The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games wrapped up its first onsite meeting this week in the host city of Brisbane, Queensland.
During their stay in Brisbane, IOC President Thomas Bach, IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry, who chaired the Coordination Commission until her election as 10th IOC President, and the new Chair, Mikaela Cojuangco Jaworski, met representatives of all levels of government including the Australian Minister for Sport and Communications, Anika Wells, Queensland Governor Jeannette Young, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. Mayors of co-host cities Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, Tom Tate and Rosanna Natoli respectively, also attended part of the Commission meetings.
And, while interviews and workshops with some 1,000 stakeholders directly connected to the Games, including athletes, the sports movement and delivery partners, have already been taking place for a few weeks, members of the Coordination Commission also contributed their insights in a dedicated session during the meetings.
Across three days of meetings of the Coordination Commission, discussions covered topics such as governance, operations, venues, sport, finance and commercial planning.
The programme also featured visits to further Games sites in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, community engagement activities, including a dinner with sports, community, political and business leaders from the region, and a reception at Queensland Parliament. The Commission members visited Victoria Park, where a much-needed new stadium will be built for both the Olympic Games and longer term use.
Next key steps in Brisbane 2032 organisation
The Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Brisbane 2032 has initiated a public survey. Australians (in particular) and international fans alike are invited to share their views on what they think Brisbane 2032 should embody. The survey is open until 20 June and can be accessed at brisbane2032.org/vision
The Commission members were given an outline of key next steps in the Brisbane 2032 organisation. Following the successful conclusion of a 100-day independent review into Games infrastructure, the Queensland Government accepted more than 90 per cent of the recommendations to develop a sports venues delivery plan to benefit communities across the region. This will now be subject to technical assessments from the respective International Sports Federations, the IOC and the International Paralympic Committee to determine venue use at the Olympic Games.
Another major milestone on the horizon is the development of the sports programme. In March, the IOC Executive Board confirmed that the initial programme will be determined at an IOC Session in 2026. Thanks to the Olympic Agenda 2020 reforms, the Organising Committee will also have the opportunity to propose additional events from new sports, with a submission expected next year.
The first version of the Reconciliation Action Plan, to be released soon, will structure the Organising Committee’s approach to meaningful action towards reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The forthcoming launch of the procurement programme will highlight the Games’ potential to generate employment and business opportunities. The commercial programme and the unveiling of the official emblem are set to follow.
Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee President Andrew Liveris thanked the IOC President, the President-elect and the Coordination Commission members for their visit, praising the close collaboration and guidance.
“This visit has provided a critical opportunity to provide real-time updates on our planning and developments across our Brisbane 2032 team and Games Delivery Partners,” he said.
“Conversations have been constructive, and I’m delighted the Coordination Commission has had an opportunity to visit sites across Brisbane and south-east Queensland to see the real progress we are making.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us, but it’s an exciting time for Brisbane 2032 and our communities, and there is an unwavering commitment across all stakeholders to get on with the job.”
