Brisbane Olympics: Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson plays down prospects of key 2032 Games role

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson has played down his prospects of taking on a lead role to deliver the 2032 Olympic Games as speculation mounts.

A top job steering the charge to the starting line of the 2032 Olympic Games appears unlikely to end up on Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson’s CV.

Speculation had been mounting the third-term mayor was set to depart as Sunshine Coast Council figurehead and launch into a role on the soon to be formed Brisbane 2032 Olympics organising committee.

But Mr Jamieson played down the rumours despite stating he had been approached to apply for the role of chief executive of the organising committee.

It was understood the Organising Committee for the Olympic Games for Brisbane 2032 would need to be stood up within five months of the river city being awarded the Games.

The announcement of Brisbane’s winning bid was made on July 21 at a historic announcement in Tokyo.

Mr Jamieson said recently he had been contacted and told to “put your hand up” for the role of chief executive of the committee but said he’d told those who approached him he didn’t think he had time.

“I have three years to run in this term of mayor and I make up my mind somewhere down the track as to whether I continue in that role and that’s really up to the community in the long run,” Mr Jamieson said.

“I’m happy to be involved and help but I don’t have any aspirations for any major roles.

“I’m happy to be part of the shoulders that others will stand on to deliver.”

The establishment of the committee involved several steps which included agreement between the International Olympic Committee and Australian Olympic Committee on the make up of the organisation to oversee the Brisbane Games.

It was understood the federal government was in favour of independent directors including a president and a chair with the chair to be appointed first but negotiations between the state and federal governments were still to be thrashed out.

It was understood appointees could be made by the Premier, Prime Minister and SEQ Council of Mayors.

Sources close to the bid said there would be nothing precluding Mr Jamieson from seeking a position.

The 17-person organising committee was to be made up of five representatives from the Commonwealth, five from the state, five independents and two from local government.

The administrative arm of the organisation would be run by a chief executive and senior executive team.

A statutory body would also be established complementing the main board which focused on the delivery of infrastructure and Games venues.

Other names floated to take on key roles on the committee included former Premier Peter Beattie, Star chairman John O’Neill, ex-Tourism Minister Kate Jones and former NRL supremo Todd Greenberg, among others.

Originally published as Brisbane Olympics: Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson plays down prospects of key 2032 Games role