Brisbane 2032 Olympics: RACQ survey reveals how Qlders want to be seen

A survey has found how Queenslanders want Brisbane portrayed to the world in the run-up to the 2032 Games.

A concept for a stadium at Victoria Park by Archipelago

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Welcoming and safe is how Queenslanders want to be portrayed to the world at the 2032 Games, regardless of whether they will attend events.

The finding is among the sentiment results of the exclusive Future Brisbane RACQ member survey, which also revealed organisers had work to do to garner more support for the Games.

The survey of almost 2000 found that members overall were embracing the spirit of the Games and were most enthusiastic about welcoming visitors and hosting a range of great tourist options.

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Beyond being safe and welcoming, members were also keen for Queensland to be showcased for affordability, sustainability and effective transport options.

Among the top ideas were improved essential services, state-of-the-art local and regional transport, improved job, education and economic opportunities.

Just under half of survey respondents said they were looking forward to hosting the Games, while more than a quarter felt indifferent demonstrating “an opportunity for greater engagement to encourage Queenslanders to get behind the Games”.

Dual Olympian Patrick Johnson, who is also a Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee director, said few cities had tasted the Olympics and Paralympics and that the benefits far exceed what happens just at the Games.

This story is part of The Courier-Mail’s annual Future Brisbane series advocating for a focus on the right legacy outcomes from the hosting of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. You can read all our coverage here

“How lucky can you be to have another Olympic Games where you can inspire another generation of athletes, doctors, businesses, real investment in this country,” he said.

Cairns-born dual Olympian Patrick Johnson

“It’s not just empowering the next generation. It’s actually investment, business, jobs, sustainability and how the world looks at us. We have an incredible opportunity now to drive real change … and national pride.”

Cairns-born Johnson said he hoped to continue promoting the benefits of the Games to all of Queensland.

“I think that’s part of the messaging, that’s part of the commitment and I think we’ve been very clear, this is not just the Brisbane Games, it’s a regional Games, the whole country’s Games, and it’s also an Oceania Games.

“For regional Queensland and remote Queensland, we need to make sure they’re seeing themselves part of the Olympics.”

RACQ general manager (advocacy) Joshua Cooney said: “Queenslanders need to be presented with a credible plan to use the Games as a catalyst to deliver better services across health, education and transport, as well as better job opportunities.”

Premier David Crisafulli said with more time left than Sydney after winning its their bid for the 2000 Games, there was more than enough time to deliver a world-class event that allowed our state to shine.

“I want Queenslanders to be proud of the Games and proud of what we put forward on the world stage,” he said.