State in box seat to host Games

Qld hopeful over IOC talks

NOT EVERY HOST CITY HAS GOT IT RIGHT OVER THE YEARS, BUT WITH STILL 11 YEARS TO GO THERE IS A LOT OF TIME TO GET IT RIGHT QUEENSLAND TOURISM INDUSTRY COUNCIL CHIEF EXECUTIVE DANIEL GSCHWIND

BRISBANE is in the box seat to secure the 2032 Olympics with top Games powerbrokers gathering on Wednesday night to discuss Queensland’s push to be the preferred candidate, thus gaining an important headstart with organisers.

Being named preferred candidate would give Brisbane exclusive access to win over the IOC without competition from other cities and countries, including from competitors in China, the Middle East and Europe.

Intensive work behind the scenes has seen Brisbane move fast, getting southeast Queensland’s plan in front of Olympics bosses to capitalise on Australia’s handling of the COVID crisis.

An SEQ council of mayors has proposed to fast-track public transport.

Under the “New Norm” rules adopted by the Games guardians, white elephant mega-stadiums are out and “legacy” projects like public transport are viewed more important for winning the right to host the Olympics and Paralympics.

Under the new process, the IOC’s future host commission headed by Norway’s Kristin Kloster Aasen was to report to the Games executive on the Brisbane bid.

Others countries and cities that are understood to be keen on the 2032 event include Doha, Istanbul, Germany, China and Indonesia.

The Australian Olympic Committee said it was waiting on the IOC meeting.

“We are aware that the IOC executive board will receive presentations from a number of commissions at its meeting tonight (Wednesday), including the Future Host Commission,” an AOC spokesman said.

“We are not privy to that presentation but look forward to any advice in due course.”

Queensland’s bid, formally lodged in September 2019 by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, would see the Games held mainly in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, plus the Sunshine Coast.

“We will wait to hear what the IOC’s announcement is,” a spokesman for the Premier said. “This is just another step in the process – a positive one – but just another step. Ultimately our success depends on the support of all levels of government, especially the federal government.”

Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Daniel Gschwind said the 2032 Olympics could do for Brisbane what Sydney 2000 did for the Harbour City.

“The legacy benefits are enormous,” Gschwind said.

“People all over the world still talk very fondly of Sydney because of the 2000 Olympics.

“Not every host city has got it right over the years, but with still 11 years to go there is a lot of time to get it right.”