Tourism, baseball and rail: Five ways the Northern Rivers can cash in on 2032 Olympic Games

Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympic Games, but how can we get a slice of the estimated $17.61 billion that it will bring into the local economy?

Five ways the Northern Rivers region could capitalise on a 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

It’s official! Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympic Games, but what does that mean for us?

For Northern Rivers residents, just a scenic one-and-a-half or two hours south of the Queensland capital, it is hard not to imagine the possibilities and opportunities the world’s largest sporting event could offer.

While details are still scarce, The Northern Star has brainstormed how we could cash in from the world stage:

Tourism

The 2032 Olympics is estimated to bring a $8.5bn in estimated tourism revenue for Australia.

It was an opportunity Business NSW Northern Rivers Regional Manager Jane Laverty said our region couldn’t underestimate.

“It is our chance to be seen on the world stage and demonstrate our capability as world class hosts and a desirable destination for visitors and investors,” she said.

“There are a range of projects currently in development in the region that will add significantly to the attraction product mix such as the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, recently funded Nimbin Rainbow Road Walking Trail and the proposed X Building at the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.

“When you combine outstanding destination product experiences with top level visitor hospitality, multi-origin airport access and connectivity as well our enviable natural beauty it is clear that we can be an important part of Brisbane’s Olympic host offering.

“We have the appetite for a collaborative cross border strategy with Queensland that we hope will not only ensure the best Games ever but also one that can leave a real legacy for the SE Queensland and Northern Rivers NSW region and its hardworking business community collectively.”

Lennox Head has been host to a number of comps, including the under-16 Skull Candy Oz Grom Open.

Surfing

Making its Olympic debut this year in Tokyo, it almost seems illogical for Queensland not to take advantage of our nearby stunning beaches.

Tweed’s Cabarita Beach was named Australia’s best beach for 2020 while Lennox Head plays host to plenty of surfing competitions.

Surfing legends such as Mick Fanning and Alby Falzon who flocked to our region also stand as true endorsement to our waves.

Accommodation and business

Initial plans reveal Gold Coast lies as the alternative host of several key events including hockey and swimming/waterpolo.

If Brisbane venues were ruled out, the Gold Coast Hockey Centre and the Gold Coast Aquatics Centre, used for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, could be the next big winners.

That plan would certain bolster the nearby Tweed as an accommodation go-tos, and serve as a massive plus to many local businesses.

Already, early estimates show the Games could bring a welcome $17.61bn for Australia in quantifiable economic benefits.

PERFECT PITCH: At Australian Senior League Championships at Albert Park in Lismore.

Baseball

In another sporting coup, Lismore is home to what is regarded as “one of Australia’s strongest non-metropolitan baseball and softball communities”.

Albert Park has hosted some of the most prestigious baseball events over the years and we’re sure organisers would the chance to hit an Olympic home run.

With $900,000 in funding presented last week to the facility organisers to improve accessibility and provide female facilities it seems like it’s time to batter up for an Olympic pitch.

Rail

Perhaps not a sporting aim, but no less important for the future of our region.

Accessibility and transport will be a major part of a $1.052 billion lead up to the games.

Part of that money is already allocated towards the Stage four of the Gold Coast Light Rail link, aimed to span from Burleigh Heads to the border.

Who’s to say that development couldn’t cross over border lines for a more seamless experience?

For you say on how we could best shine at the 2032 Olympics, head to [e-mail]