Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate won’t confirm financial backing for 2032 Olympics bid

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has declined to answer questions when it comes to financial backing for a 2032 Olympics bid.

IT is unclear if Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will be able to rely on financial backing for a 2032 Olympics bid from the Gold Coast with Mayor Tom Tate declining to answer questions on it.

Ms Palaszczuk yesterday announced her Government would keep pursuing a Queensland bid for the 2032 Olympics, anchored by Brisbane, the Sunshine and Gold Coasts.

“There’s more work to do to ensure we are in a position to put a compelling case to the International Olympic Committee,” she said.

“Cabinet has today made the decision to continue working towards securing a Games - and we will contine to work closely with our partners to ensure we receive the financial support we require from all levels of Government.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the announcement yesterday. (AAP Image/Attila Csaszar)

That support is not a given with Cr Tate declining to answer Bulletin questions on where he stood on council financially backing the 2032 Olympics.

Cr Tate said in an initial statement: “It’s wonderful SEQ is proceeding with the 2032 Olympic bid.”

“Reflecting on the 2018 Commonwealth Games, which showed we can deliver the best multisport event anywhere, we’re now more than capable of delivering the world’s biggest multisport event.

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“We should grab this torch, have a go and win.”

But when asked for his stance on the Gold Coast putting money towards the Olympics or any comment at all on the financial aspect, his office replied: “Sorry, the Mayor will only be making one statement on the Olympic bid today.”

Mayor Tate is keeping tight-lipped. Picture: Jerad Williams

Cr Cameron Caldwell, chair of the planning and development committee, said hosting an Olympics was an exciting opportunity.

“As far as funding is concerned, the council would have to carefully consider any proposals the State Government might make but we would always be cautious in our expenditure of ratepayers money.”

The lack of clarity has not dimmed the enthusiasm of Ms Palaszczuk, with a spokesman saying she meets regional mayors and the Australian Olympic Committee tomorrow to “talk about the next steps”.

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“The dollars is a bit early to discuss until we know exactly what sort of Olympics we want to stage,” her spokesman said.

She had already met Prime Minister Scott Morrison who was “very supportive”.

Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista said the global exposure and implications for tourism could be a game-changer if leveraged effectively.

“The bid would need to ensure strong economic benefit for the Gold Coast tourism sector in the long run,” she said.

A successful Olympics bid could see the Gold Coast host a “lion’s share”. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)

“The Gold Coast could benefit from the opportunity to secure major investment and funding to further boost our transport infrastructure as well as the development of new attractions.”

Major Events Gold Coast CEO Jan McCormick said anything getting international recognition was wonderful.

“We’ve learned a lot of lessons from the Commonwealth Games. What it has delivered for us is wonderful infrastructure, and that’s something that can be built upon by hosting the Olympic Games.”