Latest news with #SaveVictoriaPark
7NEWS
03-06-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Brisbane's biggest park on the chopping block: 63,000-seat Olympic stadium to take over Victoria Park
Once promised as the city's major new green space, Brisbane's Victoria Park is now set to lose the majority of its land to Olympic stadium construction, new research reveals. Premier David Crisafulli in March announced plans to build a new 63,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He said the decision was made after a review of infrastructure options, revealing major works at the Gabba could not be completed in time, and emphasised hosting the Games at Victoria Park was the best choice for Queensland' s interests. The new stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as athletics events — becoming the centerpiece of the Games. Post-Games, it is expected to serve as Brisbane's new home for cricket and AFL. Concerns have been raised about the loss of green space, heritage values, and the adequacy of infrastructure to support the new stadium. Critics argue the development will significantly impact the 64ha park, with some estimates suggesting at least 58 per cent of the park will be affected. A preliminary analysis by sustainable development researcher Dr Neil Peach, commissioned by advocacy group Save Victoria Park, paints a stark picture of the impact of the Brisbane Olympics 2032. He used government-issued visuals of the proposed stadium overlaid with Perth's Optus Stadium — a 60,000-seat, 14-storey venue similar in size to that planned for Brisbane. 'This is an extremely hilly, challenging landscape, in a high-traffic area next to Queensland's largest hospital — you can't simply plonk mega venues here,' Save Victoria Park spokesperson Rosemary O'Hagan said. She criticised the government's promotional images as 'nothing more than architectural artifice' and demanded clarity on how much public land will be lost and the true cost of the project. 'Where are the sprawling plazas, the bridges, the towering retaining walls, and the extensive amenities that will be required to cope with tens of thousands of people at a time?' O'Hagan said. 'Where are the multiple carparks and connections to roads and train stations that have been promised?' Crisafulli stated the choice to host the games in the park was clear: 'It became a choice between the embarrassment of hosting the Games at QSAC (Queensland Sport and Athletic Centre) or a new stadium at Victoria Park. 'The Games must be held at a new stadium at Victoria Park. 'Any other choice would have meant placing the government's interests ahead of the interests of Queensland.' Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner had sought to ease concerns about green space loss after Crisafulli's announcement in March. 'The construction elements that are proposed, including the stadium and the swimming complex, will only take up a fraction of the green space,' Schrinner said. He described the stadium as a 'world-class sporting venue' and 'an asset for Brisbane for decades to come'. Meanwhile, community group Save Victoria Park has fiercely opposed the development, warning of irreversible damage to Brisbane's green heart. 'There are — and always have been — other viable options: flat, less challenging sites not listed on Queensland's Heritage Register,' O'Hagan said. Despite official assurances, critics argue the government has yet to fully disclose the true scale of parkland loss or offer a clear plan for preserving Brisbane's largest inner-city green space.
News.com.au
03-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
‘Concrete and steel': Stark new modelling exposes grim legacy of Brisbane's 2032 Olympic Games
Stark new modelling shows Brisbane is set to lose the majority of its largest inner-city parkland to make way for a mega Olympic stadium the government promised would never be built. Sustainable development research Neil Peach has conducted analysis of the impact of constructing a 63,000-seat arena at Victoria Park, showing at least 58 per cent of the 64-hectare green space. The release of the assessment coincides with new visuals showing the significant impact of the stadium and its associated infrastructure. Major difference to official renders Perth's Optus Stadium – a 60,000 seat and 14-storey high venue – has been superimposed on the site as a comparable indicator, advocacy group Save Victoria Park explained. 'These new images show in proper scale how much this mega structure will completely overwhelm the park and local suburbs,' the group's spokesperson Rosemary O'Hagan said. 'And these pictures don't even include the 25,000-seat aquatics stadium, Olympic warm up track and other major ancillary facilities now planned for the site.' The government's official render of the new stadium in Victoria Park. Save Victoria Park's render of the 'true' size and scale of the stadium. The visuals show official architectural impressions released by the Queensland Government are misleading, Ms O'Hagan said. 'The glossy official renders we have seen to sell this project to date are nothing more than architectural artifice. They are not concepts, or plans. 'Where are the sprawling plazas, the bridges, the towering retaining walls, and the extensive amenities that will be required to cope with tens of thousands of people at a time? 'Where are the multiple car parks and connections to roads and train stations that have been promised?' Government figures 'don't add up' Planning for the 2032 Games has been marred by confusion for several years, with original announcements abandoned or revised, as well as projected cost blowouts. In March, following a 100-day review of Olympic infrastructure needs, the recently elected Liberal-National government unveiled its final plan, with a Victoria Park stadium as its centrepiece. But in a bid to ease community tension, the review insisted just 12 to 13 per cent of the site's green space would be consumed by the stadium and its related infrastructure. Ms O'Hagan said the source of that figure remains 'unknown' and is wildly off the mark. To scale overlay showing Perth's Optus Stadium against the government's artist's impression of a stadium in Victoria Park. Excludes warm-up track and a 25,000-seat aquatic stadium also planned for the site. Picture: Save Victoria Park Full overlay on the Victoria Park site, showing the entire northern side would need to be redeveloped to meet requirements. Picture: Save Victoria Park Dr Preach's analysis conservatively estimates the true loss of green space at 58 per cent, with that conclusion reached via site-specific modelling and the input of town planning, sports architecture and engineering experts. On top of that, a recent report in The Courier-Mail indicated the government is considering selling off additional chunks of land inside Victoria Park to residential developers, Ms O'Hagan said. 'This is a salami slicing tactic – taking a bit at a time and announcing impacts gradually so that the full size and extent is not revealed until it's too late,' she claimed. 'It's time the government told us exactly how much public land we are losing with this Victoria Park construction fest, and how much it's going to cost.' The government insists its plan is the best way forward for the 2032 Olympics and will deliver a 'lasting legacy' beyond the global event. And with the clock ticking, Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris said 'the time for talking has passed'. 'Let's put the plan into place,' Mr Liveris said. A 'precious public asset' Victoria Park was first designated as a future public parkland in 1875. Until recently, it was home to a sprawling golf club, the closure of which saw the original vision revived. As well as being heritage-listed, Ms O'Hagan said Victoria Park is a significant Indigenous cultural site. 'Let's call this project what it is – a major profit-driven redevelopment of one of Brisbane's most precious public assets,' she said. 'What is truly hard to understand here is that there are and always have been other viable options – flat, less challenging sites not listed on Queensland's Heritage Register. 'This is an extremely hilly, challenging landscape, in a high traffic area next to Queensland's largest hospital. You can't simply plonk mega venues here.' Opponents rally against the Olympic stadium at Victoria Park. Picture: Patrick Woods. Victoria Park Olympic stadium protesters join forces to form giant human 'NO'. Picture: Liam Kidston The government's plan 'signal the death' of the future of Victoria Park, she added. Authorities haven't confirmed the cost of the new stadium, but the formal review of infrastructure needs estimated it at $3.4 billion. Green group Aussie Animals said sacrificing more than half of the green space will have dire environmental consequences. 'Urban green spaces don't just provide aesthetic value – they are essential infrastructure for climate resilience,' a spokesperson said. 'The park's 64 hectares of green space help cool surrounding neighbourhoods, manage stormwater run-off, and provide a natural buffer against extreme weather events. 'Replacing this natural infrastructure with concrete and steel would effectively remove one of Brisbane's most important climate adaptation assets at a time when we need it most.' Broken promises and fast-tracking In the lead-up to and during the election, now-Premier David Crisafulli repeatedly vowed no new stadiums would be built. In March, conceding he had broken a key election promise, Mr Crisafulli told reporters: 'I have to own that, and I will, and I am sorry. It's my decision.' Legislation introduced by the government will see all Olympic venues, including the stadium at Victoria Park, exempt from major planning rules including the Environmental Protection Act, Queensland Heritage Act, and Planning Act, among others. 'With the largest infrastructure investment in Queensland's history, it's important there are clear pathways to delivery, with the appropriate oversight of government in the right places,' Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie said. Premier David Crisafulli concedes he broke a key election promise. Picture: Josh Woning When the Games have concluded, the new stadium will be the new home of AFL and cricket in Brisbane. The Gabba, an ageing asset that had originally been flagged for redevelopment by former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, is too expensive to save and will be demolished instead. 'It became a choice between spending billions on temporary facilities and temporary stands that delivered no legacy, or securing the future of AFL and cricket at a new home,' Mr Crisafulli said. Research by Griffith University conducted in 2023 and 2024 found many Queenslanders are 'apathetic about the Games and concerned about their cost'. 'Some were unclear how the event would benefit them. Others were concerned the games would take resources away from areas they felt were more important,' the researchers noted. 'This research highlights an urgent need and opportunity to ensure Olympic plans and outcomes are relevant and positive for the host community at large.' Save Victoria Park has vowed to launch a legal challenge.
The Advertiser
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'Dumbfounded': IOC meeting sought over 2032 venue
Pressure is mounting on Olympic heavyweights to justify the construction of Brisbane 2032's main stadium on a significant Indigenous site during a landmark visit. An urgent meeting with the International Olympic Committee has been sought by an advocacy group after claims the 2032 centrepiece venue defies the Games' new principles. The IOC hierarchy has gathered in Brisbane to receive a 2032 Games progress report at a three-day meeting concluding on Thursday, touring sites around southeast Queensland. It marks the first time IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. Advocacy group Save Victoria Park hope to make the most of the rare visit, writing to the IOC seeking a meeting as they look to take them to task over the main stadium's location. Victoria Park is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. The advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the 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. "How have we ended up in a position where we are going to destroy a large section of our last remaining inner-city green space?" group spokesperson Rose O'Hagan told AAP. "It dumbfounds us that in 2025 the IOC would think this is acceptable. "It is something you would expect in the '70s or '80s." Brisbane's 2032 venue blueprint was finally unveiled in March after a 100-day review 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. Ms O'Hagan claimed the Victoria Park stadium construction was not in keeping with the Olympic brief and threatened to destroy Brisbane's "green lungs". "We are not anti-Olympics but we don't understand how this lines up with anything in our host contract and original bid," she said. "We are supposed to be maximising existing infrastructure." The clock is ticking for the Games after the state government finally confirmed its venue blueprint more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host. The Queensland government moved to help ensure infrastructure is built on time by passing a bill that will guarantee 2032 Olympic sites will be exempt from planning laws. They include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking more outrage from the advocacy group. Ms O'Hagan claimed Brisbane had the least amount of inner-city green space in any Australian capital and the group was preparing a legal challenge to protect it. "We have't preserved our green space as other cities have," she said. "On the back of an Olympic Games they are promoting as being sustainable we are going to lose a huge amount of what is remaining." Victoria Park originally featured 130 hectares, she said. "Now it has 64. After this who knows how much we are going to have - it is going to decimate it. "We are looking at everything we can do to protect this park." Meanwhile, IOC heavyweights including outgoing president Thomas Bach visited the Gold Coast on Wednesday as part of their landmark trip. IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry also joined 2032 organisers and the co-ordination commission on the glitter strip where local mayor Tom Tate declared the Gold Coast was "Games ready". Pressure is mounting on Olympic heavyweights to justify the construction of Brisbane 2032's main stadium on a significant Indigenous site during a landmark visit. An urgent meeting with the International Olympic Committee has been sought by an advocacy group after claims the 2032 centrepiece venue defies the Games' new principles. The IOC hierarchy has gathered in Brisbane to receive a 2032 Games progress report at a three-day meeting concluding on Thursday, touring sites around southeast Queensland. It marks the first time IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. Advocacy group Save Victoria Park hope to make the most of the rare visit, writing to the IOC seeking a meeting as they look to take them to task over the main stadium's location. Victoria Park is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. The advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the 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. "How have we ended up in a position where we are going to destroy a large section of our last remaining inner-city green space?" group spokesperson Rose O'Hagan told AAP. "It dumbfounds us that in 2025 the IOC would think this is acceptable. "It is something you would expect in the '70s or '80s." Brisbane's 2032 venue blueprint was finally unveiled in March after a 100-day review 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. Ms O'Hagan claimed the Victoria Park stadium construction was not in keeping with the Olympic brief and threatened to destroy Brisbane's "green lungs". "We are not anti-Olympics but we don't understand how this lines up with anything in our host contract and original bid," she said. "We are supposed to be maximising existing infrastructure." The clock is ticking for the Games after the state government finally confirmed its venue blueprint more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host. The Queensland government moved to help ensure infrastructure is built on time by passing a bill that will guarantee 2032 Olympic sites will be exempt from planning laws. They include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking more outrage from the advocacy group. Ms O'Hagan claimed Brisbane had the least amount of inner-city green space in any Australian capital and the group was preparing a legal challenge to protect it. "We have't preserved our green space as other cities have," she said. "On the back of an Olympic Games they are promoting as being sustainable we are going to lose a huge amount of what is remaining." Victoria Park originally featured 130 hectares, she said. "Now it has 64. After this who knows how much we are going to have - it is going to decimate it. "We are looking at everything we can do to protect this park." Meanwhile, IOC heavyweights including outgoing president Thomas Bach visited the Gold Coast on Wednesday as part of their landmark trip. IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry also joined 2032 organisers and the co-ordination commission on the glitter strip where local mayor Tom Tate declared the Gold Coast was "Games ready". Pressure is mounting on Olympic heavyweights to justify the construction of Brisbane 2032's main stadium on a significant Indigenous site during a landmark visit. An urgent meeting with the International Olympic Committee has been sought by an advocacy group after claims the 2032 centrepiece venue defies the Games' new principles. The IOC hierarchy has gathered in Brisbane to receive a 2032 Games progress report at a three-day meeting concluding on Thursday, touring sites around southeast Queensland. It marks the first time IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. Advocacy group Save Victoria Park hope to make the most of the rare visit, writing to the IOC seeking a meeting as they look to take them to task over the main stadium's location. Victoria Park is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. The advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the 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. "How have we ended up in a position where we are going to destroy a large section of our last remaining inner-city green space?" group spokesperson Rose O'Hagan told AAP. "It dumbfounds us that in 2025 the IOC would think this is acceptable. "It is something you would expect in the '70s or '80s." Brisbane's 2032 venue blueprint was finally unveiled in March after a 100-day review 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. Ms O'Hagan claimed the Victoria Park stadium construction was not in keeping with the Olympic brief and threatened to destroy Brisbane's "green lungs". "We are not anti-Olympics but we don't understand how this lines up with anything in our host contract and original bid," she said. "We are supposed to be maximising existing infrastructure." The clock is ticking for the Games after the state government finally confirmed its venue blueprint more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host. The Queensland government moved to help ensure infrastructure is built on time by passing a bill that will guarantee 2032 Olympic sites will be exempt from planning laws. They include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking more outrage from the advocacy group. Ms O'Hagan claimed Brisbane had the least amount of inner-city green space in any Australian capital and the group was preparing a legal challenge to protect it. "We have't preserved our green space as other cities have," she said. "On the back of an Olympic Games they are promoting as being sustainable we are going to lose a huge amount of what is remaining." Victoria Park originally featured 130 hectares, she said. "Now it has 64. After this who knows how much we are going to have - it is going to decimate it. "We are looking at everything we can do to protect this park." Meanwhile, IOC heavyweights including outgoing president Thomas Bach visited the Gold Coast on Wednesday as part of their landmark trip. IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry also joined 2032 organisers and the co-ordination commission on the glitter strip where local mayor Tom Tate declared the Gold Coast was "Games ready". Pressure is mounting on Olympic heavyweights to justify the construction of Brisbane 2032's main stadium on a significant Indigenous site during a landmark visit. An urgent meeting with the International Olympic Committee has been sought by an advocacy group after claims the 2032 centrepiece venue defies the Games' new principles. The IOC hierarchy has gathered in Brisbane to receive a 2032 Games progress report at a three-day meeting concluding on Thursday, touring sites around southeast Queensland. It marks the first time IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. Advocacy group Save Victoria Park hope to make the most of the rare visit, writing to the IOC seeking a meeting as they look to take them to task over the main stadium's location. Victoria Park is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. The advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the 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. "How have we ended up in a position where we are going to destroy a large section of our last remaining inner-city green space?" group spokesperson Rose O'Hagan told AAP. "It dumbfounds us that in 2025 the IOC would think this is acceptable. "It is something you would expect in the '70s or '80s." Brisbane's 2032 venue blueprint was finally unveiled in March after a 100-day review 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. Ms O'Hagan claimed the Victoria Park stadium construction was not in keeping with the Olympic brief and threatened to destroy Brisbane's "green lungs". "We are not anti-Olympics but we don't understand how this lines up with anything in our host contract and original bid," she said. "We are supposed to be maximising existing infrastructure." The clock is ticking for the Games after the state government finally confirmed its venue blueprint more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host. The Queensland government moved to help ensure infrastructure is built on time by passing a bill that will guarantee 2032 Olympic sites will be exempt from planning laws. They include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking more outrage from the advocacy group. Ms O'Hagan claimed Brisbane had the least amount of inner-city green space in any Australian capital and the group was preparing a legal challenge to protect it. "We have't preserved our green space as other cities have," she said. "On the back of an Olympic Games they are promoting as being sustainable we are going to lose a huge amount of what is remaining." Victoria Park originally featured 130 hectares, she said. "Now it has 64. After this who knows how much we are going to have - it is going to decimate it. "We are looking at everything we can do to protect this park." Meanwhile, IOC heavyweights including outgoing president Thomas Bach visited the Gold Coast on Wednesday as part of their landmark trip. IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry also joined 2032 organisers and the co-ordination commission on the glitter strip where local mayor Tom Tate declared the Gold Coast was "Games ready".
West Australian
21-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
'Dumbfounded': IOC meeting sought over 2032 venue
Pressure is mounting on Olympic heavyweights to justify the construction of Brisbane 2032's main stadium on a significant Indigenous site during a landmark visit. An urgent meeting with the International Olympic Committee has been sought by an advocacy group after claims the 2032 centrepiece venue defies the Games' new principles. The IOC hierarchy has gathered in Brisbane to receive a 2032 Games progress report at a three-day meeting concluding on Thursday, touring sites around southeast Queensland. It marks the first time IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. Advocacy group Save Victoria Park hope to make the most of the rare visit, writing to the IOC seeking a meeting as they look to take them to task over the main stadium's location. Victoria Park is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. The advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the 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. "How have we ended up in a position where we are going to destroy a large section of our last remaining inner-city green space?" group spokesperson Rose O'Hagan told AAP. "It dumbfounds us that in 2025 the IOC would think this is acceptable. "It is something you would expect in the '70s or '80s." Brisbane's 2032 venue blueprint was finally unveiled in March after a 100-day review 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. Ms O'Hagan claimed the Victoria Park stadium construction was not in keeping with the Olympic brief and threatened to destroy Brisbane's "green lungs". "We are not anti-Olympics but we don't understand how this lines up with anything in our host contract and original bid," she said. "We are supposed to be maximising existing infrastructure." The clock is ticking for the Games after the state government finally confirmed its venue blueprint more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host. The Queensland government moved to help ensure infrastructure is built on time by passing a bill that will guarantee 2032 Olympic sites will be exempt from planning laws. They include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking more outrage from the advocacy group. Ms O'Hagan claimed Brisbane had the least amount of inner-city green space in any Australian capital and the group was preparing a legal challenge to protect it. "We have't preserved our green space as other cities have," she said. "On the back of an Olympic Games they are promoting as being sustainable we are going to lose a huge amount of what is remaining." Victoria Park originally featured 130 hectares, she said. "Now it has 64. After this who knows how much we are going to have - it is going to decimate it. "We are looking at everything we can do to protect this park." Meanwhile, IOC heavyweights including outgoing president Thomas Bach visited the Gold Coast on Wednesday as part of their landmark trip. IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry also joined 2032 organisers and the co-ordination commission on the glitter strip where local mayor Tom Tate declared the Gold Coast was "Games ready".
Perth Now
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
'Dumbfounded': IOC meeting sought over 2032 venue
Pressure is mounting on Olympic heavyweights to justify the construction of Brisbane 2032's main stadium on a significant Indigenous site during a landmark visit. An urgent meeting with the International Olympic Committee has been sought by an advocacy group after claims the 2032 centrepiece venue defies the Games' new principles. The IOC hierarchy has gathered in Brisbane to receive a 2032 Games progress report at a three-day meeting concluding on Thursday, touring sites around southeast Queensland. It marks the first time IOC delegates have visited Australia since Brisbane was unveiled as host almost four years ago. Advocacy group Save Victoria Park hope to make the most of the rare visit, writing to the IOC seeking a meeting as they look to take them to task over the main stadium's location. Victoria Park is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. The advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the 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. "How have we ended up in a position where we are going to destroy a large section of our last remaining inner-city green space?" group spokesperson Rose O'Hagan told AAP. "It dumbfounds us that in 2025 the IOC would think this is acceptable. "It is something you would expect in the '70s or '80s." Brisbane's 2032 venue blueprint was finally unveiled in March after a 100-day review 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. Ms O'Hagan claimed the Victoria Park stadium construction was not in keeping with the Olympic brief and threatened to destroy Brisbane's "green lungs". "We are not anti-Olympics but we don't understand how this lines up with anything in our host contract and original bid," she said. "We are supposed to be maximising existing infrastructure." The clock is ticking for the Games after the state government finally confirmed its venue blueprint more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host. The Queensland government moved to help ensure infrastructure is built on time by passing a bill that will guarantee 2032 Olympic sites will be exempt from planning laws. They include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking more outrage from the advocacy group. Ms O'Hagan claimed Brisbane had the least amount of inner-city green space in any Australian capital and the group was preparing a legal challenge to protect it. "We have't preserved our green space as other cities have," she said. "On the back of an Olympic Games they are promoting as being sustainable we are going to lose a huge amount of what is remaining." Victoria Park originally featured 130 hectares, she said. "Now it has 64. After this who knows how much we are going to have - it is going to decimate it. "We are looking at everything we can do to protect this park." Meanwhile, IOC heavyweights including outgoing president Thomas Bach visited the Gold Coast on Wednesday as part of their landmark trip. IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry also joined 2032 organisers and the co-ordination commission on the glitter strip where local mayor Tom Tate declared the Gold Coast was "Games ready".
