But 2032 boss Andrew Liveris insisted it is not "six minutes to midnight" despite having just one major construction contract for the Games awarded to date.
A countdown clock was unveiled in Brisbane on Thursday as organisers look to ramp up preparations, five years after the city was named as host.
A sneak peek of the National Aquatic Centre was also revealed, with renders shared after three firms were chosen to design one of the 2032 centrepieces.
One major contract has been awarded to date, with early work starting on the controversial 63,000-seat main stadium in inner city Victoria Park.
But Mr Liveris, who once said construction timelines kept him up at night, said he was sleeping better these days after unveiling the countdown clock in Brisbane's CBD.
"I think six years is perfectly fine, even under stressed conditions, with wars and (pressure on) supply chains," he said of their timeline.
"I'm sleeping very well right now, because I think we've got the time."
Mr Liveris had just returned from New York, where he met with the International Olympics Committee president Kirsty Coventry on Monday.
"We had a long conversation about timelines, venues, sports, and we're confident it's not six minutes to midnight."
The existing Centenary Pool will receive a major revamp before the National Aquatic Centre hosts the world's best in 2032, doubling as a high-performance base for Australia's future stars once the flame goes out.
ARM Architecture and NH Architecture, in partnership with Queensland's Arkhefield, will design and deliver the aquatic centre.
The Games Independent Infrastructure Construction Authority has already shortlisted four building contractors to bid for the job, with offers due by the end of the month.
The authority plans to whittle that list down to two within weeks and lock in a final builder by early 2027.
"The Centenary Pool is a proud part of Queensland's swimming history and as a centrepiece for the action during 2032, that history will be strengthened into the future," Premier David Crisafulli said.
Games authority chairman Stephen Conry said the winning design, inspired by the movement of water and tucked into the landscape, would help deliver "transformational" infrastructure for generations.
Olympic swimming champion Emma McKeon said the aquatic centre - set to have a 25,000 seat capacity - would be a fitting tribute to Australia's history of swimming supremacy.
"In a stadium you want to have a great atmosphere when you're racing - huge crowds, loud crowds, which Australia will definitely bring," she said.
"I think Queensland's definitely the swimming state of our country, our country has such a rich history."
Questions have been raised over the suitability of Rockhampton's Fitzroy River to host rowing after concerns about crocodiles and the strength of tidal currents.
Mr Liveris said the venue was still going through a project validation report as World Rowing makes a determination of the river's suitability.
"There have been no red lights," he said.
"They've sent experts, they've got lots of results coming in on currents ... we've got to get all that sorted to go from yellow to green."
However, Mr Crisafulli insisted: "I want Queenslanders to know when the eyes of the world are on us in 2032, we will be ready, and we will deliver generational legacy."
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