Brisbane Olympics 2032: Toowoomba South MP, treasurer David Janetzki tipped to help deliver equestrian events for city

Toowoomba MP David Janetzki is one of Qld’s top politicians — and city leaders are backing him to help the certain secure Olympic infrastructure in the coming months.

Toowoomba South MP and major state government powerbroker David Janetzki is working hard to bring the 2032 Olympic equestrian medal events to the Garden City.

That’s according to his federal counterparts, who believe Mr Janetzki – Queensland’s new treasurer – will make the dream of Toowoomba hosting an Olympic event in eight years’ time a reality.

PROPOSED: A new plan has been put forward by Equestrian Queensland and the Royal Agricultural Society Queensland to turn the Toowoomba Showgrounds into an equine centre of excellence.

The planned Toowoomba Equestrian Centre, which stands as the city’s last chance to be directly involved with the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, is being prepared as a submission to the new LNP government’s 100-day review of the event.

Showgrounds owner the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland (RASQ), Equestrian Queensland and economic lobbyists like Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise believe a fully-realised TEC with Olympic overlays would inject millions into the local economy.

Mr Janetzki, who has thrown his support for the project prior to the election, now holds the keys to Queensland’s coffers and is one of the state’s most influential voices.

The local MP said the city had a “rare chance” to be part of 2032.

“I support the reassessment of the Toowoomba Showgrounds,” he said.

“We have a rare chance to align Olympic opportunity with the character of our region.

“I will be submitting as a local MP to the 100 day Olympic infrastructure review supporting the RASQ’s position.

“I want Toowoomba to share in the Olympic legacy and will be working towards that goal.”

Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald said he had “no doubt” that Mr Janetzki could advocate for the project’s inclusion, assuming the 100-day review was flooded by submissions for the TEQ.

“It needs to be attractive when David goes there to present his case, so he’s not just (appearing to be) parochial,” he said.

Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald.

“I’m hopeful the games review will be flooded by submissions in relation to our project to show it is deserving of a reasonable upgrade — it will make David’s job a lot easier.

“I’ve got no doubt about (his ability to advocate).”

Groom MP Garth Hamilton said he had full confidence in Mr Janetzki’s ability to take a “hands-on” approach to advocating for the project prior to submissions closing on January 10.

“I’m very impressed with his hands-on approach — he has a dual role as the local member and treasurer, and the challenges of the state of the state’s finances, you have to unpick that first,” he said.

“I’m very supportive of the idea, I’d like to see it delivered and he’s kept me abreast about where he’s at.

“We’ve spoken about this before, we’re getting to a point where the clock has been ticking.”

The potential venue shift for equestrian from Brisbane to Toowoomba will still need approval from the federal government, with both infrastructure and regional development minister Catherine Kind and sports minister Anika Wells declining to meet with the RASQ over the TEQ.

In a letter to Mr Hamilton in September, Ms King instead suggested the project be submitted to the federal Growing Regions fund.

Residents who wish to make a submission to the review in support of the TEQ or any other project in relation to the Olympics can head to the online portal.

Originally published as Brisbane Olympics 2032: Toowoomba South MP, treasurer David Janetzki tipped to help deliver equestrian events for city