It’s probably time to seriously consider Brisbane cancelling the Olympics.
If no real progress is made by 2028 then its obvious to all what needs to happen.
Both sides (red and blue) have demonstrated they are not capable and serious about delivering the Olympics.
Given how L.A. is spending $40 billion USD on the games including transport, they should have the right to host more than one Summer Olympics games. They can have 2032 and 2036 as no one else wants them. L.A. can probably pull this off too.
The IOC should change the rules to allow this so to allow some certainty for all and allow a host city to recoup costs plus more. The ultimate goal is to allow Greece to permanently host the games and until then it looks like letting L.A. host it 2 or 3 times seems logical the future.
They are running out of time here in Queensland. There is so much that needs to be done it is difficult think that they will get it all done. I reckon there will be further cutbacks (Birtinya <> Caloundra ?). The longer it takes to get started the greater the likelihood of cost overruns and labour shortages.
TMR’s increasingly rubbery wording to describe the section from Caloundra to Birtinya seems to suggest they aren’t confident that section will be built by 2032.
Given how (unrealistically) optimistic governments usually are about completing major transport projects on schedule, it’s looking more likely that Beerwah→Caloundra is all we’re likely to have by 2032.
The bad news is, TMR won’t begin construction on stage 2 to Birtinya unless it can be fully completed by 2032. This is to ensure there are no closures during the olympics, and also so resources can be deployed on olympic-specific projects.
The olympics is likely to be a roadblock rather than a catalyst for the heavy rail extension.
The ‘upside’ is I don’t think we need to be worried about having the heavy rail corridor turned into BRT north of Birtinya. Most likely outcome is buses on existing roads from Caloundra, with some bus priority.
Let’s be clear and not get ahead of ourselves… we had a longgg time to prepare for the Olympics; more time than any other Olympic Games in living memory. Yes, we have squandered that time, but no, we aren’t at the stage yet where it’s hopeless. Sydney had 7 years to prepare for context.
Will it cause the huge uplift in public transport investment that we were all hoping it would bring about… well, it doesn’t seem like it unfortunately. But, if it weren’t for the Olympics, we wouldn’t be getting the focus on public transport that we are currently seeing. A lot of our media enquiries relate to Olympic preparedness, and this will only boom as we get closer. It may not see the direct change we want, but it sure as hell could bring about a perceptual change in the ordinary punter which we can then capitalise on long-term.
But, projects in Queensland seem to take a lot longer than other states. This what makes me a wee bit nervous. Consider Cross River Rail and the Melbourne Metro Tunnel. Both started construction together (2017). Melbourne Metro Tunnel, more complex than CRR will open later this year. Cross River Rail is years behind it now.
If Brisbane cancels the Olympics, the largest international event in the world, it would ruin Brisbane’s international reputation for the better part of a generation. Look at the fallout Victoria copped for the lesser Commonwealth Games, then multiply it by a factor of 10, at least. Cancellation is not an option here.
That aside, even though we don’t hear about it in the media, progress is being made on the Olympic venues. The GIICA have appointed Simon Crooks as their CEO - Crooks was the head of the Queen’s Wharf development, and managed to get the thing finished in spite of The Star’s near bankruptcy, so I think he is a good choice! The Government have arrived as a shortlist for the architects for the indoor sports arenas and minor stadium, and we’re expecting to get news of the award in the near future. The first stage of Main Arena works to the RNA Showgrounds started straight after Ekka, and I’ve personally seen Olympics-related print jobs come across my desk from a number of large infrastructure companies - they’re either involved, or are trying to get involved. The cogs are most definitely turning…
I don’t want to sound overly political about it, but I do believe that the Crisafulli Government is moving as fast as is possible on these Olympic projects, given the years of apparent inaction from the Palaszczuk and Miles Governments.
Isn’t there some requirement around number of hotel rooms - that Brisbane meets due to the inclusion of the GC and SC, but that Perth, Canberra, Birdsville, etc…. (Every town in the country other than Sydney and Melbourne) wouldn’t meet?
It is still considered that SEQ needs a lot more hotels to properly cater for the Olympics. There was an AFR article earlier in the year that warned that Brisbane faces a shortfall of 30,000 hotel rooms:
Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Natassia Wheeler said Brisbane hotel capacity is well behind the two preceding host Olympic cities.
“South-east Queensland has 46,000 hotel rooms, compared to 120,000 in Los Angeles and 133,000 in Paris,” she said.
“Even with new developments, Queensland will only hit 51,000 by 2030, nowhere near what is needed.”
Toowoomba Mayor continues to talk about this in the press. Not sure if it’s possible by the Olympics but it needs to be done regardless. The highway needs to be left alone and the PT links improved.
As many of us have advocated, either an attitude shift around medium distance buses or upgrades to run trains to Helidon with shuttle buses to Toowoomba is likely needed. As a resident of the Southern Downs, I strongly endorse both these options being given serious consideration. I get a new main range railway won’t happen, but options do actually exist. Helidon station would need a facelift though . Right now it’s basically a large shed.
Helidon is certainly structurally sound, I am mostly worried that if it’s some sort of Olympic way station that it’s aesthetics are somewhat lacking. A ‘facelift’ would only really need to be cosmetic I think.
Stairs at the main entrance, something akin to a gravel ramp at the far end of the platform. The current building was opened in 1968 (I found a photo of the station dedication plaque from my visit in 2024) and its accessibility profile is consistent with that era (i.e. not really considered). Platforms are not raised, no humps, and as some may know, the only train that presently uses it (The Westlander) is described as having limited accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
HELIDON RAILWAY STATION
THIS PLAQUE WAS UNVAILED ON
23RD AUGUST 1968
BY THE HON. GORDON W. CHALK M.L.A.
DEPUTY PREMIER AND TREASURER
TO MARK THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE BUILDING WHICH
WAS DESIGNED AND SUPERVISED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL
STAFF OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER’S BRANCH AND
CONSTRUCTED BY DAVID STEWART CONSTRUCTIONS.
W.S.NUTT A.G.LEE
CHIEF ENGINEER COMMISSIONER
That was my worry. So while the structure might be sound it likely won’t suit works to make it accessible which any interchange station would need to be, especially if it was to play any role in Olympics transport.
. Right now it’s basically a large shed.
