Opinion: We’re standing at a pivotal moment for Queensland

Queensland’s record for delivering world-class major events has come a long way, but now we’ve reached a pivotal moment, writes Annastacia Palaszczuk.

In just four short days, we’ll know whether or not we’ve secured the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games for Queensland.

It promises to be a pivotal moment for Brisbane, Queensland, and Australia.

Our record for delivering world-class major events has come a long way.

From Expo 88 to the 2018 Commonwealth Games, to now potentially securing the world’s greatest event.

Our reputation for hosting major sporting events now is second to none.

But we haven’t got this far without plenty of hard work.

Years of meticulous planning and co-operation, and countless meetings and video hook-ups between all three levels of government will come down to just 80 minutes when International Olympic Committee members consider our presentation on Wednesday evening.

If we’re successful, the Olympic Games, the biggest sporting spectacular in the world has the potential to transform our state, for decades.

Expo 88 and the Commonwealth Games delivered years of employment for thousands of Queenslanders.

An Olympic and Paralympic Games would go even further – supercharging our COVID-19 economic recovery, shaping Queensland’s future for decades to come and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Our modelling estimates a 20-year $8.1b benefit for Queensland in the decade before and the decade after the Games. Another $17.6b will be spread across Australia.

However, we haven’t crossed the finish line yet.

Today I’m travelling to Japan with the Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner make the final pitch for Brisbane, Queensland and Australia ahead of the IOC’s vote in Tokyo.

The bid needs a majority of the vote from all of the IOC members who’ve gathered in Tokyo.

Many of us vividly remember where we were when Sydney secured the 2000 Olympics.

And now I want Queenslanders to be part of a new chapter in our history.

Starting from 4pm on Wednesday at Southbank in Brisbane there will been an opportunity to watch the IOC session live on the big screen and be part of this moment to remember for years to come

As the Tokyo Games get underway Queenslanders will also have the opportunity to get out and share the Olympic spirit – from Horn and Thursday Island in the Torres Straight through to Cairns and Yarrabah, Townsville, Rockhampton, Mackay, and Longreach and down to the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Ipswich, Redlands and Toowoomba.

There’s never been a more exciting time to be a Queenslander.

No matter where you live throughout our state, I encourage you to share the moment.

Queensland, it’s our time to shine.