‘Coast can save $3bn for Games’

Tate urges bigger city role

The price of hosting the 2032 Olympic Games can drop by at least $3bn if the Gold Coast takes a greater role in the event, Mayor Tom Tate says.

The Gold Coast City Council is finalising its submission to the state government’s “value for money” review of Games infrastructure to determine whether the existing plan for the 2032 event in South East Queensland is the best use of taxpayers’ funds.

The review, led by former Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk, is looking at a range of proposed venues, including the temporary swimming centre and controversial $2.7bn Gabba redevelopment which IOC vice president John Coates insists is dead in the water.

The council’s detailed submission will pitch a greater role for the city in the event it is cohosting, including having the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre hosting swimming, as well as an expansion of Carrara’s Heritage Bank Stadium.

Mr Tate said using existing Gold Coast assets represented value for money.

“At my estimate, with our suggestions from the Gold Coast, we will save the 2032 Olympic Games $3bn,” he said.

“I was pleased to see the big hitters (including Mr Coates) come out (against the Gabba redevelopment) and it’s a shame they didn’t come out earlier so we didn’t lose so much time.

“I am afraid it will go down the path of Daniel Andrews’ Commonwealth Games in Victoria where he worked out it was going to cost so much money he had to pull the plug but there is no way Queensland would want the plug on this, so we have to deliver, even if it hurts.”

The review is expected to look at whether the venues proposed so far are fit for purpose or will leave behind a proper legacy. Mr Coates met with review bosses last week and urged them to look at other options which would create a greater legacy.

“We’ve put it to the review committee we should abandon the Gabba and we should look for another site for the athletics,” he said at the time.

“It makes sense that we build something and that becomes a legacy for Queensland athletics that could be a very, very sensible and cost-effective solution for track and field.”

The Gold Coast City Council has not got a seat on the Olympic organising board, despite providing eight venues for the event. It will also host an athletes village at Robina.

Business identity and Gold Coast Titans co-owner Rebecca Frizelle is the sole city representative.