Gold Coast Mayor’s bold move to secure Olympic ‘legacy’ for Southport Aquatic Centre

Mayor Tom Tate has revealed a bold cash splash to upgrade the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre in a bid to secure Olympic hosting privileges. FIND OUT MORE.

The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre at Southport. Pic: Gold Coast City Council.

The Gold Coast Mayor has made a bold offer to upgrade Gold Coast Aquatic Centre to secure 2032 Olympic hosting privileges, pledging $75 million if the state government matches it.

Mayor Tom Tate’s ambitious proposal would see the $150 million roof and seating upgrade – required to meet Olympic standards – completed in time to host the world short course championships in Southport in 2028.

“I’m happy to go 50-50 with the state – that’s only $75 million for the state – a lot cheaper than building an arena with a temporary pool for $2 billion.

“I’m happy to do that because if we push forward and have that complete, we can host the world short course championships. If it’s good enough for the world, I think it would be good enough for the Olympics.”

“It’s a must do,” he said.

His comments come after Swimming Australia CEO Rob Woodhouse said to host the Olympics the Gold Coast neded two indoor 50-metre pools and a roof.

Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus poses at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre on February 06, 2023. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Mr Tate also floated installing a temporary floor to increase the venue’s versatility for other events.

“I would build another outdoor pool as well because we’re growing there and so is the legacy.

“You slide the floor out, and you slide the floor back in so you can have a basketball game, things like that,” he said.

Mr Tate’s plan is in response to reports of Swimming Australia’s stipulation that two undercover 50m pools were a necessary requirement for the city to host the Olympics.