Premier David Crisafulli is set to announce more events will be spread across regional Queensland, in part a reaction to discontent with a new stadium being built in the south-east, but some sports already aren’t happy with the locations confirmed by 9News in recent days.
“It’s a plan to make sure that we do deliver generational infrastructure and a plan to make sure we host a great game when the eyes of the world are on us,” Crisafulli said.
It will be the centrepiece of a new Olympic precinct, likely next to the new National Aquatic Centre and near an athletes’ village at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
Crisafulli faces hurdles on funding from the federal government as Prime Minister Anthony pushes for $2.5 billion to go to the Brisbane Live Arena, an eventual replacement for the Brisbane Entertainment Centre further out of the city in Boondall.
“We have negotiated well together – I think that’s fair – we have worked together well,” the premier said.
But 9news has confirmed Crisafulli is set to scrap the indoor arena and redirect that money for other venues.
”Of course there’s been some strong negotiations – two people of Italian descent you’d expect that, but there’s nothing that can’t be solved by a bit of common sense and a cannoli,” he said.
The Queensland government was hoping negotiations would play out during the federal election campaign, weakening the bargaining power of Albanese and Peter Dutton.
But after Cyclone Alfred blew the election date back the state was left with a tougher fight on its hands.
And it’s not the only battle.
“The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton hasn’t actually undergone any technical assessments by World Rowing or the IOC (International Olympic Committee),” Rowing Australia chief executive Sarah Cook said.
“But it wasn’t really a venue that we expected to be considered for the Olympic and Paralympic regatta itself.”
She did however brush off any concerns about the crocodiles in the river, lightheartedly describing their presence as “very exciting”.
“We think that might be a bit more concerning to our European counterparts,” Cook said.
Hockey bosses too are concerned about the possibility of playing at temporary facilities at Ballymore instead of a cheaper legacy option on the Gold Coast, although 9News understands the Gold Coast is still the frontrunner.
Basketball games could then be split across several regions with, 9News understands, the government considering holding the finals at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
Cabinet is also considering splitting some of the sailing events between the Whitsundays and Townsville, as part of the premier’s plan to send more events into the regions.
He and other ministers will travel across the state this week to “sell” the Games, amid backlash in regional queensland to a new stadium in the south-east.
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