IOC updated on progress, first commercial partner to be announced soon
Brisbane 2032 bosses in Milan updated the IOC on progress towards the Olympics in seven years, with the Games’ first commercial partner to be announced within a few months, with a planned set-up to promote Australia at the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028.
The organizing committee’s update on the International Olympic Committee’s 145th session in Italy came just hours after Deputy Prime Minister Jarrod Bleijie said he was adamant Victoria Park would be a construction site by mid-year.
The first commercial partner of the Brisbane Games will be announced in the second quarter of this year, organizing committee president Andrew Liveris said at the IOC meeting during the 2026 Winter Games in Milan.
Liveris said securing a commercial partner, which he described as “one of Australia’s largest companies”, showed the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games were open for business.
“The Queensland government’s 2032 Delivery Plan has been approved and venues are under construction, procurement opportunities are open, our vision for the Games has been announced, we have seen significant interest from sports wanting to be part of our Games and our improved board and newly appointed advisory groups are leading our transition from planning to implementation and delivery,” he said.
Along with Brisbane 2032 CEO Cindy Hook, Liveris has also presented plans for a “House of Australia” in Los Angeles during the 2028 Games that will showcase some of what the world can expect from Brisbane.
“Our home will be located in a well-known location in Los Angeles and will offer the best insight into who we are, what we offer and what visitors can experience before, during and after our Games,” Hook said.
“From our incredible nature and wildlife, to our rich history and culture, to our warm and welcoming people and of course our love of sports.”
Meanwhile in Brisbane, Bleijie said the controversial Victoria Park stadium was “in full swing” and said it would go ahead regardless of whether federal minister Murray Watt made final decisions on the remarkable Indigenous heritage.
“Bulldozers, excavators, tractors, shovels; it’s all happening,” he said.
Bleijie also ignored comments from his former boss Campbell Newman, who appointed him attorney-general in the previous LNP government in 2012.
Newman attended a rally at Victoria Park on Saturday, where he said Bleijie had “fear in his eyes” as he called his stadium opponents “cyclical” NIMBYs.
“I will not entertain those comments that he may or may not have said,” Bleijie said Tuesday.
“We are just starting our work. It will be a magnificent stadium with a capacity of 63,000 people and will be used by future generations.”
Save Victoria Park spokeswoman Rosemary O’Hagan stood firm.
“The government needs to know: We are not going anywhere and we will use every legitimate means to protect this park,” he said.
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