Brisbane Olympic chief executive Andrew Liveris calls on cricket and AFL bosses to ‘stand up’ for better ‘legacy’ venue

The chairman of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics says the Queensland capital risks losing major cricket and AFL events to the regions without a ‘legacy’ stadium capable of meeting future demand.

His comments come after Queensland Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said Queenslanders were “ashamed” by the decision to host Olympic events at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) instead of the Gabba.

“I have made it very clear that Brisbane 2032 will not take a position until we see the numbers from QSAC,” Brisbane Organising Committee (OCOG) Chairman Andrew Liveris said today.

But with the Gabba expected to be out of use by 2030, Mr Liveris said it was up to the AFL and Cricket Australia to “stand up” and advocate for a venue that could support the state’s growing population.

A $2.7 million Gabba rebuild plan was rejected earlier this year amid growing local opposition to the resulting relocation of East Brisbane State School.

Mr Liveris said that once football and cricket leaders made the decision to ensure the viability of their sports, “we will step in immediately and support you”.

“Where are you going to put the cricket?”

Mr Liveris is back in Brisbane after an extended stay in Europe for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.

He said cricket was “a phenomenal revenue generator for Australia” as it was one of five new sports that will feature at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“If you don’t have a proper stadium, where are you going to play the cricket because of the legacy?” Mr Liveris said.

Mr Crisafulli said Prime Minister Steven Miles had rejected the Gabba upgrade earlier this year “to relieve political pressure”.

“I think the Premier regrets his decision because he knows it’s not the right thing to do and he knows the people of Queensland don’t support it,” Crisafulli said.

“QSAC is not the right location. I have yet to meet a Queenslander who thinks that is visionary or value for money, except Steven.”

Costs versus revenues

Mr. Miles chose QSAC as a cost-effective compromise.

Mr Liveris acknowledged that cost is a factor and said OCOG remains committed to a total budget of $5 billion.

“And we have to get the budget right,” he said.

But he suggested that QSAC should force Brisbane 2032 to make other compromises.

“There is also a revenue side of that budget,” he said.

“I mean, you only have to be in the Stade de France and look at the (Rugby Sevens), with 80,000 people generating revenue and top sponsors generating revenue, to understand how important a stadium of the right size is for the Olympics.

Mr Liveris said he was “very aware” that the QSAC project evaluation report would not be released until after the October 26 state election.

“We will see what happens after the elections,” he said.

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According to Mr Liveris, we have “learned a lot” from Paris at Brisbane 2032.

“We have 2,865 days to get this right… Paris was still 600 days in advance determining the locations.”

The LNP has pledged to conduct a 100-day review of Olympic venues if it wins the election, while also promising that no new venues will be built.

“We want 100 days to resolve it,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“After a 100-day review, I am confident that Queenslanders no longer have anything to be ashamed of.”