Brisbane 2032 bosses in Milan have updated the IOC on progress for the Olympics in seven years’ time, with the Games’ first commercial partner to be announced within months, and a planned installation to promote Australia at the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028.
The organising committee’s update to the International Olympic Committee’s 145th session in Italy came hours after Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said he was determined that Victoria Park would be a construction site by the middle of the year.
The Brisbane Games’ first commercial partner would be announced in the second quarter of this year, organising committee president Andrew Liveris told the IOC meeting during the 2026 Winter Games in Milan.
Liveris said the securing of a commercial partner, which he described as “one of the largest companies in Australia”, showed the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games was open for business.
“The Queensland government’s 2032 Delivery Plan is confirmed and venues are underway, procurement opportunities are open, our Games vision has been announced, we’ve had significant interest from sports wanting to be part of our Games, and our streamlined board and recently appointed advisory groups are leading our transition from the planning phase to implementation and delivery,” he said.
Liveris, along with Brisbane 2032 chief executive Cindy Hook, also presented plans for an “Australia House” in Los Angeles during the 2028 Games, which she said would showcase a little of what the world could expect from Brisbane.
“Our house will be situated in a well-known LA location and will feature the very best of who we are, what we offer, and what visitors can experience before, during and beyond our Games,” Hook said.
“From our incredible nature and wildlife to our rich history and culture, our warm and welcoming people, and, of course, our love of sport.”
Meanwhile, back in Brisbane, Bleijie said it was “full steam ahead” for the controversial Victoria Park stadium, which he said would proceed regardless of whether federal minister Murray Watt had made final determinations on outstanding Indigenous heritage considerations.
“Bulldozers, excavators, tractors, shovels – it’s all happening,” he said.
Bleijie also brushed off comments from his former boss Campbell Newman, who appointed him as attorney-general in the previous LNP government in 2012.
Newman attended a rally at Victoria Park on Saturday, at which he said Bleijie had “fear in his eyes” when he called opponents to the stadium “loopy” NIMBYs.
“I’m not going to entertain those comments, what he may or may not have said,” Bleijie said on Tuesday.
“We’re just getting on with the job. It’s going to be a wonderful 63,000-seat stadium, and it’ll be utilised for generations to come.”
Save Victoria Park spokeswoman Rosemary O’Hagan remained resolute.
“The government needs to know: we are not going anywhere and will use every legitimate means to protect this park,” she said.
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