MP responds to plans for Maryborough to host archery at 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games

From the chance to shine on the world stage to questions on the state of the Bruce Hwy and CBD, here’s how local and state leaders are planning to host Olympic archery. VIDEO, DETAILS.

A notable buzz could be felt about Maryborough CBD Wednesday morning after the Queensland Government announced the Heritage City would host the 2032 Olympics archery.

Maryborough MP John Barounis and Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services Amanda Camm met with reporters at the Salvation Army on Bazaar St to talk plans.

It came as they also announced new funding of $150,000 for the Salvos, which would help with the renovation of showers and bathrooms.

“This is an incredible opportunity for the Maryborough community and, more broadly, the Wide Bay, to be showcased as part of the delivery plan for the 2032 Olympics,” Ms Camm said.

“We are very keen to see that this is a Games for all of Queensland.”

First on the agenda for the duo was discussing the Bruce Highway and the likely upgrades it would need not only for the growing population but also in time for the influx of international visitors.

John Barounis and Amanda Camm talk to Janiene Bate and Deanne Stewart at the Salvation Army, Maryborough

“This announcement today is coupled with our commitment to the Bruce Highway, which I know is critical for upgrades for members of this community,” Ms Camm said.

“We need to ensure that the commitment we make as part of the Olympics benefits all of Queensland, including regional Queensland.

“The Tiaro Bypass is part of the Bruce Highway funding and is part of ensuring the legacy of these games includes infrastructure and transport.”

Both Ms Camm and Mr Barounis were tight-lipped on where the archery would be held (the Wide Bay club currently operates at Susan River), and what facilities would be built around Maryborough.

They would also not be drawn on whether the train manufacturing worker camp at Susan River would be transformed into an athlete’s village.

Amanda Camm and John Barounis chat to Donald Saunders at the Salvation Army, Maryborough

“Those details are to come over the course of the many months,” Mr Barounis said.

The state government will be engaging with archery as assessments for infrastructure are completed.

WHY EX-MP SAYS OLYMPIC ANNOUNCEMENT IS ‘TERRIBLE BLOW’

Not everyone was chipper however with former Labor MP for Maryborough Bruce Saunders saying the town has been let down by an “ineffective local member” and the Premier.

Mr Saunders was adamant that under Labor’s plans, Maryborough’s infrastructure would be upgraded so teams could practice and experience Queensland from the Fraser Coast.

“We were in the process of building a new tennis arena, a new basketball stadium, and massive upgrades to the hockey facilities here in Maryborough,” Mr Saunders said.

“What we were aiming for was to get teams here to acclimatise and train in Maryborough, so they could come here and get ready for the Olympics.

“All that money is now going to Brisbane.”

Former Maryborough state MP Bruce Saunders says the Fraser Coast has been dealt a ‘terrible blow’ after the LNP announced Maryborough would host the archery competition at the 2032 Olympic Games.

Mr Saunders also criticised the Premier, saying the funding for the new stadium has taken away money expected for the Fraser Coast.

“That’s a promise broken, but it also means Maryborough and the Fraser Coast have been dealt a terrible blow.

“The local member should be fighting harder for Maryborough and for people playing those sports.”

Mr Barounis was asked about Labor’s plans, but said he was unaware of them.

He was also asked about Maryborough’s ability to hold an event given the current state of social discourse which peaked with a town hall crisis meeting late last year.

“We are working with government departments on this,” he said.

“I believe in the future, we will have more housing in town.

“My aim is to not have any people living on the streets, the parks, or the city like it has happened in the past.

“Everyone will benefit from having the exposure to the whole world thanks to the Olympics.”