Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s big call on Brisbane 2032 Olympics name change
Annastacia Palaszczuk has responded to calls to change the name of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games during a visit to the Gold Coast. VOTE IN THE POLL
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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has defended the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games being named after just Brisbane, despite other Queensland locations hosting the world’s biggest sporting event.
She dismissed a suggestion to call the games “Southeast Queensland 2032” during the organising committee board’s two-day visit across the Gold Coast.
“The way the Olympics have operated in the past, it has always been the centre is given to the name which is hosting the most number of events,” the premier said.
“Under the new norm you will hear me say Brisbane 2023 Queensland - it’s inclusive of all of Queensland.”
The board meeting on the Gold Coast was one of many tipped to be held in the regions in a bid to reflect the “new format” of the games, which is being hosted across numerous cities and towns.
Organisers hope this will broaden the opportunity for participation, economic growth and community engagement.
The next Brisbane 2032 board meeting is expected to be held in Brisbane in May.
The Glitter Strip was dubbed a “living legacy” of mega sports events during the leaders’ tour of the region.
No specific Olympic funding for the Gold Coast was flagged during the visit, despite the city being expected to host eight sports and an athletes’ village.
While Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate urged the state to “bring on” the funding, he did not expect much to flow south of Brisbane.
“During the Commonwealth Games we worked hard with the state government primarily and we delivered that,” he said.
“But this time around, we don’t have to put out for much money except for some transport infrastructure.”
Brisbane 2032 organising committee board president Andrew Liveris said the visit gave members the opportunity to see sporting venues delivered for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, that will then be used in the Olympics.
“These venues are now actively being used by the community almost every day of the year, and they are used by elite Australian athletes, as well as grassroots community sport clubs,” he said.
Mayor not worried about being left out
Mayor Tom Tate has hit back at suggestions the city will miss out on having a say in the 2032 Olympic Games because it is not involved in the body representing southeast Queensland cities and regions.
Cr Tate was asked by media if he was confident the city could gain influence on the organisation of the games, given its lack of participation in the powerful southeast Queensland Council of Mayors (COMSEQ).
“I think you’re overplaying the Council of Mayors,” he responded.
“How we work on the Gold Coast – you reflect on the result and delivery of infrastructure and the funding for our city.
“I’m not trying to boast, but we’ve got our fair share of slice.
“Whether it is ministers at the state or federal level, I go see them one-on-one.
“It’s good to sit around with the mayors and all that, but my view is value for money for ratepayers.
“It (costs) $360,000 for me to sit around the table there and it might sound a bit arrogant, but they should pay us to join because we’ve got some great ideas.”
Senior councillors are drafting a motion for the city to rejoin COMSEQ, the Bulletin understands.
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