Wesley Bailey outlines Townsville’s sailing strengths ahead of Olympics berth
Townsville is set to host a leg of Olympic sailing when the big show comes to Brisbane in 2032, but what does that mean, and how do we stand to benefit? We explain.
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Future Townsville is a series launched by The Townsville Bulletin today which will explore the sector’s outlook in Queenslandand showcase the economic, employment and innovation it brings to the state. The series is supported by S. Kidman, Bravus, Port of Townsville, Aurizon, Queensland Resources Council, Sun Metals, Ark Energy and Urbis.
In a momentous announcement earlier this year, Townsville secured its place in Olympic history as co-host of the sailing events for the 2032 Olympic Games alongside the picturesque Whitsundays.
This golden opportunity promises to transform the region, delivering lasting infrastructure, international exposure, and significant economic benefits for North Queensland.
“I think it took a number of people by surprise that both the Whitsundays and Townsville were announced as the venue for the sailing,” said Commodore of the Townsville Sailing Club, Wesley Bailey.
“Obviously, the infrastructure review and the delivery plan the government handed down did throw open a lot of sports to the regions.”
The successful bid represents the culmination of dedicated advocacy from both the Townsville Sailing Club and the Townsville Yacht Club, supported by the Townsville City Council’s forward-thinking Legacy Committee, which made a compelling submission to the state government’s 100-day infrastructure review for the games.
“They (Legacy Committee) were determined to ensure Townsville benefits fully from the Olympics with infrastructure that provides a meaningful legacy for Townsville well beyond the Olympic event,” Mr Bailey explained with enthusiasm.
The centrepiece of this Olympic transformation will be the impressive Townsville Aquatic Precinct, a visionary project already in development.
“We’ve secured our land here a couple of years ago and as part of that we’ve also developed a business case for a multi-award sports aquatic precinct,” Mr Bailey said.
This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a vibrant hub for all water sports, fostering unprecedented collaboration across Townsville’s aquatic sporting community.
“We’re creating a truly inclusive environment where various water sports can thrive together,” Mr Bailey added.
“For example, kite foilers, who are actually part of the Olympic sailing program, will be hosting an event here at our club next weekend.”
Perhaps Townsville’s most compelling advantage is its exceptional sailing conditions during the Olympic period.
Townsville Yacht Club secretary Murray Whitehead highlighted this significant advantage over alternative venues.
“A good event means you have good water and good wind, and it was harshly demonstrated at Marseille—I’d go so far to say that was a terrible sailing event,” Mr Whitehead said, referencing the challenging conditions at the Paris Olympics.
Australian Sailing’s comprehensive wind studies and historical data analysis have confirmed what locals have long known—Townsville offers world-class sailing conditions.
“Australian Sailing has been tremendously supportive of Townsville as a venue, and we’ve hosted key decision-makers to showcase Townsville’s exceptional offerings,” Mr Whitehead said.
The city’s natural amphitheatre setting presents another spectacular advantage for the Olympic events.
“With the Strand, Kissing Point, and other vantage points, spectators will enjoy unparalleled views of the sailing competitions,” Mr Bailey enthused.
“This creates an exceptional opportunity for people to witness Olympic sailing in a truly magnificent setting.”
The economic benefits of hosting Olympic sailing will arrive years before the Games commence, with the marine industry set to experience immediate growth.
“Chandleries, boat servicing facilities like Ross Haven, marinas for storing support boats—all will see substantial economic activity flowing from the sailing events,” Mr Bailey said.
“Multiple lead-up events for Olympic classes will be held here, as competitors seek to understand local conditions and test the venues.”
The broader economic impact extends well beyond the marine sector, with Townsville’s excellent infrastructure positioning it perfectly to capitalise on this international exposure.
“From a logistical perspective, Townsville offers outstanding advantages—a well-connected airport, rail infrastructure, excellent communications facilities, and abundant accommodation options that will be thoroughly utilised,” Mr Whitehead pointed out enthusiastically.
“We’re looking at seven years of potential training opportunities before the Games even begin—that represents a tremendous boost for the entire region.”
With this Olympic opportunity, Townsville is poised to cement its reputation as a world-class destination for sailing and water sports, creating a lasting legacy that will benefit the community for generations to come.
Other opportunities set to arise
It is not only sailing that will have the world’s eyes trained on Townsville, football will also be played at Queensland CountryBank Stadium.
The Queensland Government released the 2032 delivery plan in March which not only outlined the events that were coming toTownsville, but also some of the infrastructure upgrades, and other initiatives.
The Bruce Highway is set for upgrades as part of a nine billion dollar investment between Brisbane and Cairns, along withthe leveraging of the 20-year tourism plan for new tourism initiatives, and a share in the $250 million Games On! Programswith upgrades to grassroots sport.
A spokesperson for Football Queensland said their submission to the state government was to make sure the sport gets maximumexposure.
“Football Queensland’s position is to ensure the hosting of football fixtures maximises exposure for the game and the tournament,provides a high-quality football experience, and is delivered in the most accessible locations,” the spokesperson said.
“Brisbane 2032, as the Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, is exclusively responsible for venue identificationand the event delivery and it is anticipated that their final position on venue selection will be communicated in due course.”
Premier David Crisafulli said the games were a once in a generation operation to deliver infrastructure, tourism and grassrootssports legacy to benefit all of Queensland.
“Delivering 2032 and beyond sets the plan to build much more than what’s needed for a few weeks of competition,” he said.
“This is a plan that builds for our future, ensuring regional communities continue to benefit for decades to come.”
Mr Crisafulli believes delivering critical upgrades to the spine of the network, the Bruce Highway, opens up Townsville.
“Come 2032, through better connectivity and the right infrastructure, Townsville will be ready to open its doors not onlyto the games but to more tourists, more employment and more opportunities.”
Originally published as Wesley Bailey outlines Townsville’s sailing strengths ahead of Olympics berth
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