Toowoomba and Gold Coast in competition over 2032 Olympics equestrian bid

Toowoomba and Gold Coast in head-to-head pitch to host 2032 Olympic equestrian events. SEE HOW THEY COMPARE:

Toowoomba’s bid to host equestrian events at the 2032 Olympics could be snatched up by our southern coastal neighbours, after the Gold Coast Turf Club revealed its own equestrian masterplan.

Gold Coast Turf Club bosses are developing a Games masterplan which would see its Bundall complex become the host for showjumping and dressage events, while the Aquis Park Elysian fields Equestrian Centre at Canungra would be used for eventing, training and quarantine.

The plan will be presented to the Games Infrastructure and Coordination Authority and state government in early 2025.

Turf Club CEO Steve Lines said the Gold Coast was the “perfect location” for the events.

Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Steve Lines said Gold Coast was the “perfect location” for equestrian events. Picture by Richard Gosling

“We believe there are no other venues in Queensland that can economically and effectively provide world-class venues which will also showcase the incredible tourism assets of the Gold Coast and its hinterland,” he said.

The announcement comes a week after the Toowoomba Regional Council finalised its submission to the 100-day review, backing Queensland Agricultural Society’s push to host the Olympic equestrian sports at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.

Toowoomba’s submission presents the “most compelling options for the equestrian events for 2032,” TRC Mayor Geoff McDonald said.

“Add to the mix, the opportunity for an equine quarantine facility at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport and you have a distinct advantage to animal welfare and competitor preparation.”

Toowoomba Regional Council Geoff McDonald said Toowoomba’s pitch has the “most compelling options” for the 2032 Olympics. Picture: Christine Schindler

If successful, the venue would attract major events to Toowoomba to support the development of local young athletes to follow in the footsteps of Paris 2024 silver medallist Christopher Burton, one of Toowoomba’s greatest sporting athletes.

Burton’s incredible performance at Paris this year has already inspired countless young riders to pursue their Olympic dreams — now he’s hoping to use that influence to secure legacy infrastructure for his home region.

The Toowoomba Equestrian Centre has also gained the support of Toowoomba representatives from all three levels of government, including the Toowoomba Regional Council, treasurer and Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki, his colleagues Trevor Watts and Pat Weir, and Groom MP Garth Hamilton.

Aerial photo of the Gold Coast Turf Club. Picture: Luke Marsden.

The competition, however, might be tight between the two cities, with the Gold Coast Turf Club fresh off spending $73m to upgrade its facilities for night racing, including state-of-the-art lights, a new tunnel and an improved track.

The RASQ’s new submission for the Toowoomba Showgrounds upgrade would see the project given an “Olympic overlay” to allow it to host all equestrian events, athletes and personnel at the Glenvale site.

Both parties trumped their locations as being the most “logical choice”.

Aerial view of the Toowoomba Showgrounds

RASQ chief executive Damon Phillips said the equestrian centre not only met the Olympic criteria around legacy infrastructure but would be the only logical choice if the Victoria Park stadium concept was favoured by the state government.

Mr Lines said the Gold Coast’s proximity to Brisbane, plus the planned athletes village at Robina, made the city the logical choice.

Both cities’ dreams of hosting equestrian events at the 2032 Olympics will hinge entirely on the outcomes of the new LNP government’s 100-day review, which is open to all venue options for every sport.

Submissions must be lodged by January 10, 2025.