Games Review public consultation attracts Olympic-size response

Queenslanders have responded in their thousands to the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority’s call for ideas and feedback on plans and legacy projects for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The 100 Day Review has attracted more than 5000 submissions from a broad array of groups including residents, infrastructure and planning experts, sporting and community organisations and aspiring Olympians of tomorrow.  

From the Cape to Coolangatta, Queenslanders made the most of the public consultation period, which ended midnight Friday (10 January), with the conjecture over a new centrepiece stadium the most mentioned topic.

Other key topics highlighted included the locations of other major and minor venues in the Games Master Plan, requests for generational public and active transport infrastructure, and ensuring the infrastructure investment met the state’s long-term needs.

Submissions will now be reviewed and examined by the Authority as it considers recommendations to be delivered to the Queensland Government on 8 March.

Authority Chairman Stephen Conry thanked all submitters for their enthusiastic participation in the public consultation period.

“There is no doubt that the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be an exceptionally exciting opportunity. That excitement is building for what will literally be a game changer for Queensland,” Mr Conry said.

“The large volume and quality of the submissions, from across the state, is an impressive outcome for the Authority and the 100 Day Review, and a reminder of how passionate Queenslanders are about the opportunities that can be linked to delivering this historic event.

“In those thousands of submissions, there was a resounding message – Queenslanders are excited and many are keen to express a view on ensuring we deliver the great projects and facilities for the 2032 Games with generational benefits to the state for decades to come. 

“Naturally we understand there is significant public interest in this 100 Day Review. We are methodically assessing and analysing all the information from the submissions which will assist our deliberations and recommendations to the State Government.

“Those recommendations will be based on capitalising on an exciting vision and opportunity for Queensland and delivering the right infrastructure in the right places to ensure a successful Games, and to meet the long-term needs of our growing population.”

Mr Conry said the submissions process was being complemented by ongoing extensive confidential consultation with targeted stakeholders and experts, with all providing invaluable advice in their contributions.

The Authority’s Interim CEO, David Hourigan, agreed the response had been impressive and helpful as the Authority continued to meet with key stakeholders, including Games Delivery Partners, before finalising the report.

“The views we’ve received are bringing great insight into what people, communities, organisations, businesses and industries want from the Games,” Mr Hourigan said.

“The Authority, together with the Board, will continue the targeted engagement whilst also taking stock of previous technical considerations, as we finalise our recommendations for government.”