Annastacia Palaszczuk said a 2032 Queensland Olympics would be ‘the People’s Games’
Annastacia Palaszczuk foreshadows a golden age for the state as an Olympic pitch moves forward.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said a 2032 Queensland Olympics would be ‘’the People’s Games’’ and foreshadowed a golden age for the state as an Olympic bid took a giant leap amidst effusive praise from the International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach.
Mr Bach used the word “impressive’’ at least six times about the Queensland 2032 plans when speaking to reporters on Tuesday evening and when questioned if there were sticking points the team needed to work on, he said simply: “no’’.
Mrs Palaszczuk has even brought forward a final deadline about making a decision whether to bid for the Games. At the beginning of the week the plan was to decide by the end of the year, but yesterday she brought it forward by a month.
Standing beside Mr Bach, Ms Palaszczuk said: “the expansive presentations of the International Olympic Committee has been beneficial (to help us understand) what we need to do to complete the value assessment as soon as possible. I would like to see it completed by the end of November.’’
She then added: “I would like to see these as the People’s Games, for the people and inclusive of our people’’.
The Prime Minister’s Queensland Olympic Candidature Leadership group is due to meet in early December and could then sign off on the Olympic bid proposal as soon as it is passed by the Queensland government.
If the bid proceeds, Queensland would work with the IOC’s Future Candidature Commission for the Summer Olympics to fine-tune their proposal. The announcement of who will be on this all-important commission is due to be announced next month. The commission will scrutinise the plans of Queensland and other interested bidders before putting together a recommendation to an IOC session of its 100 plus members, which could occur in 2021.
Mr Bach said the questions from the Australian team were in-depth and showed a high level of preparedness, which was unusual, but which gave him confidence that a decision about the 2032 Olympics would be definitely made well before 2025.
“My only advice is to keep going,’’ he said.
“I must say its innovative to have all parties united and behind this big project and sport in Australia.
“This shows this project is not only about the elite athletes and elite sport but about the communities and also informed the Queenslanders themselves are highly supportive of the project, if you add to this the enthusiasm for sport of which the Aussies are famous … I think it is fair to say this project has all the ingredients to become a successful candidature. So the ball is in your court now to digest all this information, to see what it means for you and make a good decision.’’
After the series of meetings which were held at the new Olympic headquarters in Lausanne Ms Palaszczuk was enthusiastic about the economic benefits and fast tracking of much needed transport infrastructure to South East Queensland that a Games would bring.
Ms Palaszczuk said she was able to show the IOC that about 85 per cent of venues were already in place and could be used for a 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. But one venue not yet decided on was the main stadium for the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics.
She was also satisfied that the Olympic Movement and Queenslanders shared common values about opportunities for young people, the environment and sustainability. Crucially the IOC also confirmed they would be contributing around $2.5bn to the operating Games budget that is projected to be $5.3bn.
“I believe we share common values and the ideals and values of the Olympic Movement,’’ Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The pride that (a 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games) will bring to Queensland and across our nations as well, it could be a golden age for Queensland and it sets Queensland’s future up with jobs and investment for decades to come.’’
Mr Bach said he was happy to have met “optimistic and forward looking politicians’’.
“That was a very good experience,’’ he noted.
Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates said the exchange was both successful and a critical next step for Queensland. “Across a range of critical areas, the delegation gained vital insights into the IOC’s thinking about what a Games candidature looks like and how the IOC’s vision for the Game can align with Queensland’s vision for the state’s future,’’ he said.
“The overwhelming message the Queensland team can take home is that putting together a viable candidature is very much a partnership between the potential host and the IOC.
“The IOC team could not have been more helpful in providing expert insight into where the Olympic movement is heading, how the Olympic sports program works, Games funding and the risks and opportunities Queensland should consider.’’
Mr Coates said it was useful for all delegation members to hear first-hand the IOC’s focus on reducing costs, reducing complexity, risk and waste.
“I think we all understand that the Queensland community must be kept informed and engaged throughout the process ahead,’’ Mr Coates said.
“The warmth and welcoming attitude of the Queensland people is a wonderful asset.
“To have the united leadership at federal, state and local government level sends a powerful signal. The delegation showed great unity of purpose and demonstrated that Queensland can make a compelling case.
“Today’s exchange of information will certainly help strengthen that case, should Queensland decide to proceed with a candidature,” Mr Coates said.
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