The winner is … Brisbane

After a six-year journey to bring the world’s biggest sporting event to South East Queensland, it’s official … the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are coming to Brisbane.

During a meeting of International Olympic Committee (IOC) members ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics tonight, the majority voted in favour of Brisbane’s bid.

It follows a final pitch by Federal Sports Minister Richard Colbeck, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates in Japan during the past couple of days.

Awarding the 2032 Olympics was the first under new IOC rules, where there was no expensive formal bidding competition, but rather ‘dialogue’ with Olympic officials.

At the centre of the Brisbane bid is a masterplan including 32 venues across three zones in South East Queensland, connected by ‘high quality roads and public transport networks’.

The greater Brisbane zone includes a proposed Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre at the The Mill Priority Development Area, Petrie.

It aims to leave a legacy of new and upgraded facilities and a better-connected and sustainable region.

Moreton Bay Region Mayor Peter Flannery says a 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will put our region on the map, and it will be one of the big winners from a Brisbane Games.

Mayor Flannery says the Moreton Bay Region has been selected to host the Olympic boxing event at the purpose-built Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre that will have legacy benefits for the entire region.

“We’ll be pulling no punches to ensure this is the best Olympic venue possible so that visitors leave Moreton Bay Region raving about what a great time they had here,” he says.

“This will have huge ongoing benefits for the region too by activating The Mill Priority Development Area and providing a community facility that can be used to host multiple indoor sports, exhibitions, trade shows, festivals, community groups and many more.

“The Mill is a perfect location for an Olympic venue being a short drive from the Brisbane International Airport and CBD, and it has its own train station.

“We will continue to work closely with the SEQ Council of Mayors, the State and Federal Government and the Australian Olympic Committee on maximising the legacy benefits of the indoor sports centre for our region.”

Infrastructure boon for region

In addition to new and revamped sporting facilities, the Games will fast-track the delivery of vital infrastructure, which the Mayor says will help the Moreton Bay Region become the powerhouse of South East Queensland.

“The 2032 Olympics and Paralympics will be a true generational change that all Moreton Bay residents can embrace,” he says.

“We want to see more infrastructure investment on this scale to provide recreation infrastructure that keeps pace with our growth, provides new jobs, and helps to attract events, tourism and investment in our region.

Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism Chairman Shane Newcombe says the region’s businesses and tourism operators are ready to capitalise on opportunities the Games will bring.

Mr Newcombe says the Brisbane bid was strong because it went beyond the boundaries of Brisbane city and planned to use facilities and sporting hubs across South East Queensland.

“Our region is perfectly positioned to not only host events, but also visitors who will flock to this part of the world to compete, support athletes and watch the world’s best athletes in action,” Mr Newcombe says.

“We’re keen to work with Moreton Bay Regional Council, other councils in South East Queensland and the State Government to deliver a South East Queensland experience to remember for everyone connected with the Games.

“We’re also excited at the possibility to hosting teams and competitions, using the vast array of world-class facilities already here, and our unique accommodation and tourism offering. Bring it on!”

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