News Gabba Upgrade & Olympics News

[weevil]

Agree without a rail station that is their only option other than people walking.
It will cost a motza to do the busway anyhow not to mention the bus route disruption while taking years to complete.

The only sensible solution is a new rail station that will have no disruption to existing public transport.
They will have direct access to the site as VP will be a construction zone in a lot of designated places.
Maybe all VP will be a no person zone until finished

Even the high ups at Qld Rail knew a station was needed when they set aside the Train Wash Building area that got leaked the morning of the last LNP Olympic function update.

I am just hoping that the Crisafulli "no new stadium" ends up the same way as "new rail station not a preferred option".
Maybe it's his way to be against something to get on side (votes) and when an independent panel say otherwise, he has a good reason to change his mind.

I do get the feeling it's the costs of a new rail station is the main reason Crisafulli is hesitant.
Plenty of time to get the funds needed as long as he keeps the Coal super-profits-tax in place that he was against.
Unfortunately, what's happening in the Middle East just on "LNG gas" should greatly increase coal exports and tax collected by the State Government.
Countries using imported gas for electricity will have to use lots more coal in the older generators than anticipated.
Australia's LNG gas exports (inc Qld) will be needed in bigger quantities to help in the world shortfall. More tax collected

Yeah, people seem to think I’m saying that the bus stuff is the best option, not at all.

I’m trying to figure out how the hell they think they are going to make it work without a dedicated train station.

 

[Perrip]

I’m trying to figure out how the hell they think they are going to make it work without a dedicated train station.

We don't really know until Arup release their draft master plan, hopefully next week at the delivery plan update. Until then it's just guessing what's actually going to be in the work Arup is completing.
And, if people believe the transport suggestions aren't good enough, they should engage with the consultation process to suggest further improvements.

 

[mighty_lions]

We don't really know until Arup release their draft master plan, hopefully next week at the delivery plan update. Until then it's just guessing what's actually going to be in the work Arup is completing.
And, if people believe the transport suggestions aren't good enough, they should engage with the consultation process to suggest further improvements.

What worries me is bleijie seemed pretty adamant there won’t be a new station and it was different to the no new stadiums discussion because that was all just kick the can down the road

 

[Perrip]

Delivering Brisbane 2032 | The Hon Jarrod Bleijie MP [Queensland Media Club: Wednesday March 25]

 

[Section 5]

The above ground rail entry/exit taking shape at Wooloongabba

 

[M Malice]

Just asked AI about current budget projections >

The total revised budget for the Cross River Rail project and its associated works is now $19.041 billion, as officially confirmed by the Queensland Government in October 2025. The original budget for the core project was $5.4 billion when it was first promoted in 2017.

• Tunnel & Underground Stations:
  • Revised: $12.4 billion (includes design, construction, and 25 years of maintenance).
  • Original: $5.4 billion for the core tunnel and station scope.
• Integration & Surface Upgrades:
  • Revised: $2.1 billion for associated works, including stabling facility upgrades (e.g., Clapham Yard) and rebuilding above-ground stations (e.g., Exhibition, Dutton Park, and the Fairfield to Salisbury line).

No way in the world the Victoria Park precinct comes in anywhere near current projections... it will still all be worth it IMO.

 

[M Malice]

• Other Related Costs:
  • Approximately $1.5 billion has been attributed to delays, contractor claims, and industrial action negotiations.

 

[Perrip]

Just asked AI about current budget projections >

The total revised budget for the Cross River Rail project and its associated works is now $19.041 billion, as officially confirmed by the Queensland Government in October 2025. The original budget for the core project was $5.4 billion when it was first promoted in 2017

They delved into the CRR delays and budget blowout last week at the CMFEU inquiry.
CFMEU accused of pouring concrete in toilets on Cross River Rail site

 

[M Malice]

For some reason Big Footy is not letting me link all the AI info in one post the above posts do not include $1.7 Billion for the European Train Control System.

Also mentioned that the current opening date is 2029, after originally being this year when it was first started in mid 2019. Hopefully the Olympic build doesn't suffer the same fate.... could be a tad embarrassing for Australia.

 

[weevil]

Also mentioned that the current opening date is 2029, after originally being this year when it was first started in mid 2019. Hopefully the Olympic build doesn't suffer the same fate.... could be a tad embarrassing for Australia.

2029 is highly likely LNP politicking. Most people seem to think it's likely to be next year, along with a "We brilliantly fast-tracked the delivery" announcement.

 

[Perrip]

The above ground rail entry/exit taking shape at Wooloongabba

Thanks for the share. I didn't realise how big the site is, I can see why they want the Arena to go there.

 

[Section 5]

First of all, the CFMEU is a disgrace and no doubt helped blow out the costs big time on CRR. Labor has to wear that
......................................................................................................

https://cabinet.qld.gov.au/documents/2017/Aug/CRRBusCase/Attachments/BusinessCase.pdf

A few things below from the business case (Link above 240page) where the $5.4 billion costs are mentioned first up.

Page 3 or E1 at the very beginning.
"At an estimated cost of delivery of $5.4 billion, Cross River Rail will deliver a new 10.2-kilometre rail line between Dutton Park and Bowen Hills, with 5.9 kilometres of tunnel under the Brisbane River and the CBD. New, high-capacity stations at four inner-city locations and upgrades of Dutton Park and Exhibition stations will provide direct access to more places of work, study and recreation."
...............................................

Page 7
($5.4 billion for what's mentioned in the image below).
(Hard to read the highlighted being world class signaling (ETCS L2) and accommodation for new rolling stock (not the trains themselves)


..........................................................................................................................................

Maybe the image below is a better guide. Link also
I can't find a date, but it was put out by Labors Mark Bailey, and the brochure starts off with $5.4 billion for CRR. Most likely after the business case
Just under his name it mentions, "excluding maintenance funding".
An extended breakdown of costs at the end of the brochure titled SEQ Rail Connect

The LNP have decided to include everything including 25 years maintenance, 65 new trains. Who knows what else they included.
As can be seen the 65 trains costings are $7.1 billion on their own.

https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SEQ_Rail_Connect_-_FINAL.pdf

.............................................................................................................................................

Another article with Labor questioning the LNP total costings

Cross River Rail Debate Intensifies Amid Cost and Timeline Dispute - Fortitude Valley News

Initially promised to open in 2026 with a $5.4 billion budget, the Cross River Rail project now faces allegations of cost blowouts to $17 billion and a delayed operational date (2029), causing heated debates and conflicting explanations.

fortitudevalleynews.com.au

 

[Section 5]

Just a bit of side information prior to Wednesdays update
Below link to the Olympic Charter effective from 3/2/2026
The total number of beds required for the Olympic Villages is 15,500

https://stillmed.olympics.com/media/Documents/International-Olympic-Committee/IOC-Publications/EN-Olympic-Charter.pdf

Rule 45 and By-law to rule 45: Programme of the Olympic Games* found on pages 84 to 86
I will just copy a few of the rule 45 that are interesting
The sports Programme is 7 years prior with allowances for later. But the Events programme is no later than 3 years prior
IF - International Federation
IOC - International Olympic Committee
OCOG - Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games
........................................................

They list all 27 sports that comply by the code being:
"Only sports which comply with the Olympic Charter, the World Anti-Doping Code and the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competition are eligible to be in the programme"

2.2 3
Prior to any decision relating to the Events Programme, the IOC shall consult the relevant IFs. The IOC Executive Board shall decide on the Events Programme not later than three years prior to the opening of the relevant Olympic Games.

3.1
The OCOG of a specific edition of the Olympic Games may propose to the IOC the inclusion, for such edition only, of one or more additional events; all decisions relating thereto shall be taken in full compliance with this Rule 45 and its Bye-law, and with any further specific conditions set forth by the IOC.

3.2
Unless agreed otherwise with the relevant OCOG, the following approximate numbers shall apply: – with respect to the Games of the Olympiad, ten thousand five hundred (10,500) athletes, five thousand (5,000) accredited coaches and athletes’ support personnel and three hundred and ten (310) events.

3.3 3.4
The Session is entitled to remove from the programme any sport, at any time, at its full discretion, in particular (but not limited to) if the relevant IF governing such sport does not comply with the Olympic Charter, the World Anti-Doping Code, the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions or an IOC Executive Board decision applicable to the relevant IF, or if the relevant IF acts in a manner likely to tarnish the reputation of the Olympic Movement. In addition, the measures and sanctions provided for in Rule 59 may apply.

 

[Perrip]

Rockhampton rowing truth exposed by bombshell report

 

[Perrip]

Rockhampton rowing truth exposed by bombshell report

 

[Perrip]

https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/brisbane-olympics-and-paralympics-2032/rockhampton-rowing-truth-exposed-by-bombshell-report/news-story/9ea3fe1649e54e093c5d42e52c51435a

Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River needs to be widened and dredged to fit Olympic rowing in 2032, a secret report reveals.
The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority’s feasibility study into the government’s controversial plan to host rowing in Rockhampton found significant work was needed to build the venue, but determined it was achievable.
Several people familiar with the GIICA report, who were not authorised to speak publicly, revealed the bend in the Fitzroy River meant it was too narrow in sections and would need to be widened to fit the field of play.
GIICA also found an uneven riverbed would need to be dredged in sections to ensure consistent water flow and fairness for athletes.
Several course options were contained in the report, which also warned further investigation was needed into whether private land would need to be acquired.
The GIICA report did not identify the cost of widening the river and building the temporary venue, which critics privately speculated could soar past $400m.
The analysis is the most significant development since Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie announced, 12 months ago tomorrow, that rowing would be held in Rockhampton.
Mr Bleijie wrote to World Rowing asking it to sign off on GIICA’s feasibility report and endorse a preferred course layout.
President Jean-Christophe Rolland declined to do so and noted World Rowing’s technical studies had not been completed.
Those studies by World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation will determine whether the international organisations sign off on Rockhampton hosting the Olympic event.

 

[Jivlain]

https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/brisbane-olympics-and-paralympics-2032/rockhampton-rowing-truth-exposed-by-bombshell-report/news-story/9ea3fe1649e54e093c5d42e52c51435a

$400m seems like an absurd amount of money to spend on sorting out a rowing course, quite frankly.

It would be funny if there's a flood in 2030 and then it needs re-dredging too

 

[briztoon]

$400m seems like an absurd amount of money to spend on sorting out a rowing course, quite frankly.

It would be funny if there's a flood in 2030 and then it needs re-dredging too

Wouldn’t any dredging be done just before the event?

Better off spending that type of money on a permanent facility that could be used year round, and year after year, near a much larger population.

 

[mighty_lions]

$400m seems like an absurd amount of money to spend on sorting out a rowing course, quite frankly.

It would be funny if there's a flood in 2030 and then it needs re-dredging too

This was the point I was making earlier in the thread, I have no objections to spending money on regional areas like rockhampton but give them something that’s better for the region

Imagine what 400million could look like for grass roots sport in the area

 

[Section 5]

https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/brisbane-olympics-and-paralympics-2032/rockhampton-rowing-truth-exposed-by-bombshell-report/news-story/9ea3fe1649e54e093c5d42e52c51435a

I am not sure how many more reports are needed for the LNP to say they got it wrong.
Probably just waiting for it to be taken out of their hands so they can say "we tried but expert idiots got their way"

Below link has a paywall but i was able to copy this bit
"Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the 2032 Games delivery plan, about 500 rowers have signed up to an open letter demanding a rethink of the ...Read more

World Rowing throws weight behind Moreton Bay Olympic proposal

The deputy premier has insisted Rockhampton’s “mighty” Fitzroy River will host Olympic rowing, but opponents say Jarrod Bleijie’s description proves their point.

www.smh.com.au

 

[Perrip]

Wouldn’t any dredging be done just before the event?

Better off spending that type of money on a permanent facility that could be used year round, and year after year, near a much larger population.

Interesting comments from Professor David Hamilton here regarding that.

Professor David Hamilton, the director of Griffith University’s Australian Rivers Institute, said the $400 million reported by News Corp cost seemed “a bit conservative” to him.
Any dredging would need to be as close as possible to the start of the 2032 Games to be effective, Hamilton said, and to maintain the course as a legacy elite venue for Rockhampton, it would likely need to be dredged about once a year in perpetuity.
...
“The Fitzroy carries an enormous amount of sediment, and that sediment gets relocated year-on-year, particularly in floods – it gets scoured, it gets deposited, redeposited, and so on,” Hamilton said.
“There’s no guarantee that dredging operation – even if it took place very quickly and immediately before the Olympics – would look the same, in terms of the riverbed, as what might occur soon afterwards, particularly if there was a major flood.
“So what you’re faced with is an ongoing operation.”
Hamilton said straitening a stretch would be a “risky business” and have implications on the river’s flow downstream, towards central Rockhampton.
“Rivers have meanders for good reason – that’s what naturally occurs – and those meanders are part of the natural river process,” he said.
“The straightening means that the velocities in the river aren’t slowed to the same extent, even if it is relatively even due to dredging.
“I’d imagine that there’s going to be an enormous effort to control the sediment – that’s not easy in a river system when you’re dredging the bed, when you’re taking out the edges of the river.
“The consequence may be that you could end up with a lot more sediment downstream – it’s not trivial, not trivial at all.”

 

[Perrip]

9 News Qld just showed some exclusive new renders of the stadium, to be unveiled tomorrow. Also reported that early works would begin June 1, which will also be announced tomorrow.

 

[Perrip]

9 News Qld just showed some exclusive new renders of the stadium, to be unveiled tomorrow. Also reported that early works would begin June 1, which will also be announced tomorrow.

Seems to be alternative angles and more detailed to what was unveiled in the last stadium announcement.

 

[mighty_lions]

https://archive.md/filqf

https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/brisbane-olympics-and-paralympics-2032/first-look-inside-new-olympic-stadium-at-victoria-park-as-start-date-revealed/news-story/696bf8d2ca844112d85003cb5c48680e?amp

 

[Perrip]

https://archive.md/filqf

This is great. Keen to see more details on what the below looks like.

The open-air stadium is also set to feature multi-level pedestrian entry points via external bridges across the Inner City Bypass.
The bridges are intended to function not only on event days but also as public thoroughfares when the stadium is not in use.