Qld businesses invited to jump on Olympics bandwagon

Queensland companies will be invited to bid for tens of billions of dollars in Olympic and public sector contracts via a new scheme set up by the state government.

Called Q2032, a new government website will be launched on Thursday inviting local businesses to submit tenders on everything from stadium stands and seating to catering and furniture in the Olympic village.

Providers will also be sought for security, computers and technology, transport, towels and bed linen, housekeeping, catering, and even the Brisbane 2032 flags.

After the Victorian government abandoned the Commonwealth Games, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is using a breakfast event to launch Q2032 and declare her faith in Olympic preparations.

With just over nine years to deliver the Olympic Games – centred on a redeveloped Gabba stadium and new indoor events centre at Roma Street in the CBD – Palaszczuk wants to demonstrate that planning is on schedule.

The government also wants to unite Queenslanders behind the event. The slogan for Q2032 is: “All Queensland. All in.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is confident her government can deliver the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.Credit: Jamila Toderas

Under the Q2032 plan, businesses will have to meet standards set by the government to bid for contracts, including that they have a local workforce, can deliver, and have an emissions plan.

Women-led businesses and those with a diverse workforce will also be looked upon favourably.

Another key feature of the plan is that any business that secures an Olympic contract will be fast-tracked into bidding for other government contracts.

The move comes after the state Opposition warned of further budget blowouts unless Palaszczuk establishes an independent infrastructure delivery authority, as originally planned for the Games.