THE widening cost of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games underlines the need for governments to be upfront about long-term financial impacts on communities, including ongoing operating costs, according to Redland City Councillor Wendy Boglary.
Her comments follow confirmation from Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris that the Games operating budget is being reworked, after it became clear the original bid figures “bear no resemblance to reality”.
Councillor Boglary said the acknowledgement of operating and legacy costs was overdue and welcomed the shift in language from Games organisers.
“This morning’s announcement, while surprising to some, is a responsible step,” she said.
“For the first time, the ongoing operating costs are being clearly included in the discussion — and that’s something communities have been asking for.”
Cr Boglary said concerns around enabling infrastructure and long-term operating expenses had always been central to the debate, particularly in relation to specialist facilities proposed across South East Queensland.
“It is these initial enabling costs and the future operating costs of facilities like the white-water rafting venue that have always been a concern — and I believe that concern is shared by the community,” she said.
While acknowledging the opportunities the Games could bring, Cr Boglary said financial responsibility must remain front of mind for local governments and ratepayers.
“I absolutely acknowledge the fabulous opportunities such a facility could bring to Redlands and South East Queensland,” she said.
“However, future operating costs for Redlands ratepayers have to be a priority, and we must ensure they won’t become a legacy burden long after the Games are over.”
The Brisbane 2032 operating budget was initially locked in at $4.9 billion during the bid phase in 2021, separate from the $7.1 billion in state and federal funding allocated for venue construction.
Mr Liveris told International Olympic Committee members this week that the decision to stage a dispersed Games across nine Queensland locations had both capital and operational consequences, requiring a full budget rethink.
Cr Boglary said it was encouraging to see those realities now being openly discussed.
“It is a relief to see all costs — both initial and future operating expenditure — now being highlighted and debated,” she said.
“Improved, sustainable, long-term financial decision-making should be the outcome of these discussions.”
She said the challenge now was balancing ambition with accountability.
“Let’s go for gold and plan for all the benefits Redlands can achieve from the Olympic opportunities,” Cr Boglary said.
“But we must remain financially responsible and ensure the legacy we leave behind is a positive one — not a cost burden for future generations.”
