With the imminent announcement of a new Premier, the Australian Constructors Association (ACA) is urging the Queensland Government to reconsider its approach to delivering the 2032 Olympics.
ACA CEO Jon Davies said the decision by the former Premier to establish a coordination office can now be reversed, and an independent Olympic Delivery Authority established to ensure bipartisan political support.
“Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will leave a lasting infrastructure legacy from her time in office but any transition to a new Premier provides an opportunity for fresh thinking on how this is delivered,” said Mr Davies.
“In particular, the incoming Premier should reconsider the baffling decision not to set up an Olympic Delivery Authority.
“To give the Games the best possible chance of success, planning must be done at arm’s length from the government and in consultation with all stakeholders.
“We need a transparent approach to decision-making that considers the views of everyone needed to make the games a success such as sporting bodies, industry, the International Olympic Committee and all levels of government.
“We need to avoid a scenario where calls are made that lack consensus, like the funding ‘agreement’ for the redevelopment of the RNA Showgrounds.
“And there’s another critical factor to consider - the fact the delivery of Olympic infrastructure is not happening in isolation. From health and water projects to renewables, rail and road upgrades, the State is trying to deliver historic levels of investment in infrastructure.
“The industry nationwide is already grappling with a major worker shortage of more than 200,000 and if work isn’t properly coordinated, we will see hunger games where delivery agencies compete against each other for resources.”
To mitigate these challenges and learn from past experiences, ACA calls for the new Premier to establish an independent delivery authority. This strategic move is vital to delivering a cost-effective and well-coordinated event that leaves a lasting legacy for the state – not an exorbitant bill.
About us:
The Australian Constructors Association is the only representative body for contractors delivering vertical and horizontal construction projects, as well as undertaking infrastructure asset management. Our members construct and service the majority of major infrastructure projects built in Australia every year. Our goal is to create a more sustainable construction industry.
Contact details:
Megan Anderson, Head of Media and Communications
ph: 0475 978 478 / e: megan.anderson@constructors.com.au
