Lord Mayor Schrinner announced the vision for Brisbane ahead of the 2032 Olympics at the Star Event Centre in Brisbane City by first calling for city residents to reject political extremism gripping the world.

Pointing out that 30 percent of Australia’s population were born overseas, the Lord Mayor said the nation claimed the title of the world’s most successful multicultural nation.

“Let’s celebrate our togetherness and our diversity, let’s protect it and let’s reject political extremes,” Schrinner said. 

He cited Brisbane’s strength by recounting the city’s turbulent history since 2020, referring to COVID lockdowns, floods and cyclones, to the impact of global events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Israel’s attacks on Gaza and the rise of AI.

When it came to tangible deliverables, Schrinner could not promise what Brisbane would look like five years from now.

“I can pitch you something today which ultimately I don’t have control over because I don’t know what’s going to happen next year,” Schrinner said.

Instead, the Lord Mayor pitched “tapping into a vein within Brisbane’s identity” and its bold personality and risk-taking.

Schrinner cited successful “risks” like the introduction of e-scooters and the Brisbane Metro, which have set an international standard for public transit.

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The Lord Mayor called for the city to back Brisbane’s bold risks, to try new things and to pitch new ideas.

“When you’re in government, it’s often advised that you shouldn’t take any risks at all [but] we’re prepared to do things differently,” Schrinner said. 

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Housing

Schrinner also addressed the deliverables of his recent housing announcement, which he claimed to have scrapped from his speech at the last minute.

“We’re looking to see how we can accommodate more homes close to some of the major shopping centres in Brisbane including Indooroopilly, Carindale and Nundah village,” Schrinner said. 

Schrinner said bringing people closer to transport and infrastructure is a priority, as much of Brisbane’s current development doesn’t have adequate access to public transport.

“One of the critical things that needs to occur is the state government needs to keep progressing with the work they’re doing on productivity and dealing with some of the more militant behaviour of certain unions as well that will really help in bringing costs down,” he said. 

Changes to Brisbane Facilities

In relation to the activation of the Brisbane River for the 2032 Olympic Games, Schrinner said “Practicalities of it have been really difficult because there’s so many different agencies to deal with… but there’s now a shared aspiration to change the rules and policies that surround the activation of the river”.

He said several ideas to activate the river had the support of the state government.

When asked about any updates for Riverstage, Schrinner said they are looking for a partner to give the venue its next stage of life. He mentioned private-sector know-how would be helpful in elevating Riverstage, as well as the introduction of premium access to the venue.

The Lord Mayor was also asked about the future of Mt Coot-tha, after several improvements were proposed in the Council Budget back in June.

Schrinner said Mt Coot-tha’s facilities were up to 55 years old and could use a refresh, citing Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay as inspiration.

Proposals for the area included a 100km bushland trail, post-operation plans for the quarry, the installation of public transport to Mt Coot-tha and revitalising Botanic Gardens for function availability.

Transport Updates

In terms of updates to transport in Brisbane ahead of the games, Schrinner said he would advocate for permanent changes by expanding the metro and walkability.

“The Kangaroo Point bridge, as an example, has seen 370,000 cycling trips across the bridge and about 2.7 million walking trips,” Schrinner said. 

Schrinner said Brisbane would take inspiration from Paris and Vancouver in making Brisbane more walkable ahead of the Olympic Games.

Brisbane’s Olympic Legacy

Schrinner addressed what Brisbane’s Olympic Games would be known for.

“It’s a feeling. Immediately when people get off the plane, they’ll stop and think ‘this place feels different,'” Schrinner said. 

Schrinner said Brisbane’s unique natural environment, friendliness, multiculturalism, and modern yet relaxed atmosphere would make it known worldwide.

When asked what tangible deliverables Brisbane could expect to see, Schrinner promised that Brisbane would receive a world-class oval stadium, an aquatic centre and an Olympic Village which they would turn into housing post-games.

“Thank you for being on this journey with us for the Golden Age of Opportunity. The future is bright and we’re going to grab all of it with both hands,” Schrinner concluded.