Image by Michael Wedermann from Pixabay
A six-year journey to bring one of the world’s biggest sporting events to South East Queensland is a step closer, with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic proposal to go to a full International Olympic Committee (IOC) vote in July.
The Chair of the region’s Council of Mayors and Brisbane Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, said the announcement by the IOC’s Executive Board was an important step in what has been a labour of love for the local Mayors since 2015.
“Six years ago, the Council of Mayors started looking at a regional Olympic and Paralympic Games [in order] to bring forward the infrastructure our communities need and to position the region as a global destination for tourism, trade and investment,” Schrinner said.
“Our commitment has never wavered and we are honoured the IOC Executive Board has recommended our proposal be put to IOC members to decide if we should host the Games of the thirty-fifth Olympiad.
“If we are successful, it will deliver a decade of regional benefits for our communities, including a significant employment boost along with billions of dollars in tourism and trade opportunities.”
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor, Paul Antonio, emphasised that the proposal had a regional focus, and envisaged venues and events spread across South East Queensland to benefit the 3.6 million who live in the area.
“Being part of the Council of Mayors means we are part of this Brisbane 2032 proposal and will experience the economic and social benefits it delivers,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has welcomed the news that the Brisbane bid will go to a full IOC vote next month.
“It reinforces the work that has been [done] so far by all bid partners and highlights what can be achieved when all levels of government work toward on an outcome that will have enormous benefits for the entire nation,” Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said.
He noted that Australia already has an enviable reputation when it comes to hosting global sport.
“We have demonstrated our strong credentials in successfully hosting major sporting events including the 2000 Sydney Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast,” Colbeck stated.