Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs “We might have missed the boat a little bit, I think, in terms of the public transport infrastructure … the other two, though, are certainly still very achievable,” Quirk said.LoadingThe Olympics has long been ear-marked as a “catalyst” for improving public transport across Brisbane and Queensland’s south-east.Projects like the Cross River Rail, Metro, Sunshine Coast heavy rail line, and extensions on the Gold Coast light rail have all been routinely earmarked as legacy projects.Construction delays and design complications have thrown plans into doubt, with the Metro only recently becoming operational, years behind its original deadline.The government also began looking for alternatives for its coastal railway projects after finding current funding levels fell short of expected costs for the two major upgrades.The Commonwealth-state funding agreement for the Games will have to be renegotiated, and there is still no transport and mobility strategy.Quirk – who led a 2024 review of venues for the Labor government, which rejected his central recommendation of a stadium at Victoria Park – said the stadium debate had become a distraction.Former Brisbane Lord Mayor and leader of the 2024 independent review of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic venue infrastructure Graham Quirk.Credit: AAP“All of the focus and all the discussion has been around sport venues, and that wasn’t what it was about originally,” he said.Asked about Quirk’s comments, and the strategy, Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg pointed to the pending release of the review and the government’s response.Loading“The Crisafulli Government will announce the Games delivery plan on March 25, which will finally put Queensland on track to make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity,” he said.Brisbane City Council transport chair Ryan Murphy said the Metro was poised to support the Games, through works to add up to 22 stations, which it had pitched late last year.“With the Australian government’s support, we are now progressing a rapid business case to progress the expansion of Brisbane Metro to Carseldine, Capalaba, Springwood and out to the airport,” he said.Murphy said the Metro was key to Games transport as it was “no longer practical or affordable to build above-ground heavy rail routes”.Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
