Toowoomba selected to host 2032 Olympic Equestrian events

It’s real — in 2032 Toowoomba will officially join cities like London, Paris, Los Angeles and Sydney as the host of equestrian events at the Olympic Games.

It’s real — Toowoomba will officially join cities like London, Paris, Los Angeles and Sydney as the host of equestrian events at the Olympic Games.

The almost unthinkable dream is now a reality, after Premier David Crisafulli on Tuesday confirmed the state government would help fund the $54m Toowoomba Equestrian centre at the city’s showgrounds for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

The announcement, which was made at the Courier-Mail’s Future Brisbane event, led to a flood of jubilation across the region.

Premier David Crisafulli at the Howard Smith Wharves for the announcement of the Brisbane Olympics 2032 venues and infrastructure. (Image/Josh Woning)

Mr Crisafulli unveiled the plan to bring the Olympics to Toowoomba and other regional centres across the Sunshine State.

“In Toowomba, the famous showgrounds will be transformed into an equestrian centre of excellence,” he said to applause.

“Toowoomba is one of several regional centers to get legacy venue.

“There will be significant upgrade to the Gold Coast Hockey Centre, while Rockhampton will

host the rowing. Townsville will co-host the sailing of football, Maryborough will host the archery.”

RASQ CEO Damon Phillips said supporters of the now green-lit TEC were beyond thrilled when they heard the golden news.

“Working together we’ve been able to secure the Olympics,” he said.

“This is one of the greatest opportunities that we will ever get for Toowoomba and the region to showcase ourselves to the world.

“This is putting us on the world stage and no other event gives you that opportunity.

“Toowoomba can get on board and just ride this thing through over the next seven years and beyond.”

The TEC will see hundreds of athletes, animals and supporting staff based in Toowoomba during the two weeks of events, with tens of thousands of spectators expected to fill the arena across the games.

The Glennie School equestrian captain Eloise Kings and her horse Fioretti are excited the Toowoomba Equestrian Centre was given the green-light by the Queensland Government. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Experts put the economic windfall for the games alone at more than $12m, without even considering the financial injection from the construction phase and the attraction of high-level events every year because of the upgrade.

The RASQ has been developing plans for the TEC for nearly a decade, with the view of addressing the state’s lack of capacity to host national and international horse events.

RASQ chairman Shane Charles and Treasurer David Janetzki share their joy over Toowoomba Equestrian Centre approval. Photo: Tom Gillespie

Toowoomba South MP and Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki said the announcement was unprecedented for the city.

“This is a truly historic day for the Darling Downs,” Mr Janetzki said.

“As the first Queensland Treasurer west of the divide for many decades, it’s a privilege to be at the heart of the decision to build the equestrian centre and bring the Olympics to Toowoomba.”

“I’ve been working behind the scenes for months fighting for this moment, and I am ecstatic to finally see it announced today.”

“It’s a lasting legacy for our region that stretches far beyond the two weeks of Olympic competition.”

“It captures the character of our region and will shine a global spotlight on why we love the place we call home.”

“This is not just infrastructure for the Olympics - but for generations to come who will see the Darling Downs as the heart and soul of equestrian in our state.”

“Our own Olympic equestrian legend Chris Burton grew up with me at Brymaroo - and it’s been a privilege to join forces in advocating for this project with him and so many others across the Darling Downs.”

Mr Phillips said as the equestrian capital of Queensland it is fitting that Toowoomba is hosting this event.

“There are more horses registered with Equestrian Queensland in our region than anywhere else,” he said.

“It’s such an exciting chance and one that as a region, we can all embrace and get behind and deliver something very quintessentially rural Australia.

“We’ve got a beautiful backdrop of nature that showcases what’s so great about our country, and we should embrace that and celebrate that.”

Darling Downs silver medalist Christopher Burton with horse Shadow Man of Team Australia celebrate during a lap of honour after the medal ceremony at the Paris Olympics. Mr Burton threw his weight behind the campaign to secure the TEC. Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

At the announcement event in Brisbane, Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald said hosting the Olympics will mean new opportunities for the city.

“Just imagine this, in 2032 you’ve got Olympic medals being presented in your own backyard. “All of a sudden the Toowoomba region becomes an Olympic region, an Olympic and Paralympic region.

“We join the likes of Paris, London, and Sydney - that’s pretty phenomenal.

“It puts leaders or those decision makers in a privileged position where we can help shape a really positive future for our region.”

Speaking before the announcement, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise chief executive John McVeigh said Toowoomba needed to use the Olympics as a chance to shake up the city’s vital infrastructure, particularly around public transport.

“It simply has to - to gear up for a major investment at the Toowoomba Showgrounds, you’ve got to look at the transport and infrastructure around it,” he said.

“I personally see a great need of investment in upgrades in terms of access to the showgrounds but also Toowoomba.

“When will Toowoomba get a better chance to attract infrastructure funding than Olympics 2032? Let’s get it done.”