Fast rail network for the Olympics would be great legacy for SEQ
Our Olympics bid could be a catalyst for a fast rail network in southeast Queensland that would leave a terrific legacy, writes Scott Smith
Opinion
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A FAST rail network that could slash travel times between southeast Queensland’s major cities to under 45 minutes, and encourage commuters to leave their cars behind, would not only transform the region but unlock the potential of an Olympic Games.
What started as a concept from the SEQ Council of Mayors to use the Olympic Games as a catalyst for transport infrastructure delivery has gained speed, with the belief and momentum that southeast Queensland can host the Games now full steam ahead.
Securing 2032 Olympic Games seen as key to fast rail
While the excitement around an Olympic Games is amazing, we can’t let the hype of a Games detract from what we need for a successful future for southeast Queensland and the state as a whole.
Southeast Queensland, home to more than 70 per cent of the state’s population, is growing faster than the rate at which transport infrastructure is being delivered. This is a threat to the liveability our residents enjoy, but also to the state of the Queensland economy.
Connectivity is the lifeblood of southeast Queensland, playing an essential role in moving commuters, freight and tourists around our region. It’s also an essential part of our ability to successfully bid for and host the 2032 Olympic Games.
While the mayors started this journey towards a potential southeast Queensland Games, it’s not about a Games at any cost. An Olympic Games can only come when southeast Queensland has established an efficient and reliable transport network that meets the needs of our growing region.
It’s not all bad news though. The puzzle pieces are already there – we just need to ensure we put them together in the right order. We have robust planning and a strong vision for southeast Queensland’s future, we’re negotiating what will be Australia’s largest City Deal to deliver on this vision, and an Olympic Games can act as the firm deadline we need to ensure planning turns into action.
With the International Olympic Committee now boosting its financial contribution to a 2032 Games to make hosting an affordable proposition, our governments won’t find a stronger incentive to deliver the transport the southeast desperately needs. In doing so, it will unlock social, economic and tourism benefits that are needed not just in southeast Queensland but across the state. A cost effective Olympic Games will ensure all Queenslanders can reap the benefits of this big idea.
From the tourism industry, we know a southeast Queensland fast rail network is tipped to boost visitor numbers and spending to the tune of tens of billions of dollars. The Sydney 2000 Games generated more than $6 billion of international publicity and exposure for New South Wales, and attracted an extra 1.6 million visitors to Australia in 2001 alone.
For a state that thrives on tourism, it’s time to consider whether “business as usual” is still working or whether we need some bold thinking (and doing) to get Queensland moving again.
We too are excited about the energy and enthusiasm from industry and the community for a southeast Queensland Olympic Games, but we need to ensure we’re doing this for the right reasons. An Olympic Games should leave Queensland a better and stronger place than it was before, and a big part of this is leaving a long-lasting legacy of transport, tourism and economic growth for all.
Scott Smith is the CEO of the Council of Mayors (SEQ)
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