’Don’t leave us behind’: Qld Councils’ Olympic plea

Queensland’s local councils have urged the state government to commit to sharing the economic benefits of the 2032 Games across the state. This is what they want.

Queensland’s local councils have urged the state government to commit to sharing the economic benefits of the 2032 Games across the state, with concerns that some regions will be “left behind”.

Almost one in five councils held concerns that the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games would deliver no benefit for their communities, a report from the Local Government Association of Queensland shows.

The On Your Marks: Queensland local government and the road to 2032 survey also found a lack of infrastructure investment, particularly outside South East Queensland in the lead-up to 2032 was a major concern.

LGAQ chief executive Alison Smith said councils had been clear that the government must “ensure there is a sharing of the economic benefits and funding communities for all of Queensland following the successful bid”.

“Hosting this event in Queensland is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which is why that opportunity needs to be maximised so that the whole state benefits,” she said.

“These survey results show communities are ready to engage now and start planning in order to realise value to local economies pre, during and post the 2032 event.”

LGAQ CEO Alison Smith.

The Council of SEQ Mayors was instrumental in securing the Games, having commissioned a prefeasibility study in 2016.

The feedback from 61 Queensland councils found 57 per cent believed the 2032 Games would leave a legacy in their community.

Of those who did not, about one in four hoped for a legacy benefit or suggested there could be one if investment was made in infrastructure and tourism promotion, among other necessary measures, while 17 per cent said they did not see a legacy benefit for their communities.

Following the survey the LGAQ has formulated seven recommendations for the government, including establishing a 2032 Olympics rural/remote Queensland funding program to ensure areas outside South East Queensland also receive equitable funding for essential infrastructure and community facilities.

While construction of venues like the Brisbane Arena will create legacy infrastructure for the state’s capital, other Queensland councils fear they may miss out on such benefits. Render: Populous

It also recommends appointing a dedicated senior officer with local government experience to act as a liaison, developing regional Olympic plans to support tourism and local business opportunities, and First Nations engagement to acknowledge and celebrate Queensland’s cultural values.

“The results demonstrate more work needs to be done to ensure local communities are not left behind as Queensland’s ‘green and gold runway’ is rolled out ...” Ms Smith said.

“As the level of government closest to their communities, Queensland’s councils are well-placed to help the state and federal governments achieve a Games legacy that truly does benefit all.”

Councils from the Central West of the state expressed concern that unsealed roads and high airfare prices would make it difficult for anyone in the region to travel to the Games. “We believe that there will be very little money spent in rural and remote areas because the money will be spent in the southeast corner,” one respondent said.