Ready for challenge of Games

QUEENSLAND is ready to add the world’s largest sporting event to its bow and go for gold to secure the 2032 Olympic Games, the state’s business leaders have declared.

The bosses of some of our largest companies have thrown their support behind the bid.

Howard Smith Wharves CEO Luke Fraser said Expo 88, the Commonwealth Games and the G20 proved the River City could put on a show.

“When I look back in time, Brisbane has always been a city of great ambition and holding great world events,” he said.

“We are a city that’s done it before and there’s no reason we can’t do an Olympic Games in 2032. The city is absolutely ready.”

Mr Fraser, who transformed the dock under the Story Bridge into a leading entertainment precinct, tipped the games would leave benefits for the state and his venture.

“It will be a real unification of people who live in Brisbane and the regions and the state,” he said. “We’ve been focused on creating the wharves for locals … but ultimately we know visitors to the city seek out that local experience.”

A 2032 Queensland Games would have a positive effect on all businesses, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland general manager of advocacy Amanda Rohan said.

“We welcome the bid, and believe that with proper planning and consideration it could provide an economic boost for Queensland businesses,” she said.

“Businesses across Queensland are well placed to benefit in the areas of catering, providing temporary seating, or manufacturing marquees, if that approach is implemented.

“There will also be benefits for regions by hosting teams before and after the Games along with the expected flow of tourism to follow.”

Steve Johnston, chief executive officer of Queensland’s largest company Suncorp Group, agreed the Sunshine State was ready for the Games.

“The economic benefits of events such as the Olympics and the recent Commonwealth Games are immense and include long-term infrastructure build and global exposure of our state which in turn drives tourism income.”

Regional councils across the state are already planning how they can capitalise on a potential Olympic bid.

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio said the Toowoomba region was “well placed” to benefit in a variety of areas ranging from “tourism and job-creation” to “pre-Games training”.

He said the region had already been identified as a possible location to host an Olympic event.

“We have a range of sporting facilities and accommodation to support this and any potential pre-Games training opportunities,” Cr Antonio said.

“In the Sydney 2000 Games, the Toowoomba region hosted the Norwegian team training camp, utilising local facilities, promoting the region internationally and injecting funds into the local economy.

“Regional centres from Far North Queensland down to Southeast Queensland hosted around 2500 athletes during their 2000 Games preparation, including 179 international teams from 48 countries.”