The impact of Noosa Independent MP Sandy Bolton’s advocacy has been realised on the unified Crossbench Statement made on 23 May 2023, which called for a number of commitments from the Queensland Government regarding the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
These included the scrapping of the Gabba rebuild, transfer of athletes’ accommodation on completion to communities, and adhering to the $7.1 billion budget.
“The hosting of the Olympics in Brisbane has brought excitement and opportunities to so many, however as we have raised, we must get the basics right.
“As all are aware, we have many pressing needs throughout Queensland straight after fires, the Covid pandemic and floods. The ongoing housing and rental stresses, health care needs and crime impacts, combined with increases in cost-of-living require substantial extra resources to address, and must be a priority.” Sandy said.
Following ongoing advocacy, the Queensland Government announced on Monday 18 March that the Gabba rebuild would not proceed. Instead it will be replaced with a more modest enhancement of the existing facility in consultation with AFL, Cricket Australia, and other stakeholders, and explore upgrades to the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC).
“Also welcomed has been reassurances that Olympic costs will remain within the agreed funding envelope of $7.1 billion to be shared between the State and Commonwealth governments, which myself and fellow Crossbench Members of Parliament (MPs) had also called for,” Sandy said.
In September 2023 Sandy asked a Question on Notice in Parliament regarding ensuring all Olympics athlete accommodation be transferred to community housing providers at the Games’ completion.
The response included that currently proposed is that a diverse range of housing types will be delivered as part of the Brisbane Athlete Village, including social and affordable housing. In addition, after 2032, the athletes’ villages in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast will collectively deliver more than 2500 permanent dwellings, with innovative ways sought to repurpose the Villages and leverage Games-related precincts to increase the long-term supply of inclusive and accessible homes for local people.
“Our advocacy will continue on this as it is supported by 81.30% of respondents to our latest annual Noosa MP Community Survey as well regarding the other commitments not yet addressed that are outlined in the unified Crossbench Statement,” Sandy said.
Sandy has updates on many local matters on Noosa 360 at SandyBolton.com/Noosa360
