Latest news with #Liveris
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.
West Australian
22-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
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.
Perth Now
22-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
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.
GMA Network
22-05-2025
- Sport
- GMA Network
IOC confident that Brisbane on track for 2032 Olympics
SYDNEY - The International Olympic Committee's confidence that Brisbane organizers were on the right path to host the 2032 Olympics has been reaffirmed by a three-day visit to the city by the coordination commission, its new chief said on Thursday. Former showjumper Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski officially took over during the visit from IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry as chair of the commission, which oversees preparations for the Games on behalf of the Olympic movement. "Through our regular engagement with the organising committee, we are confident that Brisbane 2032 is on the right path," Jaworski told a news conference in Brisbane. "This week gave us meaningful opportunity to witness progress firsthand and to reaffirm our commitment to Games that will leave a lasting legacy for the community and place Brisbane confidently on the world stage." Jaworski said the example of the legacies for Melbourne and Sydney when those cities hosted the Games in 1956 and 2000 should convince waverers in Brisbane of how beneficial the Olympics would be for the city. "Melbourne has hosted, and Sydney has hosted, and there's certainly legacy there," she said. "There's a lot of goodwill globally remembering these cities as hosts, and I think we can count on Brisbane ... being brought to the world stage (if) we have a successful Games." Since the last meeting of the coordination commission, the Queensland government has published its third, and what it says will be the final, venue plan for the Games. Despite bid commitments on sustainability in line with the IOC's "New Norm" reforms for host cities, the plan included the building of a new Olympic stadium and a national aquatics centre in an inner city Brisbane park. "When you talk about the 'New Norm', I think one of the key things is about the Games being part of the city or the host," Jaworski said in answering a question about the changes. "It's not about turning the host into what the Games need, but the other way around. So it is unique." CREATE CERTAINTY Local organizing committee chief Andrew Liveris said it had been a relief to finally get a plan in place his team could enact, even if he did not think any ground would be broken on the big new venues until the end of 2026. "I haven't been able to wipe the smile off my face (since the announcement)," he said. "I love to plan and implement. It's really hard to plan when the plan keeps moving on you, right? So our job now is to create certainty out of this plan. There's work to do on that. "We're not out of the woods completely, but we are mostly out of the woods, and we have certainty around some pretty big decisions." Liveris said all the venues needed to be completed at least a year before the start of the Games and accepted that issues of labour shortages in Australia's construction industry and local building constraints were a concern. "We are part of a bigger problem, and one that has to be solved by the current (Queensland) government," Liveris said. "They're very dedicated to doing it." —Reuters
The Star
06-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Olympics-Brisbane 2032 welcomes Jaworski as new IOC point person
SYDNEY (Reuters) -Brisbane 2032 Olympics chief Andrew Liveris has welcomed the appointment of former show jumper Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski as the new chair of the coordination commission for the Games. The coordination commission plays an important role overseeing preparations for the Games on behalf of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The previous chair, Kirsty Coventry, was elected as the first female head of the Olympic movement in March and will take over from Thomas Bach as IOC President in late June. Filipina Jaworski was announced as her successor in the coordination commission on Monday. "I congratulate Mikaela on her elevation ... and welcome the opportunity to continue to work closely with her ... as our attention shifts from strategy to planning and eventually delivery of our Games," Brisbane 2032 organising committee president Liveris said in a statement on Tuesday. Jaworski, who was elected to the IOC executive board in 2020, trained in Australia for two decades during her competitive career, which peaked with a gold and silver at the 2002 Asian Games. "Mikaela has a deep understanding and history of time in Australia and amongst Australians and has been a positive and supportive voice as part of Brisbane 2032's coordination commission since its formation," Liveris added. Bach, Coventry and Cojuangco Jaworski will visit Brisbane later this month for the first "in person" coordination commission inspection of the city since it was awarded the Olympics in 2021. After three years of political wrangles and several U-turns, the Queensland government announced what it said was the final venue plan for the Games in March. Despite bid commitments on sustainability in line with Bach's "New Norm" reforms for host cities, the plan included the building of a new Olympic stadium and a national aquatics centre in an inner city Brisbane park. (Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Michael Perry)
