Time to grab opportunities

The race is on for the City of Moreton Bay to prepare for the greatest show on earth – the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Confirmation we have a Games venue, the new $200 million 10,000-seat Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Stadium, came in March.

But wish lists for businesses, residents and visitors will go far beyond the centre’s shovel-ready site at The Mill, in Petrie.

A State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Department spokesperson said “site precincts and city activations” will be delivered by local Councils.

There will also be a “pipeline of opportunities” for businesses in the “lead-up to, during and following the 2032 Games”.

Mayor Peter Flannery says Moreton Bay City Council “would be interested in opportunities at The Mill and possibly a range of locations”.

“We’re also focused on legacy planning and working with a range of stakeholders to ensure significant benefits for the City.”

With planning in its early stages, details are few …. but we found plenty of suggestions.

Open Architecture Studio Founding Director Michael Bailey says Moreton Bay is “perfectly positioned” to host coastal rowing, which debuts at the 2028 Games.

Our “clear and calm waters” are ideal for 600m beach sprints, 6-8km coastal races (Scott’s Point to Scarborough?) and 10km open water swim (Pelican Park-Suttons Beach-and back?).

He says Olympic ‘Live Venues’ could be at Pelican Park, Redcliffe Pier/Captain Cook Park, Petrie Mill and Centenary Lakes at Caboolture, with upgrades a post-Games legacy.

Business mentor Brad Flynn believes the “biggest opportunity for our region is around showcasing it to the world”.

Attract TV networks to show our “islands, whales, marine life, calm beaches and events such as the Redcliffe Markets and the festivals”, Brad says.

He also suggests A Day by the Bay itinerary: Bayside breakfast/morning coffee – then Redcliffe Markets - seafood lunch at Scarborough Marina - sunset drinks in the Belvedere before an evening at Olympic Live venues.

Rob Comiskey, Co-Founder and Director of The Comiskey Group, which runs Eatons Hill and Sandstone Point Hotels, says they are talking to government about Games’ opportunities.

Rob says infrastructure and hospitality are key areas, with so many potential visitors looking for places to stay, eat and visit.

“We are excited about it,” he said.

Mark Power, Managing Director of Goodwill Projects which operates Redcliffe Markets, said the Peninsula’s closeness to the Games is its “greatest asset”.

“The ability to shop, dine and stay right on the foreshore - and easy access to the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane - make it a superb location,” Mark says.

Businesses could also offer “unique draw cards” like paddle boarding hire, beachfront food and beverage carts which “may stay for decades after the games,” he said.