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Andrew Liveris, a key committee member, highlighted the additional expenses incurred by having the Games hosted throughout the state, yet noted that overall, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is pleased with the progress being made.
“I’m incredibly excited and proud of these upcoming games,” expressed Fox.
In general, the IOC awarded Brisbane a favorable review, indicating satisfaction that the development of sports venues is progressing as anticipated.
During a question-and-answer session, organizers faced tough inquiries regarding the logistics of hosting a state-wide event and the timeline for venue completion.
“We are collaborating with the IOC on a revised budget,” Liveris stated. “Once this process is complete, we will have finalized these new venue locations.”
“Those will be new costs that we have to work closely with our government delivery partners on.
“Sometimes I wonder why was I selected? Well, I have built things before, I built them on time and on budget, or, under budget.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said it was a “Games for all of Queensland but that won’t cost Queenslanders one extra cent”.
The opposition doesn’t believe that.
“I think Queenslanders will be rightly confused by the mixed messages they’re getting from the Brisbane 2032 boss and Queensland’s premier,” Opposition Leader Steven Miles said.
The IOC is undertaking a review of all medal events, which means Brisbane will have to wait until the end of the year to finalise its program.
Breakdancing is pushing for a comeback but Liveris is doubtful of Raygun’s return.
“I don’t know about that,” he said.
“They [breaking] have definitely applied to us, so we will see. No foreshadowment of who we’re going to select.”
But Brisbane is confident it can avoid the sticky situation the Italians find themselves in just days before the start of the Winter Olympics – with their new ice hockey stadium still being completed.
It’s a frantic race to the finish line to try and get this purpose-built stadium ready in time for competition, with it already operating at a reduced capacity because not all the seating is in.
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