“We are motivated and excited,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in June.
Wednesday’s $250-a-head procurement event at The Star attracted more than 1000 business leaders, with Olympic organisers calling for Queensland companies to make bids for Games services, including everything from catering to cleaning, medical services, technology and fencing.
Sue Bremner and other protesters outside the Olympic Games event on Wednesday. Credit: William Davis
Liveris said small- and medium-size Queensland businesses could make up a large percentage of Olympic service providers.
About 50 protesters unhappy with the government’s decision to build a new stadium at Victoria Park picketed outside the casino.
“It is absolutely the wrong site,” campaigner Sue Bremner told a small media pack.
“We know everyone is excited because we’ve won two grand finals in the last two weeks, and we’re excited – we’re not saying no to any stadium, we’re just saying not Victoria Park.
“It’s too expensive. It’s too difficult, and it can’t be done on time without a lot of extra money, which will put taxpayers in Queensland into debt for a very long time.”
Queensland Sports Minister Tim Mander, himself a former NRL referee, said he respected the rights of protesters, but they wouldn’t sway the government’s plan.
“We live in a democracy, and it’s great that people can do that freely and safely,” he said. “But we are committed to Victoria Park.
“We support that fully, so they can protest. We’ll continue to progress forward with regards to what needs to be done at Victoria Park.”
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