Hook said there were some concepts already the board “really liked” that had made their debut in focus groups.
“We’re doing limited market testing,actually,around the world to see how that would resonate and so,more to come in the months ahead in terms of our narrative,” she said.
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Hook said the branding “inextricably linked” to the organising committee’s ability to deliver its commercial program and make the Games cost-neutral.
But Liveris said when thinking about cost-neutrality,Brisbane’s new venues should not be added to the Games’ itemised bill.
The rebuilt Gabba was tipped to cost $2.7 billion,and the Brisbane Arena at Roma Street only slightly less at $2.5 billion. Theywould be funded,respectively,by the Queensland and Commonwealth governments.
“The cost-neutral commentary is all about the[Organising Committee of the Olympic Games’] umbrella of responsibility ecosystem,which is nearly $5 billion,” Liveris said.
“That’s the cost-neutral part. That is a big ask,but we’re committed to doing it.”
Liveris said the costs of the two projects were matters for the state and federal governments,not the OCOG.
“[The Gabba is] for the state. It’s for the AFL and cricket in the case of the Gabba and the Brisbane Arena will go way beyond a swimming venue once it’s turned back over post-Games – it’ll be an entertainment arena,so a legacy feature for the state,” he said.
“... There is no commitment there to make that cost-neutral to the taxpayer,because that’s for the taxpayers’ benefit. That’s really the way to think about the two numbers.”
As for the governing body’s expectations for what would be one of the world’s most expensive stadiums,at a time its “new norm” reforms actively discourage overspending,IOC co-ordination commission chair Kirsty Coventry said it was a matter of community benefit.
“We’re just looking forward to being able to use an incredible venue at Games time and I know that it will start serving,if it goes to plan ... the community,which will have early access to this venue way before the Games.”
Liveris said Brisbane had been left behind Perth,Melbourne,Sydney and Adelaide,which all had “world-class” stadiums.
“We need a world-class stadium for Brisbane independent of the Olympics,and AFL and cricket are driving that process,” he said.
“We will be a beneficiary of it and it’ll be ready for the Games and that’s actually the Queensland state government’s plan and we totally support it.”