Latest news with #Bleijie
7NEWS
a day ago
- Business
- 7NEWS
Billions locked in for 2032 Olympic Games with new Queensland and federal government deal
Brisbane 's Olympic dream is becoming a reality with an intergovernmental agreement securing a $1.2 billion federal fund for the new Brisbane stadium. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie announced the funding partnership and the plans for the Games on Thursday. 'To deliver this once-in-a-generation event, you need to work with partners,' he said. 'What today's deal means is certainty for games infrastructure going forward.' Federal contributions for this project will total $3.4 billion and both governments will commit a combined $7.1 billion to deliver 17 new or upgraded sports venues, including the promised Victoria Park stadium. 'Despite being from different political persuasions, we have worked well together in the state and in the national interest,' the deputy premier said. Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the deal will help the Olympics leave an 'incredible legacy for Queensland'. 'The Australian government's commitment of $3.4 billion towards the Games venues is the single largest contribution any Australian government has made towards sporting infrastructure in this country,' she said. At the heart of Brisbane 2032 is Victoria Park's proposed 63,000-seat stadium. It was confirmed on Thursday that the stadium will be used for the opening and closing ceremonies. Work has already begun, including soil sampling and geotechnical studies, to ensure the site will be fit to build on. The site, however, holds major cultural significance with First Nations people and the redevelopment plans have brought about cultural heritage controversy for the state government. The LNP ensured on Thursday that they acknowledge their obligation to reach an agreement with First Nations groups, 'but ultimately if an agreement can't be reached, then the laws have to override', Bleijie said. This controversy is yet another for the state government, which has continually been challenged by First Nations people since coming into office. Leeanne Enoch, Labor member for Algester in Queensland, commented in parliament last week that 'this LNP government is hell-bent on winding back any progress made regarding reconciliation in this state'. Enoch accused the LNP of attempting to 'erase' First Nations people from the QLD public sector. 'This government is determined to undermine the impact of years of cross-cultural training and agreed protocols designed to ensure government agencies are able to effectively serve some of the most vulnerable people in our community,' she said. Bleijie said that the LNP recognise Victoria Park is a significant issue, but was 'confident that we will secure the support (of First Nations people)'.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Billions locked in as deal secures Games' future
A deal locking in billions for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games has been struck between Queensland and the federal government to give the Brisbane event "certainty". Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie trumpeted the deal, which includes both governments committing 50-50 funding for minor venues, a full relocation of funding for the Brisbane Arena and $1.2 billion of federal funds towards a main stadium at Brisbane's Victoria Park. The Brisbane Arena, which the federal government was set to stump up $2.5 billion for, was scrapped during a 100-day review to determine the infrastructure plan for the Games. Mr Bleijie said a market-led proposal for the 17,000-seat arena with private sector interest would provide better benefits for taxpayers. Funding for the Games is split equally between both the state and federal governments under a $7.1 billion envelope. The federal government is set to invest more than $3.4 billion in the Games - the single largest contribution towards sporting infrastructure in Australia's history, federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said. "It is about ensuring that when we hand the keys back after the closing ceremony, Queensland has the infrastructure it needs to build on this incredible legacy for decades to come," Ms King said. "Our most decentralised state will become home to the most decentralised Games." The centrepiece of Brisbane 2032 is a proposed $3.7 billion, 63,000-seat stadium at the inner-city Victoria Park. Investigative works at the site have begun with geotechnical studies and soil sampling ongoing, Mr Blejie said. Topography and boundary surveys are set to be undertaken to inform design and construction planning. Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris welcomed the agreement and hopes shovels will be in the ground for major venues by the end of 2026. "Today marks a significant shift in forward momentum following the Queensland government's announcement in March of its 2032 Delivery Plan," Mr Liveris said. The International Olympic Committee have backed the LNP government's 2032 venue plan after several false starts, saying the Brisbane Games are "on the right path". But Olympic rowing still has clouds over its viability on Rockhampton's Fitzroy River as the sport's international body is set to visit the site. Mr Bleijie said the government was very committed to hosting rowing on the Fitzroy. A total of $145.5 million has been allocated to Brisbane Olympic infrastructure in the forthcoming financial year, under Treasurer David Janetzki's first budget. That will blow out to $1.7 billion over the next four years, with $950 million allocated to the construction of the athletes' villages and $832 million for procurement and delivery of venues. The government recently passed a bill to guarantee construction of 2032 Olympic sites are not impeded by exempting them from 15 planning laws. The laws include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking outrage from advocacy groups. A deal locking in billions for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games has been struck between Queensland and the federal government to give the Brisbane event "certainty". Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie trumpeted the deal, which includes both governments committing 50-50 funding for minor venues, a full relocation of funding for the Brisbane Arena and $1.2 billion of federal funds towards a main stadium at Brisbane's Victoria Park. The Brisbane Arena, which the federal government was set to stump up $2.5 billion for, was scrapped during a 100-day review to determine the infrastructure plan for the Games. Mr Bleijie said a market-led proposal for the 17,000-seat arena with private sector interest would provide better benefits for taxpayers. Funding for the Games is split equally between both the state and federal governments under a $7.1 billion envelope. The federal government is set to invest more than $3.4 billion in the Games - the single largest contribution towards sporting infrastructure in Australia's history, federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said. "It is about ensuring that when we hand the keys back after the closing ceremony, Queensland has the infrastructure it needs to build on this incredible legacy for decades to come," Ms King said. "Our most decentralised state will become home to the most decentralised Games." The centrepiece of Brisbane 2032 is a proposed $3.7 billion, 63,000-seat stadium at the inner-city Victoria Park. Investigative works at the site have begun with geotechnical studies and soil sampling ongoing, Mr Blejie said. Topography and boundary surveys are set to be undertaken to inform design and construction planning. Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris welcomed the agreement and hopes shovels will be in the ground for major venues by the end of 2026. "Today marks a significant shift in forward momentum following the Queensland government's announcement in March of its 2032 Delivery Plan," Mr Liveris said. The International Olympic Committee have backed the LNP government's 2032 venue plan after several false starts, saying the Brisbane Games are "on the right path". But Olympic rowing still has clouds over its viability on Rockhampton's Fitzroy River as the sport's international body is set to visit the site. Mr Bleijie said the government was very committed to hosting rowing on the Fitzroy. A total of $145.5 million has been allocated to Brisbane Olympic infrastructure in the forthcoming financial year, under Treasurer David Janetzki's first budget. That will blow out to $1.7 billion over the next four years, with $950 million allocated to the construction of the athletes' villages and $832 million for procurement and delivery of venues. The government recently passed a bill to guarantee construction of 2032 Olympic sites are not impeded by exempting them from 15 planning laws. The laws include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking outrage from advocacy groups. A deal locking in billions for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games has been struck between Queensland and the federal government to give the Brisbane event "certainty". Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie trumpeted the deal, which includes both governments committing 50-50 funding for minor venues, a full relocation of funding for the Brisbane Arena and $1.2 billion of federal funds towards a main stadium at Brisbane's Victoria Park. The Brisbane Arena, which the federal government was set to stump up $2.5 billion for, was scrapped during a 100-day review to determine the infrastructure plan for the Games. Mr Bleijie said a market-led proposal for the 17,000-seat arena with private sector interest would provide better benefits for taxpayers. Funding for the Games is split equally between both the state and federal governments under a $7.1 billion envelope. The federal government is set to invest more than $3.4 billion in the Games - the single largest contribution towards sporting infrastructure in Australia's history, federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said. "It is about ensuring that when we hand the keys back after the closing ceremony, Queensland has the infrastructure it needs to build on this incredible legacy for decades to come," Ms King said. "Our most decentralised state will become home to the most decentralised Games." The centrepiece of Brisbane 2032 is a proposed $3.7 billion, 63,000-seat stadium at the inner-city Victoria Park. Investigative works at the site have begun with geotechnical studies and soil sampling ongoing, Mr Blejie said. Topography and boundary surveys are set to be undertaken to inform design and construction planning. Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris welcomed the agreement and hopes shovels will be in the ground for major venues by the end of 2026. "Today marks a significant shift in forward momentum following the Queensland government's announcement in March of its 2032 Delivery Plan," Mr Liveris said. The International Olympic Committee have backed the LNP government's 2032 venue plan after several false starts, saying the Brisbane Games are "on the right path". But Olympic rowing still has clouds over its viability on Rockhampton's Fitzroy River as the sport's international body is set to visit the site. Mr Bleijie said the government was very committed to hosting rowing on the Fitzroy. A total of $145.5 million has been allocated to Brisbane Olympic infrastructure in the forthcoming financial year, under Treasurer David Janetzki's first budget. That will blow out to $1.7 billion over the next four years, with $950 million allocated to the construction of the athletes' villages and $832 million for procurement and delivery of venues. The government recently passed a bill to guarantee construction of 2032 Olympic sites are not impeded by exempting them from 15 planning laws. The laws include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking outrage from advocacy groups. A deal locking in billions for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games has been struck between Queensland and the federal government to give the Brisbane event "certainty". Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie trumpeted the deal, which includes both governments committing 50-50 funding for minor venues, a full relocation of funding for the Brisbane Arena and $1.2 billion of federal funds towards a main stadium at Brisbane's Victoria Park. The Brisbane Arena, which the federal government was set to stump up $2.5 billion for, was scrapped during a 100-day review to determine the infrastructure plan for the Games. Mr Bleijie said a market-led proposal for the 17,000-seat arena with private sector interest would provide better benefits for taxpayers. Funding for the Games is split equally between both the state and federal governments under a $7.1 billion envelope. The federal government is set to invest more than $3.4 billion in the Games - the single largest contribution towards sporting infrastructure in Australia's history, federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said. "It is about ensuring that when we hand the keys back after the closing ceremony, Queensland has the infrastructure it needs to build on this incredible legacy for decades to come," Ms King said. "Our most decentralised state will become home to the most decentralised Games." The centrepiece of Brisbane 2032 is a proposed $3.7 billion, 63,000-seat stadium at the inner-city Victoria Park. Investigative works at the site have begun with geotechnical studies and soil sampling ongoing, Mr Blejie said. Topography and boundary surveys are set to be undertaken to inform design and construction planning. Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris welcomed the agreement and hopes shovels will be in the ground for major venues by the end of 2026. "Today marks a significant shift in forward momentum following the Queensland government's announcement in March of its 2032 Delivery Plan," Mr Liveris said. The International Olympic Committee have backed the LNP government's 2032 venue plan after several false starts, saying the Brisbane Games are "on the right path". But Olympic rowing still has clouds over its viability on Rockhampton's Fitzroy River as the sport's international body is set to visit the site. Mr Bleijie said the government was very committed to hosting rowing on the Fitzroy. A total of $145.5 million has been allocated to Brisbane Olympic infrastructure in the forthcoming financial year, under Treasurer David Janetzki's first budget. That will blow out to $1.7 billion over the next four years, with $950 million allocated to the construction of the athletes' villages and $832 million for procurement and delivery of venues. The government recently passed a bill to guarantee construction of 2032 Olympic sites are not impeded by exempting them from 15 planning laws. The laws include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking outrage from advocacy groups.
9 News
2 days ago
- Business
- 9 News
Governments reach major milestone ahead of Brisbane 2032 Olympics
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Queensland has reached an Olympic milestone, after the state and federal governments struck an infrastructure funding deal for the 2032 Games. The governments today signed off on paperwork outlining funding to build or upgrade a total of 17 sporting venues. The federal government will inject almost half of the $7 billion infrastructure cost. Paperwork outlining funding to build or upgrade a total of 17 sporting venues has been signed off. (9News) Of that, $1.2 billion will go directly to the new Victoria Park stadium. "What today's deal means is certainty for our infrastructure delivery program, for industry, for host communities and for workers," Queensland deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie said. "We've just got to get on and deliver it." The federal government's cash splash comes on the proviso of further community consultation on Victoria Park stadium. "The Queensland government and Brisbane City Council will develop a new precinct plan for the area with a focus on access to green space," federal infrastructure minister Catherine King said. The federal government will inject almost half of the $7 billion infrastructure cost. (9News) A community engagement plan, including consultation with impacted communities and First Nations group, will also be developed, King said. The government also wants a transport connectivity plan, but Bleijie denied calls had been about about new rail stations. "I think TMR may have done some brainstorming on where they would like to see certain things," Bleijie said. "I'm not ruling anything out about the transportation because what we need to do is work out what will be the best public transportation system." Geotechnical work, including soil testing, is expected to get under way at Victoria Park next week to help determine exactly where the stadium will go. Tenders for early design work on each of the four minor venues - Logan and Moreton Bay Sports Centres, the Sunshine Coast Stadium and Barlow Park Stadium in Cairns -also opened today. Artist's impression of the Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre. (9News) Bleijie was confident the entertainment precinct at Woollongabba was going ahead and would be built before the games. While it's not a games site, the government is taking expressions of interest to fund it. Bleijie said today they've had 2200 expressions of interest so far and expect the first stage of plans by the end of the year. "The real legacy of an olympiad and the paralympic games isn't just the sporting moments, it's the legacy that it ignites," King said. queensland Brisbane national Australia Olympics CONTACT US Auto news: 'No simple answer': Is there a buffer for speed cameras?
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Billions locked in as deal secures Games' future
A deal locking in billions for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games has been struck between Queensland and the federal government to give the Brisbane event "certainty". Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie trumpeted the deal, which includes both governments committing 50-50 funding for minor venues, a full relocation of funding for the Brisbane Arena and $1.2 billion of federal funds towards a main stadium at Brisbane's Victoria Park. The Brisbane Arena, which the federal government was set to stump up $2.5 billion for, was scrapped during a 100-day review to determine the infrastructure plan for the Games. Mr Bleijie said a market-led proposal for the 17,000-seat arena with private sector interest would provide better benefits for taxpayers. Funding for the Games is split equally between both the state and federal governments under a $7.1 billion envelope. The federal government is set to invest more than $3.4 billion in the Games - the single largest contribution towards sporting infrastructure in Australia's history, federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said. "It is about ensuring that when we hand the keys back after the closing ceremony, Queensland has the infrastructure it needs to build on this incredible legacy for decades to come," Ms King said. "Our most decentralised state will become home to the most decentralised Games." The centrepiece of Brisbane 2032 is a proposed $3.7 billion, 63,000-seat stadium at the inner-city Victoria Park. Investigative works at the site have begun with geotechnical studies and soil sampling ongoing, Mr Blejie said. Topography and boundary surveys are set to be undertaken to inform design and construction planning. Brisbane 2032 boss Andrew Liveris welcomed the agreement and hopes shovels will be in the ground for major venues by the end of 2026. "Today marks a significant shift in forward momentum following the Queensland government's announcement in March of its 2032 Delivery Plan," Mr Liveris said. The International Olympic Committee have backed the LNP government's 2032 venue plan after several false starts, saying the Brisbane Games are "on the right path". But Olympic rowing still has clouds over its viability on Rockhampton's Fitzroy River as the sport's international body is set to visit the site. Mr Bleijie said the government was very committed to hosting rowing on the Fitzroy. A total of $145.5 million has been allocated to Brisbane Olympic infrastructure in the forthcoming financial year, under Treasurer David Janetzki's first budget. That will blow out to $1.7 billion over the next four years, with $950 million allocated to the construction of the athletes' villages and $832 million for procurement and delivery of venues. The government recently passed a bill to guarantee construction of 2032 Olympic sites are not impeded by exempting them from 15 planning laws. The laws include the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts, sparking outrage from advocacy groups.
7NEWS
26-05-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Wind farm near Rockhampton scrapped in landmark community win
Queensland 's controversial $1 billion Moonlight Range Wind Farm — planned to power more than 260,000 homes — has been officially cancelled by the state government. The project, which included up to 88 giant turbines spread across 1269 hectares, was set to be built about 40km northwest of Rockhampton. Despite receiving planning approval in late 2024, Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie scrapped the project, citing new LNP government laws that prioritise community consultation and give local councils more say on major developments. The new rules mean renewable energy proposals will be subject to the same level of scrutiny as mining and agriculture projects. In January, Bleijie issued a 'call-in notice' to pause the wind farm — along with three others — pending public feedback. He formally announced the cancellation on Monday following the government-led review. 'For too long, Queensland communities were ignored by Labor's failed laws, which shut them out of the approvals process for renewable energy projects proposed to be built in their backyard,' said Bleijie. 'Queenslanders deserve to have a say on any major development in their local community, which is why our government introduced new nation-leading laws to give them a voice on issues that impact the future of their towns. 'Today's announcement highlights how these laws are already helping to level the playing field by ensuring councils and communities have a seat at the decision-making table.' The project, proposed by Greenleaf Renewables, included not only wind turbines but also a large-scale battery storage system. While giant wind turbines produce emission-free electricity when the wind blows, their visual impact and large land usage raise valid community and environmental concerns. 'If communities support these projects, they will proceed,' Bleijie said. During the government-led, 40-day public consultation period, more than 550 submissions were received and found that 85 per cent of the community submissions opposed the wind farm. Member for Mirani Glen Kelly, who has been vocal in opposing the project, welcomed the decision as a win for regional Queenslanders. 'Today is a great day for the Mirani electorate!' Kelly said. 'The Moonlight Range project would have cleared 741 hectares of remnant and critical habitat vegetation and involved blasting the tops off ranges to install turbines.' He credited the LNP government with restoring power to regional voices, adding that the previous Labor government's planning rules had sidelined communities. However, major renewable projects in Queensland have now been scrapped and past initiatives, such as the Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro projec t, have been cancelled, leaving a growing gap in the state's energy grid. 'Every Queenslander will pay a price through higher power bills,' Opposition Leader Steven Miles said.
