Go for gold
State leaders would be foolish to ignore the benefits of the Coast expanding its 2032 role
Securing the 2032 Olympic Games back in July 2021 was one of the highlights of a dark era. Amid lockdowns, border closures and significant deaths from Covid, the moment southeast Queensland was named as the host was a joyous occasion which brought people together.
Unfortunately, much of that camaraderie and joy has been lost in the past two years, as squabbles over funding and proposed redevelopments eroded public support and saw cynicism about the Games’ future seep in.
Now, with infrastructure for the event under review by former Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk, the Gold Coast City Council have made a detailed submission which spells out now why we should have a bigger role and how this would save a whopping $5bn on the bottom line.
Council CEO Tim Baker argues their bold solutions would deliver a spectacular event in a “financially prudent, responsible, and sustainable way”.
The key venues or sports it proposes are the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Heritage Bank Stadium, Gold Coast Hockey
Centre, several golf course locations, Regatta Waters Lake and BMX and skateboarding facilities. The report also backs council’s plans for a boutique stadium. The submission outlines that compared to the current Master Plan and projected costs:
■ $2.5bn would be saved if they were to use the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre for swimming – $2.4bn if a roof was required.
■ $2.7bn would be saved using the Gold Coast Sports Precinct (including Heritage Bank Stadium, Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre and grounds).
■ $2m would be saved if they used the Gold Coast Hockey Centre.
■ $238m would be saved by using the proposed indoor arena.
Given the International Olympic Committee’s commitment to producing a more financially efficient Games for 2032, it would be foolish for local leaders to ignore these potential savings.
While Brisbane will naturally want the glory, spreading the love around, so to speak, would save money and ensure it is a true regional Games as originally pitched.
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