Premier reveals 2032 Olympics road map with Whitsundays, Mackay to host events

The Premier has revealed the Whitsundays will co-host sailing events and Mackay will host cricket games during the 2032 Olympic Games.

Cricket is on the cards to feature in the 2032 Olympics, and with the major development in place for the Great Barrier Reef Arena it will firm as a destination spot for the sport.

The Whitsundays and Townsville have been revealed as co-hosts for sailing events at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games while Mackay looks set to welcome cricket games to Harrup Park.

The announcement was made by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli on Tuesday during a live presentation in Brisbane where the 2032 Delivery Plan was revealed.

Mr Crisafulli said the plan would now be implemented to deliver a Games Queenslanders would be proud of.

“To host the Olympic and Paralympic Games is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we’ll make it count for Queensland with a lasting legacy,” he said.

Deputy Premier of Queensland Jarrod Bleijie and Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli at an official media event and media conference following the release of the 2032 Olympic Plan for Queensland. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said he always believed the Whitsundays deserved to shine on the world stage and now they would have that chance.

“A huge win for our region, and something I’m incredibly proud to have fought for,” he said.

“I’ve worked hard to make our case—arranging face-to-face meetings in Brisbane with key decision-makers to ensure the Whitsundays was front and centre.

“I presented a strong business case highlighting our natural advantages—and now, our collective efforts have paid off.”

He said he never let go of his vision for the Whitsundays to host, even when the focus shifted south.

“This isn’t just a win for our region—it’s a powerful example of what happens when council and community work together with purpose,” he said.

Whitsunday Sailing Club. Photo: Leandra Mollica

“The Whitsundays is Australia’s premier sailing destination—with consistent winds, sheltered waters, existing infrastructure, and a stunning backdrop of 74 tropical islands.

“We’re ready to showcase Queensland to the world.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said if cricket was chosen for the 2032 Olympics, which he believed was highly likely, then Harrup Park would be the venue for it.

“What would be more applicable for Australia to include as an Olympic sport than cricket?” he said.

“So, we’re very, very hopeful.”

He said there had been huge upgrades to the facilities at Harrup Park already and hoped that in the lead up to 2032 they’d be able to attract the funding to extend the grandstand and to deliver a high performance gym among other facilities.

“This will be the icing on the cake for the Great Barrier Reef Arena,” he said.

“We couldn’t be happier and couldn’t be more proud of Harrup Park and the volunteer board that has brought Harrup Park and the Great Barrier Reef Arena this far.”

He said while Queenslanders knew they lived in the best part of the world, it would be great to attract a whole lot of other people to the Mackay and Whitsunday regions.

“I think the eyes of the world are going to be on us, not just in 2032, but in the lead up as people come to the area to acclimatise and to be part of the lead up to the games,” he said.

“This is fantastic.”

Cricket match at Harrup Park Country Club in Mackay. (AAP Image/Darren England)

Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee President, Andrew Liveris, said the 2032 Delivery Plan would see Queenslanders get the best of the venues, and the Games showcase the best of Queensland to the world.

“We have been handed a gift to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032 – an event that will attract billions of viewers, millions of visitors, deliver generational economic and social benefits, and secure legacies for grassroots communities through to elite athletes,” he said.

“The time for talking has passed.

“Let’s put the plan into place.”

Originally published as Premier reveals 2032 Olympics road map with Whitsundays, Mackay to host events