Latest news with #AndrewLiveris
The Advertiser
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
NRL goes for gold, kicks off 2032 Games inclusion bid
Footy fever may reach Olympic levels in Australia by 2032 after the NRL officially kicked off talks for Brisbane Games inclusion. NRL powerbrokers have gone for gold, pushing for a form of rugby league to feature in the 2032 Olympic sport program. Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris on Thursday confirmed he had met with NRL heavyweights, indicating they had pitched a compelling case. "It's a staggering set of statistics what the NRL is achieving in terms of global viewership and global participation," he said on the Gold Coast. The NRL is still weighing up whether to lobby for touch, tag or tackle footy at the Games. But touch footy is backing itself to feature in 2032, with a non-contact version of American football already confirmed for the Los Angeles Games. Flag football will feature in the 2028 sports program after being signed off by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Touch Football Australia CEO Marcus Ashcroft said the sport's diversity provided an edge over other formats. "Our game's very unique in that we have mixed teams - that's a real attraction, potentially as an Olympic sport," he told AAP. "I think that that's where touch can have some advantages in that space. "It (Games inclusion) would be incredible for our sport and for our community." Touch footy has about 700,000 participants in Australia and has been a springboard to the NRL with the likes of Kalyn Ponga, Benji Marshall, Scott Prince and Matt Bowen making the transition. Any submission for rugby league's 2032 inclusion, no matter the format, would need to be made through the International Rugby League. The NRL has been vying for Games inclusion as it looks to further expand its appeal after successfully launching a Las Vegas opening round and a Pacific push. "We are motivated and excited to showcase rugby league, the No.1 sport in Australia and the Pacific, at the Olympic Games in 2032," NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said. "And why wouldn't we be? "With the eyes of the world on Brisbane in 2032, we have a unique opportunity to globally platform a sport that is the heart and soul of Queensland, Australia and the Pacific." Mr Abdo said the NRL had plenty of work to do after meeting with Brisbane organisers on Wednesday but backed the sport to feature in 2032. "Andrew Liveris is a visionary chair and his team have been clear on the process for inclusion," he said. "We are busily working with the International Rugby League on a business case that will turn this dream into reality." The IOC usually determines the sport line-up for a Games seven years ahead of the opening ceremony, with Brisbane initially set for a 2025 reveal. But the Olympic body decided to postpone it until 2026 to give Brisbane organisers more time to review infrastructure projects, following a venue plan delay. The Queensland government finally unveiled its 2032 blueprint in March, almost four years after Brisbane was named host city. "Additional sports, we have a bunch of them in the queue. We're meeting with all the federations interested," Mr Liveris said. "We're open to all the submissions fitting the criteria. The next 12 months is all of that." All sports included must comply with the Olympic charter, the World Anti-Doping Code and the Olympic Movement Code. Mr Liveris said the NRL ticked a lot of boxes for 2032, with both metropolitan and regional appeal. "They have a strong value proposition, but, as I said to them yesterday, get in the queue - we're popular, we know it and we like it," he said. Footy fever may reach Olympic levels in Australia by 2032 after the NRL officially kicked off talks for Brisbane Games inclusion. NRL powerbrokers have gone for gold, pushing for a form of rugby league to feature in the 2032 Olympic sport program. Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris on Thursday confirmed he had met with NRL heavyweights, indicating they had pitched a compelling case. "It's a staggering set of statistics what the NRL is achieving in terms of global viewership and global participation," he said on the Gold Coast. The NRL is still weighing up whether to lobby for touch, tag or tackle footy at the Games. But touch footy is backing itself to feature in 2032, with a non-contact version of American football already confirmed for the Los Angeles Games. Flag football will feature in the 2028 sports program after being signed off by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Touch Football Australia CEO Marcus Ashcroft said the sport's diversity provided an edge over other formats. "Our game's very unique in that we have mixed teams - that's a real attraction, potentially as an Olympic sport," he told AAP. "I think that that's where touch can have some advantages in that space. "It (Games inclusion) would be incredible for our sport and for our community." Touch footy has about 700,000 participants in Australia and has been a springboard to the NRL with the likes of Kalyn Ponga, Benji Marshall, Scott Prince and Matt Bowen making the transition. Any submission for rugby league's 2032 inclusion, no matter the format, would need to be made through the International Rugby League. The NRL has been vying for Games inclusion as it looks to further expand its appeal after successfully launching a Las Vegas opening round and a Pacific push. "We are motivated and excited to showcase rugby league, the No.1 sport in Australia and the Pacific, at the Olympic Games in 2032," NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said. "And why wouldn't we be? "With the eyes of the world on Brisbane in 2032, we have a unique opportunity to globally platform a sport that is the heart and soul of Queensland, Australia and the Pacific." Mr Abdo said the NRL had plenty of work to do after meeting with Brisbane organisers on Wednesday but backed the sport to feature in 2032. "Andrew Liveris is a visionary chair and his team have been clear on the process for inclusion," he said. "We are busily working with the International Rugby League on a business case that will turn this dream into reality." The IOC usually determines the sport line-up for a Games seven years ahead of the opening ceremony, with Brisbane initially set for a 2025 reveal. But the Olympic body decided to postpone it until 2026 to give Brisbane organisers more time to review infrastructure projects, following a venue plan delay. The Queensland government finally unveiled its 2032 blueprint in March, almost four years after Brisbane was named host city. "Additional sports, we have a bunch of them in the queue. We're meeting with all the federations interested," Mr Liveris said. "We're open to all the submissions fitting the criteria. The next 12 months is all of that." All sports included must comply with the Olympic charter, the World Anti-Doping Code and the Olympic Movement Code. Mr Liveris said the NRL ticked a lot of boxes for 2032, with both metropolitan and regional appeal. "They have a strong value proposition, but, as I said to them yesterday, get in the queue - we're popular, we know it and we like it," he said. Footy fever may reach Olympic levels in Australia by 2032 after the NRL officially kicked off talks for Brisbane Games inclusion. NRL powerbrokers have gone for gold, pushing for a form of rugby league to feature in the 2032 Olympic sport program. Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris on Thursday confirmed he had met with NRL heavyweights, indicating they had pitched a compelling case. "It's a staggering set of statistics what the NRL is achieving in terms of global viewership and global participation," he said on the Gold Coast. The NRL is still weighing up whether to lobby for touch, tag or tackle footy at the Games. But touch footy is backing itself to feature in 2032, with a non-contact version of American football already confirmed for the Los Angeles Games. Flag football will feature in the 2028 sports program after being signed off by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Touch Football Australia CEO Marcus Ashcroft said the sport's diversity provided an edge over other formats. "Our game's very unique in that we have mixed teams - that's a real attraction, potentially as an Olympic sport," he told AAP. "I think that that's where touch can have some advantages in that space. "It (Games inclusion) would be incredible for our sport and for our community." Touch footy has about 700,000 participants in Australia and has been a springboard to the NRL with the likes of Kalyn Ponga, Benji Marshall, Scott Prince and Matt Bowen making the transition. Any submission for rugby league's 2032 inclusion, no matter the format, would need to be made through the International Rugby League. The NRL has been vying for Games inclusion as it looks to further expand its appeal after successfully launching a Las Vegas opening round and a Pacific push. "We are motivated and excited to showcase rugby league, the No.1 sport in Australia and the Pacific, at the Olympic Games in 2032," NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said. "And why wouldn't we be? "With the eyes of the world on Brisbane in 2032, we have a unique opportunity to globally platform a sport that is the heart and soul of Queensland, Australia and the Pacific." Mr Abdo said the NRL had plenty of work to do after meeting with Brisbane organisers on Wednesday but backed the sport to feature in 2032. "Andrew Liveris is a visionary chair and his team have been clear on the process for inclusion," he said. "We are busily working with the International Rugby League on a business case that will turn this dream into reality." The IOC usually determines the sport line-up for a Games seven years ahead of the opening ceremony, with Brisbane initially set for a 2025 reveal. But the Olympic body decided to postpone it until 2026 to give Brisbane organisers more time to review infrastructure projects, following a venue plan delay. The Queensland government finally unveiled its 2032 blueprint in March, almost four years after Brisbane was named host city. "Additional sports, we have a bunch of them in the queue. We're meeting with all the federations interested," Mr Liveris said. "We're open to all the submissions fitting the criteria. The next 12 months is all of that." All sports included must comply with the Olympic charter, the World Anti-Doping Code and the Olympic Movement Code. Mr Liveris said the NRL ticked a lot of boxes for 2032, with both metropolitan and regional appeal. "They have a strong value proposition, but, as I said to them yesterday, get in the queue - we're popular, we know it and we like it," he said. Footy fever may reach Olympic levels in Australia by 2032 after the NRL officially kicked off talks for Brisbane Games inclusion. NRL powerbrokers have gone for gold, pushing for a form of rugby league to feature in the 2032 Olympic sport program. Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris on Thursday confirmed he had met with NRL heavyweights, indicating they had pitched a compelling case. "It's a staggering set of statistics what the NRL is achieving in terms of global viewership and global participation," he said on the Gold Coast. The NRL is still weighing up whether to lobby for touch, tag or tackle footy at the Games. But touch footy is backing itself to feature in 2032, with a non-contact version of American football already confirmed for the Los Angeles Games. Flag football will feature in the 2028 sports program after being signed off by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Touch Football Australia CEO Marcus Ashcroft said the sport's diversity provided an edge over other formats. "Our game's very unique in that we have mixed teams - that's a real attraction, potentially as an Olympic sport," he told AAP. "I think that that's where touch can have some advantages in that space. "It (Games inclusion) would be incredible for our sport and for our community." Touch footy has about 700,000 participants in Australia and has been a springboard to the NRL with the likes of Kalyn Ponga, Benji Marshall, Scott Prince and Matt Bowen making the transition. Any submission for rugby league's 2032 inclusion, no matter the format, would need to be made through the International Rugby League. The NRL has been vying for Games inclusion as it looks to further expand its appeal after successfully launching a Las Vegas opening round and a Pacific push. "We are motivated and excited to showcase rugby league, the No.1 sport in Australia and the Pacific, at the Olympic Games in 2032," NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said. "And why wouldn't we be? "With the eyes of the world on Brisbane in 2032, we have a unique opportunity to globally platform a sport that is the heart and soul of Queensland, Australia and the Pacific." Mr Abdo said the NRL had plenty of work to do after meeting with Brisbane organisers on Wednesday but backed the sport to feature in 2032. "Andrew Liveris is a visionary chair and his team have been clear on the process for inclusion," he said. "We are busily working with the International Rugby League on a business case that will turn this dream into reality." The IOC usually determines the sport line-up for a Games seven years ahead of the opening ceremony, with Brisbane initially set for a 2025 reveal. But the Olympic body decided to postpone it until 2026 to give Brisbane organisers more time to review infrastructure projects, following a venue plan delay. The Queensland government finally unveiled its 2032 blueprint in March, almost four years after Brisbane was named host city. "Additional sports, we have a bunch of them in the queue. We're meeting with all the federations interested," Mr Liveris said. "We're open to all the submissions fitting the criteria. The next 12 months is all of that." All sports included must comply with the Olympic charter, the World Anti-Doping Code and the Olympic Movement Code. Mr Liveris said the NRL ticked a lot of boxes for 2032, with both metropolitan and regional appeal. "They have a strong value proposition, but, as I said to them yesterday, get in the queue - we're popular, we know it and we like it," he said.
West Australian
7 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
NRL goes for gold, kicks off 2032 Games inclusion bid
Footy fever may reach Olympic levels in Australia by 2032 after the NRL officially kicked off talks for Brisbane Games inclusion. NRL powerbrokers have gone for gold, pushing for a form of rugby league to feature in the 2032 Olympic sport program. Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris on Thursday confirmed he had met with NRL heavyweights, indicating they had pitched a compelling case. "It's a staggering set of statistics what the NRL is achieving in terms of global viewership and global participation," he said on the Gold Coast. The NRL is still weighing up whether to lobby for touch, tag or tackle footy at the Games. But touch footy is backing itself to feature in 2032, with a non-contact version of American football already confirmed for the Los Angeles Games. Flag football will feature in the 2028 sports program after being signed off by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Touch Football Australia CEO Marcus Ashcroft said the sport's diversity provided an edge over other formats. "Our game's very unique in that we have mixed teams - that's a real attraction, potentially as an Olympic sport," he told AAP. "I think that that's where touch can have some advantages in that space. "It (Games inclusion) would be incredible for our sport and for our community." Touch footy has about 700,000 participants in Australia and has been a springboard to the NRL with the likes of Kalyn Ponga, Benji Marshall, Scott Prince and Matt Bowen making the transition. Any submission for rugby league's 2032 inclusion, no matter the format, would need to be made through the International Rugby League. The NRL has been vying for Games inclusion as it looks to further expand its appeal after successfully launching a Las Vegas opening round and a Pacific push. "We are motivated and excited to showcase rugby league, the No.1 sport in Australia and the Pacific, at the Olympic Games in 2032," NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said. "And why wouldn't we be? "With the eyes of the world on Brisbane in 2032, we have a unique opportunity to globally platform a sport that is the heart and soul of Queensland, Australia and the Pacific." Mr Abdo said the NRL had plenty of work to do after meeting with Brisbane organisers on Wednesday but backed the sport to feature in 2032. "Andrew Liveris is a visionary chair and his team have been clear on the process for inclusion," he said. "We are busily working with the International Rugby League on a business case that will turn this dream into reality." The IOC usually determines the sport line-up for a Games seven years ahead of the opening ceremony, with Brisbane initially set for a 2025 reveal. But the Olympic body decided to postpone it until 2026 to give Brisbane organisers more time to review infrastructure projects, following a venue plan delay. The Queensland government finally unveiled its 2032 blueprint in March, almost four years after Brisbane was named host city. "Additional sports, we have a bunch of them in the queue. We're meeting with all the federations interested," Mr Liveris said. "We're open to all the submissions fitting the criteria. The next 12 months is all of that." All sports included must comply with the Olympic charter, the World Anti-Doping Code and the Olympic Movement Code. Mr Liveris said the NRL ticked a lot of boxes for 2032, with both metropolitan and regional appeal. "They have a strong value proposition, but, as I said to them yesterday, get in the queue - we're popular, we know it and we like it," he said.
Perth Now
7 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
NRL goes for gold, kicks off 2032 Games inclusion bid
Footy fever may reach Olympic levels in Australia by 2032 after the NRL officially kicked off talks for Brisbane Games inclusion. NRL powerbrokers have gone for gold, pushing for a form of rugby league to feature in the 2032 Olympic sport program. Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris on Thursday confirmed he had met with NRL heavyweights, indicating they had pitched a compelling case. "It's a staggering set of statistics what the NRL is achieving in terms of global viewership and global participation," he said on the Gold Coast. The NRL is still weighing up whether to lobby for touch, tag or tackle footy at the Games. But touch footy is backing itself to feature in 2032, with a non-contact version of American football already confirmed for the Los Angeles Games. Flag football will feature in the 2028 sports program after being signed off by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Touch Football Australia CEO Marcus Ashcroft said the sport's diversity provided an edge over other formats. "Our game's very unique in that we have mixed teams - that's a real attraction, potentially as an Olympic sport," he told AAP. "I think that that's where touch can have some advantages in that space. "It (Games inclusion) would be incredible for our sport and for our community." Touch footy has about 700,000 participants in Australia and has been a springboard to the NRL with the likes of Kalyn Ponga, Benji Marshall, Scott Prince and Matt Bowen making the transition. Any submission for rugby league's 2032 inclusion, no matter the format, would need to be made through the International Rugby League. The NRL has been vying for Games inclusion as it looks to further expand its appeal after successfully launching a Las Vegas opening round and a Pacific push. "We are motivated and excited to showcase rugby league, the No.1 sport in Australia and the Pacific, at the Olympic Games in 2032," NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said. "And why wouldn't we be? "With the eyes of the world on Brisbane in 2032, we have a unique opportunity to globally platform a sport that is the heart and soul of Queensland, Australia and the Pacific." Mr Abdo said the NRL had plenty of work to do after meeting with Brisbane organisers on Wednesday but backed the sport to feature in 2032. "Andrew Liveris is a visionary chair and his team have been clear on the process for inclusion," he said. "We are busily working with the International Rugby League on a business case that will turn this dream into reality." The IOC usually determines the sport line-up for a Games seven years ahead of the opening ceremony, with Brisbane initially set for a 2025 reveal. But the Olympic body decided to postpone it until 2026 to give Brisbane organisers more time to review infrastructure projects, following a venue plan delay. The Queensland government finally unveiled its 2032 blueprint in March, almost four years after Brisbane was named host city. "Additional sports, we have a bunch of them in the queue. We're meeting with all the federations interested," Mr Liveris said. "We're open to all the submissions fitting the criteria. The next 12 months is all of that." All sports included must comply with the Olympic charter, the World Anti-Doping Code and the Olympic Movement Code. Mr Liveris said the NRL ticked a lot of boxes for 2032, with both metropolitan and regional appeal. "They have a strong value proposition, but, as I said to them yesterday, get in the queue - we're popular, we know it and we like it," he said.
The Advertiser
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Worker shortage threatens venue deadline for 2032 Games
The finish line is fast approaching in the race to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, sparking construction concerns for organisers. But the International Olympic Committee has backed a 2032 venue plan after several false starts, saying the Brisbane Games are "on the right path. Olympic heavyweights have gathered in Brisbane for a landmark meeting, receiving a 2032 update from organisers. The three-day event that concluded on Thursday marked the first time IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. The 2032 venue plan was finally unveiled more than 1300 days later in March. The clock is now ticking, with the Queensland government vowing to ensure boots on the ground to meet the 2032 deadline amid resource shortages and escalating prices in Australia. But Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris on Thursday conceded labour availability was a potential hurdle in the final sprint to the Games. "I agree, it's a concern," he told reporters. "We are part of a bigger problem, and one that has to be solved by the current (Queensland) government ... (but) they're very dedicated to doing it." Inner-city Victoria Park is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub under the plan, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. Mr Liveris did not think shovels would be in the ground for major venues until the end of 2026, warning projects had to be completed by 2031. But he seemed pleased to finally have a venue plan after a 100-day review under the current Liberal National government. It marked the third - and what organisers surely hope will be final - 2032 blueprint after previous Labor plans were scrapped. "It's really hard to plan when the plan keeps moving on you, right?" Mr Liveris said. "We're not out of the woods completely but ... we have certainty around some pretty big decisions." The LNP government moved to help ensure infrastructure was built on time by passing a bill that would guarantee 2032 Olympic sites are exempt from planning laws. They include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking outrage from advocacy groups. The final plan's delay forced the IOC to push back confirmation of Brisbane's 2032 sports program by 12 months until 2026. However, IOC Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi said the plan was worth the wait. "The question is not so much that the plan has changed, but is it a better plan? The answer is yes," he said in Brisbane on Thursday. An advocacy group had sought an urgent meeting with the IOC during their Brisbane visit after claiming the proposed Victoria Park stadium defied the Games' principles. The 2032 blueprint was guided by the Olympics' "new norm" principles aimed at avoiding massive cost blowouts that have plagued past Games. Host cities are now encouraged to cut spending by reducing new infrastructure and using existing or temporary venues. The Save the Victoria Park advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the main stadium's impact on the heritage status and environment at the park, which is celebrating its 150th year. The group has argued Olympic venue construction would destroy valuable green space at a site of significance to First Nations communities. However, 2032 co-ordination commission chair Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski had no concerns over the proposed site or the planning law exemption. "We are confident that Brisbane 2032 is on the right path," she said. Ms Jarworski took over as chair from IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry who was also in attendance in Brisbane along with outgoing Olympic boss Thomas Bach. The finish line is fast approaching in the race to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, sparking construction concerns for organisers. But the International Olympic Committee has backed a 2032 venue plan after several false starts, saying the Brisbane Games are "on the right path. Olympic heavyweights have gathered in Brisbane for a landmark meeting, receiving a 2032 update from organisers. The three-day event that concluded on Thursday marked the first time IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. The 2032 venue plan was finally unveiled more than 1300 days later in March. The clock is now ticking, with the Queensland government vowing to ensure boots on the ground to meet the 2032 deadline amid resource shortages and escalating prices in Australia. But Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris on Thursday conceded labour availability was a potential hurdle in the final sprint to the Games. "I agree, it's a concern," he told reporters. "We are part of a bigger problem, and one that has to be solved by the current (Queensland) government ... (but) they're very dedicated to doing it." Inner-city Victoria Park is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub under the plan, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. Mr Liveris did not think shovels would be in the ground for major venues until the end of 2026, warning projects had to be completed by 2031. But he seemed pleased to finally have a venue plan after a 100-day review under the current Liberal National government. It marked the third - and what organisers surely hope will be final - 2032 blueprint after previous Labor plans were scrapped. "It's really hard to plan when the plan keeps moving on you, right?" Mr Liveris said. "We're not out of the woods completely but ... we have certainty around some pretty big decisions." The LNP government moved to help ensure infrastructure was built on time by passing a bill that would guarantee 2032 Olympic sites are exempt from planning laws. They include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking outrage from advocacy groups. The final plan's delay forced the IOC to push back confirmation of Brisbane's 2032 sports program by 12 months until 2026. However, IOC Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi said the plan was worth the wait. "The question is not so much that the plan has changed, but is it a better plan? The answer is yes," he said in Brisbane on Thursday. An advocacy group had sought an urgent meeting with the IOC during their Brisbane visit after claiming the proposed Victoria Park stadium defied the Games' principles. The 2032 blueprint was guided by the Olympics' "new norm" principles aimed at avoiding massive cost blowouts that have plagued past Games. Host cities are now encouraged to cut spending by reducing new infrastructure and using existing or temporary venues. The Save the Victoria Park advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the main stadium's impact on the heritage status and environment at the park, which is celebrating its 150th year. The group has argued Olympic venue construction would destroy valuable green space at a site of significance to First Nations communities. However, 2032 co-ordination commission chair Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski had no concerns over the proposed site or the planning law exemption. "We are confident that Brisbane 2032 is on the right path," she said. Ms Jarworski took over as chair from IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry who was also in attendance in Brisbane along with outgoing Olympic boss Thomas Bach. The finish line is fast approaching in the race to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, sparking construction concerns for organisers. But the International Olympic Committee has backed a 2032 venue plan after several false starts, saying the Brisbane Games are "on the right path. Olympic heavyweights have gathered in Brisbane for a landmark meeting, receiving a 2032 update from organisers. The three-day event that concluded on Thursday marked the first time IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. The 2032 venue plan was finally unveiled more than 1300 days later in March. The clock is now ticking, with the Queensland government vowing to ensure boots on the ground to meet the 2032 deadline amid resource shortages and escalating prices in Australia. But Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris on Thursday conceded labour availability was a potential hurdle in the final sprint to the Games. "I agree, it's a concern," he told reporters. "We are part of a bigger problem, and one that has to be solved by the current (Queensland) government ... (but) they're very dedicated to doing it." Inner-city Victoria Park is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub under the plan, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. Mr Liveris did not think shovels would be in the ground for major venues until the end of 2026, warning projects had to be completed by 2031. But he seemed pleased to finally have a venue plan after a 100-day review under the current Liberal National government. It marked the third - and what organisers surely hope will be final - 2032 blueprint after previous Labor plans were scrapped. "It's really hard to plan when the plan keeps moving on you, right?" Mr Liveris said. "We're not out of the woods completely but ... we have certainty around some pretty big decisions." The LNP government moved to help ensure infrastructure was built on time by passing a bill that would guarantee 2032 Olympic sites are exempt from planning laws. They include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking outrage from advocacy groups. The final plan's delay forced the IOC to push back confirmation of Brisbane's 2032 sports program by 12 months until 2026. However, IOC Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi said the plan was worth the wait. "The question is not so much that the plan has changed, but is it a better plan? The answer is yes," he said in Brisbane on Thursday. An advocacy group had sought an urgent meeting with the IOC during their Brisbane visit after claiming the proposed Victoria Park stadium defied the Games' principles. The 2032 blueprint was guided by the Olympics' "new norm" principles aimed at avoiding massive cost blowouts that have plagued past Games. Host cities are now encouraged to cut spending by reducing new infrastructure and using existing or temporary venues. The Save the Victoria Park advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the main stadium's impact on the heritage status and environment at the park, which is celebrating its 150th year. The group has argued Olympic venue construction would destroy valuable green space at a site of significance to First Nations communities. However, 2032 co-ordination commission chair Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski had no concerns over the proposed site or the planning law exemption. "We are confident that Brisbane 2032 is on the right path," she said. Ms Jarworski took over as chair from IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry who was also in attendance in Brisbane along with outgoing Olympic boss Thomas Bach.
Sydney Morning Herald
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
IOC backs in Victoria Park, as Brisbane 2032 organisers remain hopeful for arena
Speaking at a Suncorp Stadium media conference to mark the end of the IOC visit, Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee president Andrew Liveris appeared confident the government's approach of attracting private funding would work. 'Now, what better site, right? That's a great precinct, and that'll be part of the legislation,' he said. Liveris said there was no doubt Brisbane needed a new inner-city arena, which would replace the ageing Entertainment Centre at Boondall. 'This is a city that's definitely grown up quite a lot, if I could use that term, but the absence of an arena or an entertainment complex was clearly being discussed at great length,' he said. Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee chief executive Cindy Hook also weighed in. 'I don't think we need that venue desperately for the Games, but gosh, if we add it and we've got some more options, I would love to see that,' she said. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie told parliament on Tuesday the private sector interest in building the arena had been 'exciting'. 'That is why we are hitting the ground running, opening the process today to hear from the private sector about their vision and what they can do in that area,' he said. Another deviation from GIICA's recommendations was the Crisafulli government's decision to hold Olympic rowing on the Fitzroy River. Rowing's governing bodies have expressed concerns the river's currents would not meet technical specifications. Dubi said the decision might ultimately be taken out of the government's hands. 'No one else than the federation can say 'field of play ready', but the collaboration is essential,' he said. '...We have full confidence about the onboarding of the international federation [World Rowing] and getting their views to make the plan great one.' For the visiting IOC officials, including president Thomas Bach, president-elect Kirsty Coventry and newly minted Brisbane 2032 Co-ordination Commission chair Mikaela 'Mikee' Cojuangco Jaworski, this week marked their first in-country meetings with the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee. Jaworski, who replaced the promoted Coventry in the role earlier this month, said it was a homecoming of sorts, having spent much of her life in Australia for equestrian events. Loading 'I would regularly – once a year – be living on the Brisbane Showgrounds when I was competing there,' she said. 'Little did I imagine that I'd be sitting here now and, just seven years away, it's going to be the heart of the Olympic and Paralympic Games as the Athletes' Village.' Of the existing venues, Jaworski said she was most impressed by the Gold Coast – and hoped some of the new minor venues across the state would learn from its example. 'We were at Carrara yesterday and I couldn't help but marvel at how many people were using it, how many courts were available – it was so accessible, and the size of it was just something that I could imagine events being held there, the Games going on, there, people going through it,' she said. 'For me, the fact that it has local use and then will be used for the Olympic Games, allows me also to look forward into those that are being built, and seeing how they also have that same potential to be world-class and at the same time local.'
