Olympics Games for SEQ 2032

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> 'No giant party': Crisafulli on Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games $

After facing calls to pledge to dump the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has made clear where he stands.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli says he will support the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games should he become Premier - but says it cannot be about the city putting on a "giant party".

The LNP leader has faced some calls to pledge to dump the Games altogether in the lead-up to the October election following the resignation of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk – who was also the Minister for the Olympics.

Mr Crisafulli said the Games had his support, but should he become the state's new Premier this year he would push for a renewed focus on the unlocking of future tourism opportunities and long-term infrastructure. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1744730414982570473?s=20

[ozbob]

Let the Games begin!    

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Whatever the Olympic review finds, an inner-city arena is a must $

The first thing newly minted Queensland Premier Steven Miles did when he ascended to the state's top job was to announce a 60-day review of planned Olympic venues for the 2032 Games.

While most thoughts immediately went to the controversial $2.7 billion Gabba redevelopment, the Brisbane Arena – just a shade cheaper at a budgeted $2.5 billion – will also face scrutiny. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1744734061548204368?s=20

[timh]

Terrible take. An arena on the site of the Gabba, and an Olympic size stadium on the site of the RNA???
An ARENA on the site of the Myer Centre???

I don't think this writer has the slightest understanding of the logistics and space requirements of these sort of venues.

[ozbob]

^ will be interesting when the outcomes of the 60 day review are made public.

I am expecting some changes. The cost of building over Roma St has no doubt been significantly underestimated, as well as the Gabba. 

Floating some different ideas is all in the game.

[Rail Rookie]

Why not put the Olympic Stadium west of Albion Station? It would require a decent amount of house resumptions, but that land area has overland flow/flooded in 2022 (not ideal for residential development). You could then turn Windsor Park area into a large green area that includes second running track for athletes to train on (whatever the issue is with Raymond Park Kangaroo Point). There is the Albion Exchange Development etc. connects to bikeway. Most rail lines already connect to the train station (so no need to spend anymore $$$ if they don't want to). However, as discussed previously by members, Albion could become a stop for CRR as well. If FG Line is adjusted where it connects to Albion Station (as attached or something like that), then people wouldn't need to transfer else where. Also previously discussed, the potential spur line for NWTC using FG line or alike would then connect to the stadium location. Its not that far from northern busway route, so could connect to that as well. Not far from airport, proposed Olympic village etc.

   

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Mayors' united demand: End political games to save the Olympic Games $

South East Queensland mayors are demanding Premier Steven Miles get the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games back on track.

South East Queensland mayors are demanding an end to the "political games" plaguing Brisbane's 2032 Olympics, and warn time is running out to get the event back on track.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and the Council of Mayors SEQ say it is critical Premier Steven Miles refocuses the government to deliver the significant transport and generational infrastructure benefits residents were promised.

Mr Schrinner, who two-and-a-half years ago travelled to Tokyo with then premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to secure the event, said the region's Olympic and Paralympic Games had morphed into a political plaything of the state government.

"However, instead of this talk about cancelling the Games, we should be working to get them back on track, while we still can," he said.

"Instead of dumping the Brisbane 2032 Games, we should be dumping the political games.

"We must act now to switch the focus from gold-plated stadiums to game-changing transport solutions that improve the lives of all our residents." ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1745090010456449216?s=20

[ozbob]

https://x.com/NewsTalk4BC/status/1745231712324321696?s=20

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Done right, the Olympics will transform region's infrastructure $

The 2032 Olympic Games can be the catalyst to deliver enhanced public transport and infrastructure for our booming region, Scott Smith writes.

...The SEQ Mayors have a vision for a fast, accessible and reliable regional public transport network capable of rivalling other world-class Olympic regions.

Public transport that connects growing communities, busts congestion and unlocks housing supply, and protects the long-term liveability and affordability of our region as it grows.

But since securing Brisbane 2032, it feels like government has lost sight of this commitment with an unnecessary focus on stadium upgrades that are not a direct Games cost. ...

Scott Smith is chief executive officer, Council of Mayors Southeast Queensland.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Editor's view: Let's make up for the false start and get on with it $

Queensland politicians must end nearly three years of dithering and delays to develop a real plan for Olympic Games legacy transport and infrastructure projects.

South East Queensland residents were promised a city transformation when Brisbane was named host city of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but they would rightly be questioning the process in the two-and-a-half-years since.

No major transport projects have been flagged and the state and federal governments have instead been locked in a public spat over cost blowouts and project priorities.

While the state government is also no closer to deciding what sporting venues hundreds of athletes will use in 2032, more concerning is the warning from public transport advocate Robert Dow about the inability to construct major new transport links in the region.

"To get to a place where we're successful in eight years we haven't got a whole lot of time to build massive new projects – we need to improve what we've got," he said.

"We can't really start building rail lines – we'll be lucky to get the line from Beerwah to Maroochydore. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1746600069569347714?s=20

[ozbob]

Couriermail 15th January 2024 page 8

NO TIME LEFT FOR GAMES PROJECTS

Queensland's decision-makers have left it "too late" to build major new public transport infrastructure for the Olympic Games, but minor network changes could increase capacity and ease congestion, an advocate says.
The state government is being urged to develop and fast-track plans for major rail and bus upgrades with Brisbane's 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games now just eight-and-a-half years away.

Public transport expert Robert Dow, of advocacy group Rail Back on Track, warned that southeast Queensland could miss out on the generational benefits of the Olympic Games if governments continued to play "petty politics" with major projects.

"To get to a place where we're successful in eight years, we haven't got a whole lot of time to build massive new projects – we need to improve what we've got," he said. ...

[#Metro]

End of life administration IMHO. Reduced to its slogans and jingles, which aren't credible anymore.

Deputy premier flashes the big 32 BILLION price tag when questioned. It could be a lotto advertisement.

Will be get 15 min trains with that? No. 15 min BUZ routes? No.

Last BUZ route and off-peak rail frequency boosts happened around 10 years ago.

If it doesn't translate into services, is there much point?

Maybe time for this administration to BUZ off... 

[ozbob]

Just completed a pre-record interview with 4BC Mornings with Bill McDonald, for replay later this morning (15th January 2024).

Discussion on the transport for the Olympics, Airtrain, a little on LX removals.

[Jonno]

Just completed a pre-record interview with 4BC Mornings with Bill McDonald, for replay later this morning (15th January 2024).

Discussion on the transport for the Olympics, Airtrain, a little on LX removals.

Roads as an Olympic Transport Infrastructure is an Oxymoron.

[ozbob]

Just completed a pre-record interview with 4BC Mornings with Bill McDonald, for replay later this morning (15th January 2024).

Discussion on the transport for the Olympics, Airtrain, a little on LX removals.

Interview 4BC Radio Mornings with Host Bill McDonald and Robert Dow RBoT

Topic Public Transport for SEQ and the Olympics, Airtrain and a little on LX removals

Here --> https://backontrack.org/docs/4bc/4bc_bm_rd_15jan24.mp3 MP3 7.5MB

[ozbob]

https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1746735328726249577?s=20

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> 'Drums have been very very loud': Crisafulli's explosive Gabba accusation $

The Opposition has sensationally accused the government of preparing to walk away from the controversial Gabba rebuild as Premier Steven Miles revealed the independent review of the Games infrastructure was yet to begin.

LNP leader David Crisafulli declared the state government has been briefing stakeholders involved in the delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Games that the $2.7 billion demolition and rebuild will likely be binned. ...

[ozbob]

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1746889875662770417?s=20

One giant cluster-fuk,  the brisBANE games ...

[ozbob]

River 94.9 --> Ipswich Mayor pleased Premier to review 2032 Games infrastructure spend

Ipswich's Mayor has welcomed Premier Steven Miles' decision to establish an independent body to oversee the 2032 Olympic Games infrastructure and press pause on the redevelopment of the Gabba.

It comes after the SEQ Council of Mayors last week raised concerns with the state government about Gold Plating' stadiums such as the Gabba or RNA Main Arena instead of utilising existing regional facilities.

Mayor Teresa Harding said the whole point of the South East Queensland of Mayors bidding for the Olympics was to ensure that the region's had transport infrastructure. ...

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

Interview 15 Jan 2024 4BC Radio Mornings with Host Bill McDonald and Robert Dow RBoT Topic Public Transport for SEQ and...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Monday, 15 January 2024

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Premier Steven Miles voices concern over cost of Gabba redevelopment $

Premier Steven Miles has given the strongest indication yet the government could axe the controversial $2.7bn Gabba rebuild, revealing he holds concerns "about the cost".

Mr Miles, who announced in November a brand-new Gabba for the Brisbane 2032 Games was locked in after the decision had been signed off by Cabinet, said Tuesday the plan "right now" is to rebuild.

"But ... I'm concerned about, as are Queenslanders, concerned about that cost," he said.

"Concerned about the division that it's causing in our community, concerned that it's undermining what should be a positive for our state – hosting the Brisbane 2032 Games."

The Premier said while the price had not changed since he endorsed the Gabba demolition in November, cost and division was why the government was conducting a review on Games' projects, declaring it "an earnest review. ...

[#Metro]

So based on our little data analysis of transport projects and making assumptions about that applying here, you need to take the stated cost and multiply by a factor of 1.8x to get a reasonable idea of the end cost.

That means the Gabba Stadium would come in at $2.7b x 1.8 = $4.86 billion. The fact that it's the Olympics probably increases the risk too, so maybe $5 billion.

It's going to have costs similar to Cross River Rail is my thinking.

And I don't think this included the very expensive busway stop outside it either?

Looking at it this way, you can see how something like this might cause the suppression of other expensive projects, such as transport, at the same time. 

It and the contingency 'just in case' funding might crowd out other things.

The least risky thing would be to use or upgrade an existing stadium. You can always upgrade the Gabba later when the stakes are lower.

[ozbob]

^ Agreed #Metro. The other project that was nutz was the temporary Olympic size pool over Roma St Station.

Crikey, if we are to build a new pool for the Games then it must a true swimming centre for the games, and available for all to use for future training, events and social swimming. Hello?  Legacy infrastructure??

Premier Miles et al will only have one chance now to get this mess ' back on track ' ... a less than strong effort will result in political oblivion. 

But can we have real faith in a new Government?

[#Metro]

Running The Olympic Games is named and singled out by Brent Flyvberg a Danish expert in megaprojects and managing them.

The Games also has a proven historical record of very high cost overruns.

See How Big Is Cost Overrun for the Olympics? https://towardsdatascience.com/how-big-is-cost-overrun-for-the-olympics-46e803cbf7d5?gi=3ac2f5730684

All Games, without exception, have had cost overruns. For no other type of mega-project is this the case.

Unlike other projects, once the end date is set, it's fixed. You can't delay it. You can't stop it.

So you're trapped, with the only way out being to pay more to deliver it by the deadline.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Former Brisbane Lord Mayor will lead landmark 2032 Games review $

The "value for money" of controversial Olympic Games infrastructure will be the key consideration of a landmark 60-day review launched on Thursday by former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Mr Quirk, who in 2015 was the first man to flag Brisbane as a potential Olympic Games host city, will undertake the two-month review in an effort to determine whether the existing Games venues represent the best use of taxpayer cash.

Independent advisor Ken Kanofski and experienced global partnerships expert Michelle Morris have also been appointed to assist Mr Quirk.

The infrastructure review will reconsider the controversial $2.7bn Gabba demolition and rebuild, Brisbane Arena development and the program of new and upgraded minor sports venues across the southeast. ...

 

[ozbob]

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1747627791925809441?s=20

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> 'It has become divisive': Back to the start for 2032 Olympics review $

Premier Steven Miles has launched his promised 60-day review of the venues planned for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games with a pledge to "bring people together".

Acknowledging concerns over the cost and scale of the plans, particularly the $2.7 billion Gabba redevelopment, Miles has asked a review panel to make its recommendations in March – after the Brisbane City Council election but before 2024-25 budgets are finalised.

Former LNP lord mayor Graham Quirk will head the review, which has been tasked with assessing planned venues against key criteria, including value for money, deliverability, and community legacy. ...

[ozbob]

Government Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/99511

Former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk to lead 2032 Games venue review

18th January 2024

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier
The Honourable Steven Miles

Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing
The Honourable Grace Grace

. Former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk to lead independent review of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic venue infrastructure

. The review will focus on the new and upgraded venues to ensure they deliver value for money and community benefit right across Queensland and starts today.

. Ken Kanofski and Michelle Morris have also been appointed to conduct the review and deliver an independent report to government within 60 days.

The 60-day venue infrastructure review has kicked off today, with Premier Steven Miles and Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace announcing former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk will lead the review.

The review will be informed by targeted consultation and relevant advice from a broad range of stakeholders.

It will include both major sports venues (the Gabba and the Brisbane Arena) and the program of new and upgraded minor sports venues.

The review will assist the Queensland Government in assessing infrastructure investments to be made against key criteria, including:

. Value for money;

. Fit-for-purpose;

. Deliverability; and

. Community legacy.

Findings will be provided to the Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace on Monday 18 March.

The Miles Government will also establish a delivery authority for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games which will be operational towards the middle of this year.

Queenslanders are invited to have their say by emailing their feedback to:  venuereviewfeedback@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

"We want to deliver a Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games that brings Queenslanders together and creates legacy benefits for decades to come.

"The Games are a chance for us to unite, but it has become divisive.

"I'm determined to end the division and bring people together, which is why I've committed to this 60-day review and establishing a delivery authority.

"The mission is simple, make sure the Games work for Queensland and delivers for Queenslanders.

"Graham Quirk enjoys great community respect and oversaw the development of the Prefeasibility and Feasibility Studies for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"Ken Kanofski has strong infrastructure experience and Michelle Morris will harness her expertise in major international events as part of this review.

"We're going to deliver value-for-money Games venues which benefit Queenslanders long after the Games are over, and the review will help us to achieve that."

Quotes attributable to Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:

"In the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Games over the next decade, we're going to see infrastructure investment on a vast scale throughout Queensland.

"This will deliver more economic activity, more jobs and legacy infrastructure that will benefit Queenslanders in coming decades.

"We need to make sure we get these infrastructure investments right and I look forward to receiving the report from these three eminent individuals.

"We've already said we're not going to pre-empt the outcomes of this review, which I know will be carried out without fear or favour."

Quotes attributable to Former Lord Mayor Mr Graham Quirk:

"I am looking forward to working on the review with my fellow reviewers and meeting with stakeholders to capture their views.

"This is important work for all Queenslanders which I am pleased to be a part of, having been involved from the inception of the idea of hosting the Games."

To view the Terms of Reference for the independent review of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic venue infrastructure, visit https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/industry/brisbane-2032.

Panel member profiles

Mr Quirk served as Lord Mayor of Brisbane from 2011 to 2019. During this time as Chair of the Council of Mayors (SEQ) he oversaw the development of the Prefeasibility and Feasibility Studies for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He had previously served as Deputy Mayor and Infrastructure Chair in Brisbane City Council. Mr Quirk has previously been a member of the Infrastructure Australia Board and is currently a Member of the Board of Racing Queensland and Racing Australia. Among other roles he is also a Board Member of Unity Water.

Mr Kanofski is a board chair and independent adviser to governments and the corporate sector. Mr Kanofski has 20 years of experience as a Chief Executive Officer in the NSW Government, including as CEO of Roads and Maritime Services and the Land and Housing Corporation. Mr Kanofski led the Independent Strategic Infrastructure Review for the NSW Government in 2023.

Ms Morris is a Principal and Director of MI Global Partners which specialises in leading and partnering to deliver events, sport and place projects. MI Global's Olympic partnerships have included Tokyo 2020, Rio 2016, Sochi 2014, London 2012, Beijing 2008, and Athens 2004.  Their sport partners include the International Olympic Committee, World Rugby, Cricket Australia and Basketball Australia. Ms Morris has led and delivered technical bids for major internal events, such as securing the ICC T20 World Cup 2028 bid for Australia and New Zealand and the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 bid for Australia.
ENDS

[ozbob]

Terms of Reference for the independent review of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic venue Master Plan.

> https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/86764/terms-of-reference-for-the-independent-review-of-the-brisbane-2032-olympic-and-paralympic-venue-master-plan.pdf PDF 128.1 KB

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/NewsTalk4BC/status/1747797316667404290?t=PmmI__z9meMTZOJLiWzjWA&s=19

[ozbob]

https://x.com/bne_lordmayor/status/1747729057666740450?s=20

[Jonno]

Gawd Help Us!! Dumb and Dumber

[ozbob]

I have met former LM Quirk, I like the guy he is friendly, affable and likes a chat.

But when it comes to transport, which is from what I can best form an opinion, he didn't really stand up well.

His enthusiastic support for the ' Cleveland  Solution ' was a a particular lowlight. 

His trotting out of the Paris Rubber Tyre Metro was politically clever, largely because Rocket Rod and others couldn't quite nail it.  We did.

His anti-network reform stance has proved very costly now in terms of our underperforming networks.

His appointment is no doubt considered smart politically by Premier Miles et al.  I am not so sure.

There are various interpretations possible.

All we have now is more months of delays and posturing.

[Jonno]

📸 Watch this live video on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/v/rMrYErnXEBHk2GBU/?mibextid=I8mCmY

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk to lead landmark 2032 Games review $

Premier Steven Miles has admitted the state government may have "got that wrong" in signing off on a complete knockdown and rebuild of the Gabba, as he declared all options were back on the table.

Mr Miles was flanked by former Lord Mayor Graham Quirk on Thursday as he revealed more details about the independent 60-day review of Olympic and Paralympic venues Mr Quirk would lead.

Mr Quirk was on Thursday revealed to be the man behind a two-month review examining whether existing Games venues represent the best value for money options for taxpayers.

Independent adviser Ken Kanofski and experienced global partnerships expert Michelle Morris have also been appointed to assist Mr Quirk.

The infrastructure review will reconsider the controversial $2.7bn Gabba demolition and rebuild, Brisbane Arena development and the program of new and upgraded minor sports venues across the southeast. ...

[ozbob]

📸 Watch this live video on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/v/rMrYErnXEBHk2GBU/?mibextid=I8mCmY

Some good points raised in this video by Jonathan Sriranganathan, particularly re Mr Quirk's appointment.

[#Metro]

Clearly reviewing the BCC bus network and adding more BUZ routes should be on the table.

But LM Quirk was famously against that, saying the BCC bus network was 'not broken'.

[nathandavid88]

^^ As this review is limited to the sporting facilities themselves and not any supporting transport infrastructure, I'm not too perturbed by it being headed by Graham Quirk - his time as Lord Mayor and head of the Council of Mayors during the time of the original Olympic pitch probably is beneficial in this role.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Games legacy transport projects in focus after venue plan scrutiny $

South-east Queensland's next transport projects need to be the focus for legacy building in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic Games, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has declared.

Schrinner and Premier Steven Miles made clear any budget savings found by the new 60-day review of venue plans should be directed elsewhere.

Both stressed the importance of transport. ...

[#Metro]

Simple legacy.

15 min all day trains. Kippa-Ring, Shorncliffe. Feeling generous? Add Ipswich and Springfield too.

15-20 new BUZ routes though a 2-for-1 swap deal with BCC. 1 new bus route in 2 old bus routes out.

Want capital works and some ribbon cutting? SEQ Rail Clearways. DDA upgrades which are overdue.

Doesn't have to be fancy or pricey. Just has to be good. And achievable.