Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding has welcomed an announcement overnight that South East Queensland is a step closer to sports history, with the region’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games proposal to go to a full International Olympic Committee (IOC) vote in July.
Mayor Harding described it as an important and historic step forward and potentially great news for the sports-mad Ipswich community.
“It is a very exciting development – we are that little bit closer today to our ultimate goal,” Mayor Harding said.
“We’re honoured the IOC Executive has recommended South East Queensland advance to a full session vote as the host of the 2032 Games.
“This announcement is the final leg of a relay started more than six years ago by the Mayors of South East Queensland.
“This exciting milestone recognises the significant work done by the region’s councils, including Ipswich, to develop this proposal and the strong commitment of all partners.”
In April 2021, Ipswich City Council formally backed the proposal to secure the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in South East Queensland, advancing Ipswich’s role as a proposed host city.
Mayor Harding said at the time the unanimous vote by councillors sent a clear message ahead of the host decision for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics: “Ipswich is Games-ready”.
Ipswich could play host to some of the world’s best athletes as part of the event, after it was included as a host city in the 2032 Games proposal.
The under-construction Brisbane Lions’ training and support centre at Springfield is currently being considered as the venue for the football preliminaries and modern pentathlon in the 2032 Games.
Mayor Harding said there was potential for more Ipswich venues to be considered as part of the proposal, as the city continues to grow and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games master plan develops.
“Ipswich is a city with a very strong sporting history, and we will be advocating for an array of opportunities to be considered as the master plan develops in the coming decade,” she said.
“North Ipswich Reserve Stadium has the potential to play an important role as both a venue and training facility in the lead up to the 2032 Games.”
An artist’s impression of North Ipswich Reserve Stadium.
Mayor Harding said while acknowledging this exciting milestone, there is still a lot of work to be done.
“We stand ready to show the IOC why we believe South East Queensland should be selected to host the Games of the 35th Olympiad,” she said.
About half of the venue locations are within the Brisbane LGA, with others spread across South East Queensland. There are also a handful of venues outside of SEQ, spreading the benefits of the Games across the State.
Mayor Harding said, if successful, the 2032 Games could act as a catalyst for the delivery of the transport infrastructure needed to meet the growing needs of the Ipswich community.
“Delivering a regional Games will also mean the benefits are enjoyed across the region, with transport infrastructure being one of the main benefits we are focused on,” she said.
“As part of our plan to deliver these regional Games, the Mayors of South East Queensland also proposed an SEQ City Deal; a 20 year agreement across three levels of Government to deliver the infrastructure we need – not just for a Games but for the future growth of the region.
“We need this transport infrastructure to not only help athletes get the starting line, but also help local mums and dads get to work and back home to their families safer and faster.
“The City Deal is a key part of the 2032 Games proposal, and today’s announcement shows now more than ever we need a commitment to delivering the infrastructure to enable a Games. The region’s Mayors are committed to ensuring it is delivered.”
The City Deal could see the proposed Ipswich Central to Springfield Central public transport corridor become reality to improve a regional transport network and the movement of participants and spectators around the south east ahead of the 2032 Games.
Olympic Gold – the benefits of a 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
- Economic and social benefits up to $8.10 billion for Queensland and $17.61 billion nationally.
- 122,900 full-time equivalent (FTE) job years nationally and 91,600 FTE job years in Queensland over a 20-year period.
- Economic benefits in international tourism and trade are estimated to be in the order of $4.6 billion, with an estimated benefit of $8.5 billion nationally.
- Social benefits (including health and volunteering) are estimated to be up to $3.5 billion for Queensland and up to $9.11 billion nationally.
- 84 per cent of venues included in the 2032 proposal’s master plan are existing or temporary.
- The 2032 Games proposal identifies three compact and connected venue zones in SEQ: Brisbane (includes Brisbane, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim and Redlands); Gold Coast; and Sunshine Coast. These three zones will accommodate all 28 Olympic sports within 32 venues, with 16 sports and disciplines within 5km of the Brisbane CBD.
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