaders to get behind the 2032 Games and end vicious partisanship eroding public support for the extravaganza.

Rod McGeoch led the team which won the bid and sat on the board of the organising committee in the years leading up to the 2000 Games, hailed by International Olympic Committee president Juan Antonio Samaranch as the best ever.

Now, three years after southeast Queensland won the rights to the 2032 Games, enthusiasm for it is ebbing amid years of political bickering over the location, cost and impact of redeveloping venues including Brisbane's Gabba to host sports and ceremonies. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1813617501194031607

Couriermail --> Olympics: John Coates' 2032 Brisbane Games promise as he prepares to leave AOC after Paris $

QuoteOlympic king maker John Coates will step aside from his official duties after the Paris Games to focus all his attention on ensuring that Brisbane 2032 will deliver to the world "what we have promised".

Coates, who is vice president of the Brisbane organising committee, has insisted the contentious QEII Stadium will be a new facility and not a refurbished venue.

"My focus will switch from the IOC to Brisbane," Coates said. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1814462222154031593

Couriermail --> Organisers reveal Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games tagline with bizarre Paris presentation $

QuoteBrisbane Olympic organisers have revealed its big global branding tagline "Shine Brightest, Together'' as the theme to introduce their Games to the world.

But in the slick video presentation Brisbane barely rates a mention and the Sunshine and Gold Coasts are omitted entirely.

Instead, highlights of iconic Olympic moments of Mohammed Ali, Nadia Comenci and Cathy Freeman dominate the two and a half minute video, in a bizarre big sell to the world. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1815158326340284472

Brisbanetimes --> First look at Brisbane's no-frills Olympic stadium $

QuoteThe first image of Brisbane's planned Olympic stadium – the smallest since Amsterdam 1928 – can now be revealed.

The photocopied image of the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre, obtained by this masthead through the Right to Information Act, shows a single permanent covered grandstand, with most of the crowd exposed to the elements in uncovered temporary seating.

An artist's image of QSAC in Olympics mode, designed by Populous.CREDIT:RTI - QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT ... [/quote]

https://x.com/CameronAtfield/status/1815478761745477647

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1815501384638460084

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1770659377617527179

Couriermail --> Olympics boss declares Brisbane isn't 'a hillbilly town', reveals where pollies went wrong $

QuoteOlympic committee boss Andrew Liveris has declared Brisbane "is not a hillbilly town" and can put on a spectacular Games while reiterating pleas for leaders to stop using it as a political football.

Speaking in Paris after presenting to the International Olympic Committee Mr Liveris, Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee president, acknowledged sentiment within Queensland was poor eight years before the Games – despite significant achievements by his team.

He was peppered afterwards by Australian media about how his message of collaboration to the IOC squared with ongoing political bickering over venues in Brisbane. ...

^ I like his not-very-thinly-veiled comments about the Gabba debacle.

Quote from: ozbob on July 24, 2024, 07:21:43 AMCouriermail --> Olympics boss declares Brisbane isn't 'a hillbilly town', reveals where pollies went wrong $

QuoteOlympic committee boss Andrew Liveris has declared Brisbane "is not a hillbilly town"

It is from an active and public transport perspective as well as from a liquor and retail perspective, due to archaic restrictions.  but true.

ABC News --> Brisbane Olympic Games 2032 Organising Committee president Andrew Liveris says planning is 'ahead of schedule'

QuoteQueensland politicians have been urged to stop using the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games as a "political football" as the organising committee president moved to assure international officials in Paris that planning was "ahead of schedule".

Days out from the start of the Paris Games, Brisbane Organising Committee (OCOG) president Andrew Liveris also refused to rule out the possibility of the Gabba returning to the Olympic venues list, arguing it had been ditched by Premier Steven Miles in reaction to "a vocal minority".

He revealed the catchphrase "shine brightest, together" for the 2032 event in a presentation to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that avoided showcasing any Brisbane stadiums.

Mr Liveris is leading a delegation of 38 staff in Paris to learn, build relationships and raise international awareness, before Brisbane is thrust into the global spotlight in eight years' time.

In a press conference following his address to the IOC session, Mr Liveris defended the city's ability to host an Olympic Games.  ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1816147898159227094

Government Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100902

Sport Venues Connect to attract teams from across the globe

24th July 2024

. New digital platform to showcase top Queensland sporting venues to a national and global audience

. Sport Venues Connect promotes Queensland's high-quality facilities for training camps, competition and major event bookings

. Users can filter by sport, location and facilities for athletes and teams to find venues that suits their specific needs

. Venues across the state encouraged to add their details online

More > https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100902

====

2032 Sports Venue Connect

> https://sportvenues.q2032.au

Government Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100901

Works for new $142m Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre now out to market

24th July 2024

. Procurement begins for the new Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre

. Venue delivers much-needed courts for a growing Sunshine Coast community ahead of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games

. EOIs already released earlier this year for Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrades

. Almost half of $1.87 billion Minor Venues Program due to be in market by end of 2024, with more following in 2025

. This phased approach is favoured by industry

More > https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100901

Couriermail --> Qld's Olympic legacy must be more than a torn-down athletics venue $

QuoteStanding on the Trocadéro gazing over the great Eiffel Tower and the hive of Olympic activity below – it's hard not to feel embarrassed about Brisbane's plan for 2032.

The French are ambitious – an opening ceremony on the River Seine, BMX in the square where King Louis and Mary Antoinette lost their heads and public transport to every venue for the first time.

Brisbane is doing things a little differently – the smallest athletics venue in 104 years, no major new public transport link to a 2032 venue and populist decision-making to keep Premier Steven Miles in his job. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1816491821897593067

Brisbanetimes --> With Coates clause, Olympic supremos build influence on Brisbane 2032 $

QuoteOlympic powerbroker John Coates and the Australian Olympic Committee have quietly beefed up their influence on Brisbane 2032 just months after the Queensland government took their advice and rejected the building of a $3.4 billion stadium as the Games centrepiece.

Coates, the former long-time AOC president and outgoing vice president of the International Olympic Committee, has indicated he will turn his focus to planning for Australia's third Olympic Games after the Paris Games. ...

Couriermail --> Brisbane 2032 Games 'rare catalyst' to build swimming legacy $

QuoteBrisbane's Olympic Games must deliver legacy swimming facilities or host the flagship sport in a venue big enough for tens of thousands, Australian swimming head coach Rohan Taylor says.

Brisbane's Olympic Games must deliver legacy swimming facilities or host the flagship sport in a venue big enough for tens of thousands of people, Australian swimming head coach Rohan Taylor says. ...

Couriermail --> Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Sebastian Coe warns against budget Games $

QuoteWorld Athletics boss Sebastian Coe has implored the embattled organisers of the Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics not to "nickel and dime" athletes when they finally agree on their main venues for 2032.

As the spectacular Paris Olympics gets into its stride, former Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk also issued a warning that Queensland's Games risk failing to impress the world because of a lack of vision and an obsession with costs.  ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1817572858903810155

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1817573462632009932

Brisbanetimes --> Quirk warns Brisbane will be judged by state of 2032 Games venues

QuoteFormer lord mayor Graham Quirk believes Brisbane will only realise the full economic benefit of hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games if it can showcase venues that reflect a "modern, contemporary" city.

Quirk was instrumental in Brisbane's initial bid for the Games, and last year conducted a review of venues for the Miles Labor government that recommended the planned $2.7 billion rebuild of the Gabba be abandoned in favour of a new stadium being built at Victoria Park at an estimated cost of $3.4 billion. ...

The way infrastructure costs have been skyrocketing, any new stadium will cost an absolute mint.

This idea that a new Vic park stadium will only cost $3-4b looks less and less likely day by day.

History shows that Queensland Government initial cost estimates are systematically off the mark in one direction. They cannot be relied upon.

The endpoint cost estimate thus needs to adjust upwards for this. Going down this path will likely cost double, around say $8-10b is my guess. And as shown elsewhere, any large infrastructure project associated with the Olympics specifically is at extra risk.

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1817943041212334371

God help us if QSAC is already world clarse....

The Queensland Government is approaching the organisation of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games as though the Games are a school sports carnival. Which Minister is responsible for buying the oranges?

Quote from: ozbob on July 30, 2024, 01:20:04 AMhttps://x.com/ozbob13/status/1817943041212334371

Who wrote this article? It's kind of hilarious. They actually argue that it's already world class because it hosts school carnivals.

Couriermail --> Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Steven Miles says controversies will be distant memory $

QuoteControversy and disagreements about the 2032 Olympics will be forgotten when Brisbane puts on a spectacle to match the Paris Games, Premier Steven Miles insists.

"In 2032, people around the world will be looking at Brisbane as the world is looking at Paris right now," he says in a column in today's Courier-Mail. ...

Artist's impression of the athletes' village at Northshore Hamilton

Couriermail --> Steven Miles: Disagreements over Games will fade away by 2032 $

QuoteJust as Paris' debates and controversies have faded into the distance, the disagreements about Brisbane's preparations will be overtaken and forgotten by the spectacle in 2032, writes Steven Miles.

Watching the Olympics this week with my family has reminded me what a magical event it is – and what a special honour it is to host them.

Paris is wearing that honour well, and our athletes have been outstanding.

In 2032 people around the world will be looking at Brisbane as the world is looking at Paris right now. ...

Government Statement

Going for Gold: Northshore Brisbane $87 million street renewal starts to pave the way for Games Athlete Village

2nd August 2024

> https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/101005

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1821209403108008419

Brisbanetimes --> The Brisbane Olympics are eight years away. Time for a reality check $

QuoteIt's been three years since Brisbane was confirmed as host of the 2032 Olympic Games, and the gargantuan task of preparing isn't getting any easier.

As inflation and cost-of-living pressures reshape society, progress on building infrastructure has slowed. More time has been spent on debate than decisions.

But we shouldn't downplay the importance of healthy debate. If the Games are truly going to shape Brisbane for centuries to come, then every decision and dollar spent is worth interrogating. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1821212088842478001

Couriermail --> Amazing Mt Coot-tha venue among ideas for new 2032 Olympics aquatic hub $

QuoteOlympian Grant Hackett says a proposal for a mountaintop 2032 Games venue would be a "spectacular'' way to showcase Brisbane to the world.

Diving and swimming chiefs have also repeated calls for a permanent national facility in southeast Queensland, saying the Brisbane Arena "drop-in'' pool proposal in the CBD would not foster the team rivalry that has made St Peters Western Swim Club in Indooroopilly a gold medal factory.

Prominent architect Richard Groves has submitted a high-level Olympic design brief for a combined swimming and diving venue halfway up Mt Coot-tha, near a quarry on Scenic Drive, which would have sweeping views from the Moreton Bay islands to the CBD. ...

Couriermail --> Robert Craddock and Hayden Johnson give their verdict on Brisbane's lessons for 2032 $

QuoteWhile the Olympics might next be off to LA, the pressure is building on Brisbane to put on a show. Hayden Johnson and Robert Craddock declare how Brisbane can make some noise.

It's like comparing Godzilla to Wee Willie Winkie. When Brisbane Olympic officials walked into the grandiose Stade de France stadium this week they surely must have felt like sheepishly looking down at their shoes.

The Stade de France, host of soccer and rugby union World Cups, has an 80,000 capacity but when it is filled to the rafters as it has been this week, feels not so much like a stadium but a small city floating in its own galaxy. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1822656654175068385

Couriermail --> 'Just trust us': John Coates promises no white elephants from Brisbane Games in 2032 $

QuoteOlympic kingmaker John Coates is asking for more faith from the Queensland government as the IOC vice-president's attention flips from Paris to the stadium conundrum that faces the 2032 Games.

Two powerful Brisbane Olympic figures have revealed their Paris-inspired plans and say there will be no "white elephants" left in the city after the 2032 Games. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1822739719593300136

      

https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/olympics/just-trust-us-john-coates-promises-no-white-elephants-from-brisbane-games-in-2032/news-story/1f60c16f49f7983d43bdcf6334be7019

Quote... Coates said the local transport system needs more attention, and said it was the right move to funnel funds into it rather than "overspending" on powerful sporting codes agendas. Instead of rebuilding the Gabba for $2.7 billion, or constructing a new venue for $3.4 billion, the state is currently planning to spend $2 billion on the mostly-temporary Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre stadium plus public transport to get fans there. ...

 

Quote from: ozbob on August 12, 2024, 07:02:38 AMthe local transport system needs more attention

really... why did you tell us to not build new stadiums when the Cross River Rail was supposed to connect to venues that required new stadiums?

Quote from: ozbob on August 12, 2024, 07:00:02 AMthere will be no "white elephants" left in the city after the 2032 Games

That rules out QSAC and Boondall entertainment centre then.

Brisbane clearly does not need a permanent athletics stadium, so you need to choose between either:
*use a temp venue;
*build a 'new' multipurpose stadium that can host athletics and other sports with much better public transport access, and has a retractable roof;
*use another existing venue;

Problem is a temp venue has no 'legacy', but a new venue will have 'legacy' but 'we are not allowed to build new stadiums', and we can't use another venue because the athletics must be in Brisbane only?

Quote from: ozbob on August 12, 2024, 07:02:38 AM"overspending" on powerful sporting codes agendas

What exactly are the "agendas" that the AFL and Cricket Australia have? 

If they are only asking for a new modernised venue with increased capacity they can use, then that does not sound like a nefarious agenda at all, they are simply stating the obvious that The Gabba's lifetime is nearing and won't be usable soon.

Have you forgotten that cricket will be an Olympic event.. if only I had a large-capacity stadium to host it at? 

Quote from: ozbob on August 12, 2024, 07:00:02 AM"Just trust us,"

Worse Olympics slogan...ever! 

We've gone from 'only use existing venues regardless of location, size and age' & 'no new builds for stadiums', to 'no white elephants' & 'building temp venues is OK'. 

https://x.com/newscomauHQ/status/1822988922324213945

Couriermail --> Brisbane's no-frills Olympics stadium will embarrass Australia on world stage $

QuoteBrisbane risks embarrassing Australia on the world stage in 2032 if it sticks with a lacklustre no-frills athletics stadium in the suburbs, an Olympic great has warned.

Brisbane risks embarrassing Australia on the world stage in 2032 if it sticks with a lacklustre no-frills athletics stadium in the suburbs, Olympic great and Queensland golden girl Sally Pearson has warned. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1822997872658575558

InQueensland --> Paris was a showpiece of how great the Games can be. Now, Brisbane, our opportunity awaits

QuoteHalf-baked planning and petty arguments about the nuts and bolts of the 2032 Olympic Games have crippled our Games planning to this point, but from next year onwards, it's full speed ahead – and Paris has written the roadmap, writes David Fagan ...