'We do have time': Crisafulli promises Olympics infrastructure plan three years after Brisbane named 2032 host
Queensland premier-elect David Crisafulli has promised the state will finally have an Olympic Games infrastructure plan of which it can be proud - more than three years after Brisbane was awarded the 2032 event.
The incoming LNP government will undertake its promised 100-day review into infrastructure for the Games, which could revisit options for a redevelopment of Brisbane's iconic Gabba, in inner-city Woolloongabba.
Crisafulli told Today he was getting the "best and brightest around the table".
READ MORE: David Crisafulli's vow after LNP victory
Queensland premier-elect David Crisafulli on Today this morning. Today
"I want Queenslanders to know that we do have time," he said.
"We are going to deliver generational infrastructure for this state."
Yesterday, Crisafulli revealed he had discussed Games infrastructure funding in his first call with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, saying he "didn't miss the opportunity to raise 80-20 funding".
Last year the Albanese government revealed its plan to split the cost of building nationally significant infrastructure with the states and territories 50-50.
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The Gabba is currently the home of the Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat and Queensland Cricket. Angela Wylie
The Queensland government has see-sawed over infrastructure for the Games for years.
Under former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, the government's initial plan was to demolish and rebuild the ageing Gabba with improved disability access and connection to transport at a cost of $2.7 billion.
The plan faced fierce opposition from locals due to plans to close the 125-year-old East Brisbane State School.
Then came a proposal to build a $3.4 billion events precinct with a 70,000-seat stadium and indoor arena on existing green space at Victoria Park.
Under that plan, the Gabba would later be demolished and converted into green space.
The Victoria Park precinct was the recommendation of former Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, who was tasked with conducting an independent review of Games infrastructure.
But then-premier Steven Miles canned the proposal, arguing it was too expensive amid a cost-of-living crisis and with a construction industry plagued by inflation and labour shortage.
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Steven Miles conceded defeat on Sunday and has made it clear he wants to stay on as Labor leader in opposition. 9News
Miles' preferred plan was to upgrade the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre, which would host 40,000 spectators, and then hold the opening and closing ceremonies at Suncorp Stadium.
The $1.6 billion QSAC plan had the backing of International Olympic Committee (IOC) Vice-President John Coates, and aligned with the IOC preference for using existing and temporary infrastructure over new "white elephant" facilities.
Crisafulli has been openly critical of the QSAC proposal, labelling it an "embarrassment" that would leave the city without a Games legacy.
He's also ruled out building a new stadium.
The former journalist and Broadwater MP will be the 41st premier of Queensland.
He was sworn in by the governor this morning with his cabinet to follow later this week.
Also on his ambitious list for the government's first 100 days in office, is legislating his cornerstone "adult time, adult crime" policy.
Saturday's result marks only the third election victory for the LNP in the last 40 years, with 2024 joining 2012 and 1986.
The LNP will have at least 47 seats in the 93-seat parliament with Labor likely to retain just over 30 seats.
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