Regions to suffer while Brisbane ‘has a big party’

A LEADING regional economist says rural Queenslanders will pay the price of Brisbane hosting the Olympic Games.

North Queensland economist Colin Dwyer said hosting an Olympics required costly investments, ranging from new and refurbished stadiums and venues to improved transport infrastructure and accommodation for athletes spectators.

“Holding minor events in regional centres will not offset the massive drain of skilled workforce from regions to Brisbane to build these facilities,” Mr Dwyer said.

“Regional Queensland already struggles to get its priorities noticed.”

Mr Dwyer said the Brisbane Olympics would result in crucial regional priorities being “delayed or possibly cancelled”.

“We know most of the Olympics benefits will accrue in Brisbane and necessary facilities will cost billions,” he said.

“The repayment and net tax burden will disproportionately affect people who live in regional Queensland.”

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto is urging all North Queenslanders to sign an E-petition which calls on the government to create a nationbuilding fund to offset negative impacts hosting the Brisbane 2032 Olympics will have on regional Queensland.

Mr Dametto said that despite the state government’s promises, hype and fanfare, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk had “handed Queenslanders an invoice for $12bn”.

This figure is based on the average cost of the last five Olympic Games and the $6bn already promised by Prime Minister Scott Morrison as part of the Commonwealth’s 50:50 Olympic-funding pledge.

The Brisbane 2032 Masterplan includes 32 venues within South East Queensland, including a rebuild of The Gabba.

Mr Dametto said the masterplan was just another example of the government speeding up long-term planning agendas for South East Queensland.

“If the state government is going to have a big party in Brisbane, we want our fair share invested into the North Queensland to support growth and employment opportunities,” he said.

“Hosting an event of this scale with so much uncertainty of where the economy will be in the future, due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, has extreme risks.”

Katter’s Australian Party is pushing for the equivalent amount to offset the negative impacts on the region and invest in infrastructure, supporting local businesses, funding opportunities and supporting the community.

Mr Dametto said it was estimated that the Commonwealth Games would add $323m to the Gold Coast economy.

“Many businesses questioned where the Games’ tourists were, with empty streets, locals not spending money and fewer commuters on the road,” he said.

“Games attendees were encouraged to use public transport which impacted taxi drivers and businesses where barricaded due to street closures

“Gold Coast restaurateurs claimed that the Easter period, when the Commonwealth Games were held, was the slowest trading period in history.”

To view the E-petition, visit parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-theassembly and click on the petitions link.