Far North leaders respond to Noel Pearson’s ‘world-class’ city concerns

It’s estimated less than 9 per cent of the world even know Brisbane exists, as it prepapes to host the Olympics, but the North’s “world-class” assets could help change that.

Brisbane’s Queen Street Wharf. Noel Pearson says the city is a second-tier destination. NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

Far North leaders say the region has world-class assets ideal to host the Olympics, despite an Indigenous leader’s push for a Sydney and Melbourne takeover.

Noel Pearson doesn’t consider Brisbane to be a “world-class” city, but local leaders say the size of the state’s capital shouldn’t be the focus while shining a light on the region’s global attractions.

The Aboriginal activist and founder of Cape York Partnership in an opinion piece last week questioned Queensland’s ability to afford the 2032 event, and also Brisbane’s status as a premier city – labelling it as once a “large country town.”

“The cultural and entertainment precincts and facilities are that of a large town rather than a modern city,” Mr Pearson said.

Indigenous activist Noel Pearson suggested moving the Olympics to Sydney and Melbourne. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian

“It’s about putting our best feet forward as a people, as a nation.

“That means we put forward our best. We are blessed to have two cities of world class (Sydney and Melbourne),” he said before recommending the games be either awarded to the southern cities, or lead by them in a co-host arrangement.

But his views took a blow when the Australian Government on Thursday announced its confirmation of $3.44bn towards a $7.1bn pipeline of new or upgraded infrastructure across the state.

TTNQ chief executive Mark Olsen said the Far North was already carrying the weight of brand recognition for the state, on a global scale.

Brinkley Davies snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef with Reef Magic.

“We are definitely a world-class city, and if you travel the world as we get to do in the tourism industry, with our investment partners, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef are known globally,” he said.

“In many cases, better known than the state of Queensland. So without a doubt, we’re a global city.

“But remember that the Olympics isn’t just about the size of the city; the Olympics is about that athlete experience.”

Mr Olsen said it was estimated less than 9 per cent of the world’s population knew Brisbane existed, but expected that to rise above 90 per cent.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen says the Far North was already world-renowned. Picture: Brendan Radke

“That’s a great lift. For our region it’s an opportunity to showcase the Torres Strait, the Cape, the Savannah Way, our reef and rainforest, our indigenous experiences.

Leichhardt MP Matt Smith said it was “things like Olympics make a world-class city,” but believed Cairns was ready to be a co-host city without the need for a major outfit change.

“Investments like the Crystalbrook Collection have really changed the face of Cairns and our tourism industry is world-leading.

“So rather than having to do more what we need to do is tell the story about what we have and what’s going on up here.

“The eyes of the world are going to be watching football, which is the most popular sport and it’s being played up here.”

Originally published as Far North leaders respond to Noel Pearson’s ‘world-class’ city concerns