AOC bosses in Brisbane as crunch time nears for 2032 pitch

The Australian Olympic Committee is upping its charm offensive as the time draws near for the release of a State Government report into the feasibility of pitching for the 2032 Games.

OLYMPIC powerbrokers have launched an unprecedented Queensland charm offensive as crunch time nears for the State Government’s economic report that will decide whether the state pitches for the 2032 Games.

The AOC has moved its biggest meeting of the year to Brisbane on Friday, as well as hosting an invitation-only reception for Queensland’s movers and shakers to help get business and community leaders on board for an Olympics bid.

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But the carefully choreographed push hit an unexpected hiccup when Major Events Minister Kate Jones revealed the State Government taskforce had raised the prospect of spreading the Games across Australia and even New Zealand.

Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones. (AAP Image/Brian Cassey)

Ms Jones – a member of the 2032 leadership group that includes state, federal and local government members – immediately moved to hose down any combined Anzac Games, saying it was “just a suggestion”.

“There’s even some talk about New Zealand – I shouldn’t say that in front of a whole bunch of journos, should I?” Ms Jones said at a Queensland Media Gallery lunch while being quizzed over how the state could balance the infrastructure needed for such a major event.

“I’m too honest. We’re not seriously considering that, it’s just a suggestion. There’s a lot to take in. There’s a lot to do.”

Ms Jones admitted there was also challenges around how another round arena could be incorporated into Olympic plans that wouldn’t be a white elephant afterwards, as well as opening and closing ceremony infrastructure.

“Yeah, that’s one of the challenges,” she said of another round stadium. “I’m being honest.”

Fellow Olympic leadership group members Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien and Sunshine Coast

Mayor Mark Jamieson said spreading the Olympics beyond Queensland had not been considered by the taskforce.

“It’s not been discussed at any meeting I’ve attended,” Cr Jamieson said.

“It’s worth remembering why this whole thing was initiated – through the SEQ Council of Mayors for a legacy of infrastructure for southeast Queensland.

“While I have a great admiration for the Kiwis we risk spreading that legacy too thinly if we include the Kiwis.”

Mr O’Brien said “these Games will be held in southeast Queensland with consideration of other areas of Queensland.

“It would be premature to be saying where events will be held at this stage.

“While New Zealand is not an option that has been canvassed with me, the three tiers of government are working together.”

The bid leadership group is meeting today ahead of the AOC’s exclusive reception this evening.

Tomorrow, the AOC’s twice-yearly meeting will be held in Brisbane, along with its Athlete Commission, where it is expected to receive an update on the bid.

“We believe if the Games were to come to Queensland, they will energise sport, the community and the state more broadly,” AOC chief executive Matt Carroll told The Courier-Mail.

“There are proper processes to get through yet, but we certainly believe Queensland can lead the world with a sustainable and affordable candidature that can show the world what this state has to offer.”

The assessment on whether a 2032 Olympic Games would be economically viable for Queensland is expected to be presented to Cabinet before the end of the year, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who is expected to attend the AOC reception tonight, said.