Brisbane 2032 has been labelled the “hot mess Olympics” by an influential construction-industry website.
In its latest YouTube video, The B1M, which has 3.72 million subscribers, refers to Brisbane as “the Florida of Australia”, and adds, “By all accounts, the next Games are in shambles.”
The video, which features a thumbnail with the words “Never gonna happen”, says Brisbane had long sought the Olympics and was effectively chosen by the International Olympics Committee without competitive bidding.
It also notes that Brisbane was given 11 years of preparation instead of the usual seven, yet it is still behind in its planning.
The B1M says the Brisbane Games are billions over budget, have undergone a series of venue plan U-turns, and are deeply unpopular with the public.
The video, with notched up more than 100,000 views in just over a day online, also notes:
The initial plan to demolish and rebuild the Gabba Stadium, with costs soaring to $2.7 billion, “drew public outrage”.
Subsequent proposals, including redeveloping the Queensland Sports and Athletic Centre, also met criticism due to poor public transport links.
The current, third plan, confirmed in March 2024, includes a new 63,000-seat Olympic stadium in Victoria Park and a 25,000-seat aquatic complex, despite earlier promises of no new stadiums.
The video, apparently scripted by London-based content producer Tim Gibson, says these changes, coupled with a local cost-of-living crisis, have led to public questioning of the vast expenditure, fearing “white elephant projects” similar to issues that led Melbourne to withdraw from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
It also notes that the rowing will take place in Rockhampton “an area famous for its crocodiles”.
On a more positive note, it does say that, despite mixed public enthusiasm, Brisbane is one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, and some believe the Olympics could elevate its global standing and address genuine infrastructure needs. B1M suggests public enthusiasm may pick up as the event approaches.
You can watch the full video here.
What do you think?
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This writing life…
Here’s the double act you didn’t know you needed to see: Ben Elton and H.G. Nelson.
Nelson (real name: Greig Pickhaver) will interview Elton about the latter’s autobiography, What Have I Done?, on stage at the Concert Hall on November 7. Details are here.
If that excites you, you may also be interested to know that Eddie Izzard is also on her way to QPAC soon.
Tom Gleeson has also announced a new tour. You can catch him in Caloundra in November or wait until June next year for him to make it to Brisbane.
Oh, and Sting’s musical, The Last Ship, will be playing at the new Glasshouse Theatre next year sometime. You can register to be notified of the pre-sale here.
P.S.
It’s been reported that Premier David Crisafulli and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese want Donald Trump to come to Brisbane for a Quad meeting. This will mean massive disruption from the huge security entourage that always accompanies the president and the protests he will inevitably attract. We don’t need either.
P.P.S.
Farewell, David Stratton. Thank you for sharing your passion for cinema with us.
Brett, I still love your idea of hosting the Olympics in Greece. The same place each time without causing so much angst and cost! to world communities who from what I can see, are becoming less enamoured with the Olympics with each passing year. My young adult children couldn't give a toss about watching a select few athletes fighting for personal medals and the subsequent rights to sell breakfast cereals. Cynical? Yep. Spend the money on junior sport. Get kids of devices and outdoors. Sport should be for fun and fitness. It should NOT be an industry that funds the IOC's world trips. Just my personal opinion. And, very sad to hear about the passing of David Stratton. 🙁