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SEQ Mayors and Ipswich welcome State’s decision on SEQ 2032 Olympic Games bid

The Council of Mayors (SEQ) has welcomed the State Government’s announcement to formally support the proposal, that originated with the SEQ Mayors in 2015, for a potential South East Queensland 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor, Cr Adrian Schrinner, said Monday’s announcement was a positive step forward with all three levels of government supporting the opportunity to work together to bring the world’s most exciting event to our region.

“The Games would be transformative for South East Queensland and the Palaszczuk Government has made the right decision to move forward with the Australian Olympic Committee, the Commonwealth Government and the Council of Mayors (SEQ) to develop a proposal to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.

“It’s a journey the Council of Mayors (SEQ) started back in 2015, and it’s great to now have the Queensland Government fully committed so we can move forward with planning a successful proposal for a South East Queensland Games.

“The Council of Mayors (SEQ) released its Olympic feasibility study in February which presented a compelling and cost-effective case for the 2032 Games. We were confident the State’s assessment of our work would support our findings.

“The next step is coming together for the Olympic Candidature Leadership Group meeting on 11 December to make a joint decision to proceed as a united group.

“To be successful, we need to work together in partnership to show the International Olympic Committee that we can do this.

“We know we have a strong case to present to the International Olympic Committee. A compact and innovative South East Queensland Games proposal that will drive widespread tourism, economic and community benefits to all of Queensland and Australia.

“Our only weakness is the lack of a fast, reliable and sustainable public transport network for South East Queensland to support the region’s growing population.

“Now is the time to leave the politics behind and pull together as a team to ensure the critical transport legacy – which has always been our number one priority – is delivered to support what should be, the most impressive Games proposal ever.

“With the International Olympic Committee promising to boost its financial commitment to a 2032 Games, public investment should go towards creating a genuine lasting legacy in the form of roads and transport.

“Our message to the International Olympic Committee and the world is clear – we are united, and we are ready to shine on the global stage.”

Ipswich City Council interim administrator Greg Chemello said Ipswich would continue to advocate for the Olympic bid to include the new transport infrastructure needed to keep the city’s residents mobile and connected.

“Ipswich City Council will be ensuring our voice is heard at any table where discussions are held to improve rail services for this city, in particular the link from Springfield to the Ipswich CBD, and a fast rail network throughout Southeast Queensland,” he said.

“We also have advanced our planning of major sport and community venues across Ipswich, and we’ll be looking to ensure that these venues are continued to be considered as part of an Olympic bid.”

The Council of Mayors (SEQ) started the investigation into a potential Olympic and Paralympic Games for South East Queensland in 2015 as a catalyst for the delivery of critical transport infrastructure for the region and to position the south-east as a global destination for tourism, trade and investment.

The Council of Mayors (SEQ) Olympic feasibility study, released in February, cited a net operating cost of $900 million for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In May, the International Olympic Committee boosted its financial contribution to ensure the 2032 Games would be cost neutral, if not profitable.

The Olympic Candidature Leadership Group – which consists of the Prime Minister, the Premier, the Lord Mayor,  the AOC President, Tourism Minister Kate Jones, Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson and Federal Member for Fairfax, Ted O’Brien – will meet on 11 December to make a joint decision on whether to proceed with a proposal for the South East Queensland 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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