International Olympic Committee 'very positive' about Brisbane 2032 Games preparations

While planning of the major venue for Brisbane’s Olympics and Paralympics remains uncertain, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed confidence in preparations for the 2032 Games.

Speaking after the second annual meeting of the IOC Coordination Commission and the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee on Wednesday evening IOC Coordination Commission Chair Kirsty Coventry said the Commission was not concerned by the Queensland Government's recent shift on Olympic venues.

At a virtual media conference following the meeting, questions were raised about the possibility of further venue changes if there is a change of government in Queensland in October.

Noting that dealing with political change was a part of preparations in every Olympic city, Coventry advised "at the end of the day, there are always a certain number of changes in local governments and federal governments”, adding that no matter what happened, organisers always deliver an incredible event for athletes.

As reported by the ABC, Coventry stated “whether they are in a temporary venue, or in a newly built venue, or an existing venue that's had some small upgrades, they should have no fears that the venue itself will allow them to be their best.

"There will be at some point that we might start getting a little bit concerned, but we have confidence there will be open dialogue."

Advising that the IOC remains "very positive about Brisbane 2032", Coventry added “it will just take a little bit of time over the next few months to a year to allow for the stakeholders - specifically in the different government levels - to agree on what they feel is best for their country and for their state and for their region.”

Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President Andrew Liveris said it was important that Games planning remained "adaptable", commenting "the message for us is really clear, the Games need to fit within the region, not the region fit the Games.”

Liveris said work on some Games venues would begin later this year, emphasising that while the recommendation to build a new stadium in Brisbane's Victoria Park - as recommended by a review of Games venues led by former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk had been was rejected by the Queensland Government, most of the review findings were accepted.

Liveris went on to say "the 30 recommendations, of which 27 were accepted [means] the beginning of work on some of the, let's call it early decisions, easy decisions - ones that didn't get questioned - will be this year.

"Other tenders will happen this year, procurement will start and ground will be turned.

"The due diligence, venue decisions and Games impact - alongside a new independent authority to be established - will be a priority to deliver the best experience for all."

Images: The Queensland Sports and Aquatic Centre is set to be the main venus for Olympics and Paralympics at the 2032 Games (top) and Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President Andrew Liveris at the recent SportNXT conference (below).