Queensland’s economic benefits for hosting 2032 Olympic Games exceed $7.4 billion
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has also estimated 120,000 new jobs if Queensland successfully obtain the 2032 Summer Olympics.
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Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has estimated economic benefits of over $7.4 billion if the sunshine state wins its bid to host the 2032 Summer Olympic Games.
After revealing her cabinet had given the green light for Queensland’s state government to pursue a bid on Monday, Palaszczuk also estimated 120,000 new jobs if a potential Olympics came to fruition.
“I’m very pleased to announce that cabinet has given the green light to go to the next level for an Olympics for Queensland in 2032,” Palaszczuk said.
“An Olympics means a lot to this state … it tells the rest of the world that we’re firmly on the map.
“The benefits would last for two decades, including in areas such as tourism and trade, making sure that our communities are healthy and active, and of course giving our young people the opportunity to participate in sport.
“Last week I had the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister about the potential for an Olympics in Queensland and I can say that he is more than supportive.”
Palaszczuk revealed opposition leader Anthony Albanese also confirmed his party would support their bid.
While Brisbane would host the vast majority of events in a potential Olympics, smaller towns, including Townsville, Cairns and the Whitsundays, would also play a role.
The Gold Coast successfully hosted a Commonwealth Games last year, and Palaszczuk confirmed many venues would be repurposed for a potential Olympics.
“Queensland hosted, I believe, the most successful Commonwealth Games ever held,” Palaszczuk said.
“We have 80% of venues that already exist across Queensland. This is great news.
“We have the Velodrome, which is now being utilised for World Championships and would be utilised as part of a potential Olympics.”
Known for hosting Test cricket since 1931, the Gabba was touted a possible venue to host the Opening Ceremony, which regularly attracts billions of viewers. The Gabba has a capacity of 42,000.
“In terms of the opening ceremony, we have not discounted the use of the Gabba. We believe that we could put on quite a show at the Gabba,” Palaszczuk said.
Australia hosted two Olympics in 1956 and 2000, at Melbourne and Sydney respectively. If Brisbane is successful in its bid, Australia would become the fourth country to host the Summer Olympics thrice, after Great Britain, France and the USA.
Palaszczuk is optimistic about Queensland’s chances.
“The Olympics may seem a long way away, but a lot of people have actually stopped me on the street and they’ve actually said, ‘Premier, do you really think we can do this? Do you think we can do this?’,” Palaszczuk said.
“When you look at how successfully we have delivered a Commonwealth Games, we do have the capability to do this if we get everything right.”
South-east Queensland to make a bid to host the 2032 Olympic Games.
— Shane McInnes (@shanemcinnes) December 9, 2019
A significant and historic moment for the Olympics in Australia.
Tokyo âž¡ï¸ Paris âž¡ï¸ Los Angeles âž¡ï¸ BRISBANE?
The International Olympic Committee will not come to final decision until 2021 or 2022.
Originally published as Queensland’s economic benefits for hosting 2032 Olympic Games exceed $7.4 billion