Regional councils call on state government to share Games love

QUEENSLAND’S local councils have urged the state government to commit to sharing the economic benefits of the 2032 Games across the state, with concerns some regions will be “left behind”.

Almost one in five councils held concerns the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games would deliver no benefit for their communities, according to a new report from the Local Government Association of Queensland.

The On Your Marks: Queensland local government and the road to 2032 survey also found a lack of infrastructure investment, particularly outside south east Queensland in the lead up to 2032, was a major concern.

LGAQ chief executive Alison Smith said councils had been clear that the state government must “ensure there is a sharing of the economic benefits and funding communities for all of Queensland following the successful bid”.

“Hosting this event in Queensland is a once in a lifetime opportunity, which is why that opportunity needs to be maximised so that the whole state benefits,” she said.

“These survey results show communities are ready to engage now and start planning in order to realise value to local economies pre, during and post the 2032 event.”

The Council of SEQ Mayors were instrumental in the city securing the Games, having commissioned a prefeasibility study way back in 2016.

The feedback from 61 Queensland councils found 57 per cent believe the 2032 Games will leave a legacy in their community.

Of those who didn’t, about one in four were hopeful of a legacy benefit or suggest there could be one if investment is made in infrastructure and tourism promotion, among other necessary measures, while 17 per cent of respondent councils said they did not see a legacy benefit for their communities.

Following the survey the LGAQ has formulated seven recommendations for the state government, including establishing a 2032 Olympics rural/ remote Queensland funding program to ensure areas outside South East Queensland also receive equitable funding for essential infrastructure and community facilities

It has also recommended appointing a dedicated senior officer with local government experience to be based within the state government to act as a liaison point, developing regional Olympic plans.