Former Lord Mayor Graham Quirk believes that showcasing modern and contemporary venues will be crucial for Brisbane to fully benefit from hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Quirk, who was instrumental in Brisbane’s initial bid for the Games, conducted a review of venues for the Miles Labor government last year. The review recommended abandoning the planned $2.7 billion rebuild of the Gabba in favor of a new stadium at Victoria Park, estimated to cost $3.4 billion. However, the government chose to spend $1.6 billion upgrading the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) to 14,000 seats instead, with the IOC funding additional temporary seating for up to 40,000 spectators during the Games.
The government allocated the remaining funds to upgrading the Gabba and Suncorp Stadium, which could be utilized for the opening ceremony. While both venues have excellent public transport access, the plan for QSAC remains unclear. Quirk emphasized that the venues would play a crucial role in shaping people’s perceptions of Brisbane and influencing their decisions to visit or invest in the city. He stressed that the venues recommended in his review were not just for the Games but for the long-term benefit of the city. Quirk sees the Olympics as a rare opportunity to position Brisbane for long-term economic prosperity.
Quirk highlighted the importance of presenting Brisbane in a modern and contemporary light through the Olympic venues. He believes that showcasing the region of south-east Queensland as a desirable destination worth visiting and investing in would be beneficial in the long run. Quirk’s perspective is that the venues for the Games would not only attract visitors during the event but also have a lasting impact on the city’s economic development. He sees the Olympics as a chance to make strategic investments that will bring long-term benefits to Brisbane and the surrounding region.
The decision to spend $1.6 billion on upgrading QSAC instead of building a new stadium at Victoria Park raised some concerns, as it deviated from Quirk’s recommendation in his venue review. However, the government’s plan to focus on upgrading existing venues like the Gabba and Suncorp Stadium indicates a commitment to making the most of the resources available. While Quirk’s vision for a new stadium may not be realized, the upgrades to these iconic venues could still contribute to a successful Olympic experience in Brisbane. It remains to be seen how the government’s decision will impact the overall presentation of the city during the Games.
Quirk’s belief in the long-term economic benefits of hosting the Olympics is rooted in his understanding of the potential impact of showcasing modern and contemporary venues. He sees the event as an opportunity to position Brisbane as a city worth visiting and investing in, both during and after the Games. By prioritizing venues that reflect a forward-looking city, Brisbane can attract not only tourists but also investors looking for opportunities in the region. Quirk’s perspective underscores the importance of strategic planning and investment in infrastructure to leverage the economic opportunities presented by hosting a major international event like the Olympics.
In conclusion, Quirk’s emphasis on the significance of venue choices for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane reflects his vision for long-term economic prosperity. While the government’s decision to allocate funds for upgrading existing venues differs from Quirk’s initial recommendation, the focus on modernizing iconic stadiums like the Gabba and Suncorp Stadium aligns with the goal of showcasing Brisbane as a contemporary city. The ultimate success of Brisbane’s hosting of the Games will depend on how well the city can leverage these venues to attract visitors and investments, shaping its future economic development. Quirk’s advocacy for strategic investments in venue infrastructure aligns with his belief in the transformative power of hosting the Olympics for Brisbane and south-east Queensland.
