Other than the premier,nobody has shouldered the responsibility for the state government’s bizarre decision to host the Olympic Games at a school athletics carnival venue more than John Coates.
The architect of the state government’s plan to use QSAC as Brisbane’s main Olympic stadium has refused an invitation to appear before a Senate inquiry to explain his stance.
“Madness”,one called it. A “body blow” said another. Their parties are political rivals but the Games venue suggestion has united these ex-mayors.
Brisbane isn’t the only city to debate the cost of hosting the 16-day event while striving for a longer-term legacy outside of sporting venues.
First floated to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Expo 88,a new master plan for South Bank has been caught up in debate about another city legacy.
Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace also launched a fresh Good Friday defence of Steven Miles’ controversial QSAC call.
The prospect of an incoming LNP state government starting Games venues planning from scratch has loomed over the International Olympic Committee co-ordination commission’s second meeting for Brisbane 2032 in Switzerland overnight.
A controversial Brisbane 2032 venue plan may not be finalised for another 12 months but Olympic powerbrokers insist there is “no reason to start panicking”.
A rare radio appearance by the Queensland premier has shed more light on the surprise move’s timeline – and a key phone call three days before its announcement.
The long-time Olympic powerbroker makes no apologies for his outsized role in shaping Brisbane’s 2032 Games,no matter the recent controversy.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has poured ice-cold water on suggestions that Sydney could host the 2032 Olympic Games if Brisbane bailed out.