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Laine Clark

Brisbane Oly furore not a good look: 2032 Games boss

Andrew Liveris says he is working to ensure Brisbane's Games do not detract from the Olympic brand. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

A furore caused by Queensland government's controversial Brisbane Olympic venue plan is "not a good look", the 2032 Games boss concedes.

But Andrew Liveris says he is working hard to ensure Brisbane will host an event that does not detract from the Olympic brand.

Premier Steven Miles has faced heavy criticism for ignoring a 2032 infrastructure review's key findings and opting to upgrade ageing facilities.

The government's venue plan was set to be discussed at a 2032 Olympic organising committee meeting in Brisbane on Friday after it suffered a very public backlash.

The Gabba
The Queensland government ditched a controversial Gabba rebuild for the 2032 Olympic Games. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

"What's going on right now is not a good look for any of us," Brisbane organising committee president Mr Liveris told reporters on Friday.

"We need to improve that ... I'm working on that."

Mr Miles was set to attend the committee's first meeting of the year in Brisbane along with federal Sport Minister Anika Wells and lord mayor Adrian Schrinner.

"We're planning the delivery of the event," Mr Liveris said.

"The building of the stage is the responsibility of the government.

"We will listen very attentively because we have a responsibility according to the Olympic host contract to the IOC to put the venues and master plan into action."

The premier copped criticism for ruling out a recommendation to build a $3.4 billion stadium at inner Brisbane's Victoria Park as the 2032 centrepiece.

He will instead upgrade Suncorp Stadium, the ageing Gabba and the 49-year-old Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC).

World champion swimmer Cate Campbell has criticised Mr Miles' decision to disregard the Graham Quirk review's recommendation to not use QSAC for athletics due to accessibility and transport issues.

"This sort of activity is expected in Olympics … expect the unexpected," Mr Liveris said of the venue debate.

"(2024 Games host) Paris not that long ago was still working out venues."

Mr Liveris said he would work hard to ensure the Brisbane Games provided the best athlete and spectator experience.

"We are renters of their brand, so we have the privilege of having the Olympic rings," he said.

Graham Quirk
Graham Quirk's review recommended building a $3.4 billion stadium in Victoria Park for the Games. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

"We cannot detract from their brand so yes, it matters how we put on the Games."

Ms Wells had flagged that she would raise athletes' venue concerns at the meeting.

"I think it's a timely opportunity for us to all have an honest conversation about how this is progressing and set a pathway forward," she said on Friday.

In a tough week, the Queensland government has also been forced to deny reports it sought advice on cancelling the Brisbane Games due to concerns over venue costs and dwindling public support.

However, the prime minister appeared unfazed by the state government's Games preparations.

"Hosting the Olympics is always a complex issue," Anthony Albanese told reporters on Friday.

"I remember that there was criticism in the lead-up to the Sydney 2000 Games.

"You know what? It was a ripper of a time.

"The Brisbane Olympics will be a cracker."

Mr Miles has been accused of playing politics ahead of the October state election after claiming he could not spend $3.4 billion on the Victoria Park stadium amid a cost of living crisis.

No matter who wins the poll, the state government won't be building a new Olympic stadium.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has also dismissed the Victoria Park option, saying an LNP government would set up a 2032 independent co-ordination authority to review venues within 100 days.

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