The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) historic changes and cost cutting reforms were the focus of discussions when an Australian delegation representing a potential South East Queensland 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games met with President Thomas Bach OLY overnight.
The delegation – Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Council of Mayors (SEQ) representative and Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson, the Prime Minister’s representative Mr Ted O’Brien MP and Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates AM – arrived as a team in Switzerland on Sunday.
The purpose of the visit was to hear firsthand about the significant changes and reforms being driven by the IOC, as well as demonstrating the united and collaborative approach that exists across the south-east, Queensland and Australia in relation to a potential 2032 Games.
Council of Mayors (SEQ) representative and Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said meeting with the IOC President in Switzerland had reinforced the very real prospect a South East Queensland Games had become.
“When the Council of Mayors (SEQ) first raised the idea of an Olympic Games in 2015, I think people thought we were dreaming. Now it seems like that dream could soon become a reality,” said Mayor Jamieson.
“The IOC President has always been enthusiastic about our concept for an Olympic Games in South East Queensland, and this meeting was no different. There is a definite interest in seeing what our region could bring to the Olympic Movement.
“President Bach spoke about the journey of change that the IOC has been on, and the significant and positive impact this will have on the cost of hosting the 2032 Games. The IOC has again confirmed its commitment to a cost neutral Games in 2032.
“A clear message from the meeting was the need for all levels of government to work together with industry and the community to make this a success. An Olympic Games is at least five times bigger than the Commonwealth Games so it really requires a team effort.”
The Australian delegation will continue to Paris to view preparations for the 2024 Games, while Mayor Mark Jamieson returns home ahead of schedule due to the current Sunshine Coast fire emergency.
