Milan, Italy – As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approach their opening ceremony this Saturday, organizers of the Brisbane 2032 Summer Games are closely observing, hoping to glean valuable lessons from what is being described as the most dispersed Winter Olympics in history. The Brisbane organizing committee, fresh off a positive reception at the IOC Summit in Milan, acknowledges the significant challenges inherent in hosting a Games spread across a vast geographical area.
Andrew Liveris, President of Brisbane 2032, has openly discussed the financial realities of the dispersed model. “The costing out of that [means] we have the bid budget and that bears no resemblance to reality, especially right now,” Liveris stated to delegates in Milan. The Brisbane Games are planned to utilize venues stretching from Toowoomba in the west, to Cairns and Rockhampton in the north, and encompassing both the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, Logan, and areas within Brisbane itself.
The initial bid budget, Liveris admitted, is no longer reflective of the anticipated costs. “We are working with the IOC on the revised budget,” he said. The dispersal of venues introduces complexities in areas such as athlete villages, transportation, and overall logistical planning. Liveris emphasized the importance of learning from the Milan Cortina experience to ensure both affordability and a positive experience for athletes and fans.
The positive feedback received from International Olympic Committee members regarding Brisbane’s commercial and logistical progress is encouraging, but Liveris remains focused on mitigating potential risks. He highlighted the need to address the challenges of operating a supply chain across a dispersed Games and ensuring a consistent athlete experience regardless of location. “We’re going to learn how to operate a supply chain across a dispersed Games, how to have an athlete experience in different villages,” Liveris explained.
However, Brisbane’s ambitions extend beyond simply replicating the Milano Cortina model. Liveris stressed the desire to create a uniquely “Aussie” Olympic experience, potentially incorporating new sports beyond the existing 27 core sports. The Los Angeles 2028 Games, which have added squash, flag football, lacrosse, cricket, and baseball/softball to their program, serve as a precedent for Brisbane’s potential influence on the sporting lineup. Suggestions for inclusion include surf lifesaving, coastal rowing, netball, lawn bowls, and even pickleball.
While eager to learn from Milan Cortina, Liveris is also keen to avoid repeating their mistakes, specifically concerning venue delays. The Milano Santagiulia ice hockey stadium, for example, is still under construction just days before the Games begin, with its first match scheduled for Thursday. Liveris expressed confidence that Brisbane’s venues will be delivered on time, citing extensive reviews and contingency planning. “I see no concern that timelines will be managed,” he asserted.
Labor shortages in Australia are a concern, but Liveris believes the migration of workers from southern states to Queensland, where much of the Olympic development is taking place, will help alleviate the issue. “The southern states are losing jobs…and we’re the beneficiaries of that: there is a lot of migration of labour coming north to our part of the country,” he noted. Regular reviews of timelines and proactive planning are in place to address potential disruptions.
Liveris, drawing on his experience in project management, expressed optimism about delivering the Games on time and within budget. “I’ve built things before. I’ve built them on time and on budget or under budget,” he said. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasized the importance of thorough planning and proactive problem-solving.
The Brisbane 2032 organizing committee also plans to establish a significant presence at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, further demonstrating their commitment to preparation and learning. This observation period will allow them to refine their strategies and address potential issues before hosting their own Games. The lessons learned from both Milan Cortina and Los Angeles will be crucial in ensuring the success of the Brisbane Olympics, which aim to showcase the city and accelerate urban development across South-East Queensland.
The overarching goal, according to Liveris, is to create a positive experience for both participants and local communities. “They have to feel good about the people coming, the athletes that are there, and have no disruption to their lives,” he stated, underscoring the importance of community engagement and minimizing negative impacts during the Games.
