What you said about 2032 Olympic Games being held across regional Qld
Queensland has been warned to not spread 2032 Olympic Games events too far across the regions to avoid major cost blowouts – and most readers agree. HAVE YOUR SAY
Opinion
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Queensland has been warned not to spread 2032 Olympic Games events too far across the regions to avoid major cost blowouts – and most readers agree.
It was revealed the Queensland government has been looking for ways to ensure more sports can be spread across the state, while Infrastructure Minister Jarrod Bleijie has been exploring how to reallocate the $2.5bn of federal funding for the Brisbane Arena to regional venues.
But multiple sources close to the Victoria 2026 Organising Committee and the doomed Commonwealth Games bid agreed the Daniel Andrews government’s regional vision was unrealistic and uncompromising, ultimately leading to its downfall.
Their warnings not to repeat the same mistakes for Brisbane 2032 echo the alarm raised by the former Victoria 2026 CEO at a public inquiry into the Games bid, who blamed having five proposed host cities for driving up costs.
Event Pty Ltd director Simon Thewlis, who has intimate knowledge of the Victoria 2026 bid and submitted to an inquiry into the fallout of the cancelled Games, said Brisbane 2032 was a huge opportunity for Queensland.
But he warned there would be complexities trying to host any events in regional centres.
“It’s about learning to make sure that a debacle like that (Victoria 2026) can never happen again,” he said.
In April 2022, the Victorian government signed the contract to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games in the regional cities of Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Latrobe and Shepparton.
The cancellation of the multi-hub regional Games came in July 2023 when then-premier Andrews blamed cost blowouts.
Readers were quick to pile into the debate, with some calling for the 2032 Games to be held regionally.
Others, though, insisted Brisbane must be central to the event.
While there were calls to scrap the Olympics completely, many also insisted that time has passed and we must get on with things.
In an online poll asking “Should the 2032 Games be held across Qld?” about 67 per cent of more than 1500 readers voted “No, it’s too expensive and/or confusing”.
About 27 per cent voted “Yes, the bid was for regional Games”, with about 6 per cent unsure.
In another poll asking “Do you support Qld hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games?” about 53 per cent voted no.
See what you had to say below and join the conversation >>>
WHAT YOU SAID
Regional Games makes sense
Brad
Hang on, everyone take a breath.
Sending events to the Gold Coast or Noosa as Brisbane hosts the games, is in no way the same as what Melbourne tried to do by splitting the whole Comm Games between Ballarat Bendigo and Geelong!
Ross Forbes
Yes as an opportunity to get some decent infrastructure and facilities
Rhoda Copeland
It’s too late to back out now. Need to spread the venues to other states. Eg the White water rafting to Penrith that has an existing facility. The current proposed site in Redlands is just not viable. The ongoing costs to ratepayers is untenable.
Phil
Rowing events in Rockhampton will save money which can be spent fixing the Bruce.
Concerned
The gold coast showed how hosting a major sporting event for minimal cost. The planning over the last 4 years has been too Brisbane centric
Tell us the truth
Wordlelover885
Crisafulli has shown himself so far to be very measured, trustworthy and open. If they need to build a new stadium so be it. Just be upfront, give us your reasons and don’t treat Queenslanders like mugs.
Perry
Just announce that we are doing a least cost budget games … like or lump it.
Graham Hembrow
Nope, it’s an unwanted distraction from much more important matters and a waste of money better spent elsewhere.
Angela Egan
In principle, we definitely need to go through with it, but not at any cost.
Read our editorial on this issue and join the discussion below or on Facebook.
Keep it central
Tony
I’m in favour of cancelling the whole thing. However if it’s to go ahead the facilities must be centralised. In 1982 Brisbane hosted the Commonwealth Games. One of its great failings was its decentralisation.
Austin Gibbs
Yes but we have to make sure we don’t get caught up with vanity and ego to the extent we destroy communities in the name of shiny new venues that look good for 10 seconds on Instagram. The Games should enhance community assets, not destroy them
Peter
This was and always should be known as the Southeast Queensland Olympic Games, these Games only came about because of 5 Mayors down there thought it would a great idea to have a Billion Dollar Sports Carnival.
Tony Black
It’s a poisoned chalice. The only way out is to cancel all new infrastructure projects and use the infrastructure we already have in place.
Asti
Build the biggest and best stadium put Queensland up there with the best in the world build the best tennis facilities. keep everything in Brisbane Lower airfares for regional people to enjoy the activities truth be known we in the north will be funding it
It’s all a mess
James
The biggest lesson from Dan and Victoria was don’t vote Labor. What a mess, that gets worse by the day. Gall and arrogance at every level within the government. Enough!
Dennis
Should not have put in for it at all money should go to fixing up all the mess with health etc
Jill
We won’t be embarrassed. I want my money spent on the Bruce Highway stuff all this bloody games bs,
me
The Olympics have become irrelevant. They used to be the pinnacle of amateur sport before you move on to a professional level. Now, they have professional athletes competing.
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