Premier David Crisafulli in Townsville after joint sailing host announcement for 2032 Olympics
Local MPs pushing for aquatic precinct upgrades as Townsville begins work to prepare for 2032 Olympics hosting duties.
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Premier David Crisafulli has declared that Townsville’s involvement in the upcoming Olympic games will pave the way for a generational upgrade in infrastructure.
He said he has every faith the people of Townsville would get behind supporting the events in a “big way”.
“It’s not just about the event, it’s about opportunities that lie before, during and after,” he said.
“There is the opportunity for generation infrastructure.”
Mr Crisafulli said he would continue to work with local councils and other levels of government for upgrades to the Bruce Highway and the development of an aquatic precinct along The Strand for the games and into the future.
“That Aquatic Precinct is something that I know Adam, Nat and Janelle are really pushing hard for,” he said.
“I saw what The Strand redevelopment did for Townsville in the late 90s and a bookend to The Strand redevelopment would be to see an Aquatic Precinct that could be the next wave of generational opportunities,” he said.
Commodore of the Townsville Sailing Club Wesley Bailey said it was an exciting time for sailing in North Queensland, with the Strand being an “iconic” location with great sailing conditions.
“The Strand has played host to World Titles and National Titles before, so we are looking to build on that through our work with Australian Sailing and the government and the Olympic Committee to make sure this event is a success,” he said.
“There is planning that the club has been doing for some time around the aquatic precinct, as a multi-use waterspouts facility on The Strand … that will pitch.”
With the conditions on Thursday looking for overcast and wet than usual for Townsville Mr Bailey said come 2032, the conditions will most likely shine.
“There are 300 days of sunshine a year, rain is not going to dampen the spirits of sailors that for sure,” he said.
As part of the infrastructure spend for the Games, the Bruce Highway will be upgraded to allow for better movements between Townsville, Mackay and Cairns, however details have not yet been released.
“There’s also the importance of making sure we get infrastructure right as part of our vision for 2032,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“We have to create something special.”
“What we should do is look to develop something ahead of 2031, so it cannot just be enjoyed by professional athletes but for generations of kids and families here as well.”
Townsville Olympic sailor Breiana Whitehead and members of the Townsville Yacht Club have previously called for 2032 Olympic sailing events to be held in Townsville, where they say conditions are more favourable than around Brisbane.
Originally published as Premier David Crisafulli in Townsville after joint sailing host announcement for 2032 Olympics
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