The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are a catalyst for opportunity so it is critical that every Queensland local community can share in the social and economic benefit of hosting one of the biggest events in the world, a survey of Queensland’s councils has found.
The Local Government Association of Queensland surveyed councils across Queensland in response to a resolution of Association members resolving to ensure all Queenslanders benefit from the Games.
The On Your Marks: Queensland local government and the road to 2032 report found:
- 91 percent of members surveyed believe hosting the event will bring the potential for new trade and investment opportunities
- 57 percent believe it can achieve a legacy in their communities
- 26 percent are hopeful of infrastructure and tourism promotion
“We’ve released the survey results of members’ views on the Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics in 2032 – both challenges as well as opportunities,” LGAQ chief executive Alison Smith said.
“As always with our advocacy approach, the LGAQ seeks to propose solutions that other tiers of government can consider, in addition to requesting reforms and/or funding to better enable local government in areas where member councils have responsibilities.”
The LGAQ has made seven recommendations to help drive statewide benefits:
- Establishing a 2032 Olympics Rural/Remote Queensland funding program to ensure that areas outside South East Queensland, particularly rural and remote communities, also receive equitable funding for essential infrastructure and community facilities
- Developing Regional Olympic Plans to support tourism, investment attraction and local business opportunities, that are tailored to local communities right across the state
- Appointing a dedicated senior officer with local government experience to be based within the State Government to act as a liaison point for consultation with local councils and the LGAQ
- Undertaking proactive and genuine First Nations engagement to acknowledge and celebrate Queensland’s cultural values
- Providing timely procurement and supply chain opportunities to all Queensland communities
- Encouraging and supporting local governments to harness the potential the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will bring for their communities and the global spotlight that will shine on Queensland
- And establishing a sustainable building fund for new or retrofitted council buildings to help the State meet its commitment to a climate positive Games.
“At the 2021 Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Annual Conference, Queensland councils were clear in their resolution 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 to host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Ms Smith said.
“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.
“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.
“Of the 61 Queensland councils who responded 57 percent believe the 2032 Games will leave a legacy in their community.
“A further 26 percent are 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 percent of respondent councils said they did not see a legacy benefit for their communities.
“The results demonstrate more work needs to be done to ensure local communities are not left behind as Queensland’s ‘green and gold runway’ is rolled out over the next decade.
“As the level of government closest to their communities, Queensland’s councils are well-placed to help the State and Federal governments achieve a Games legacy that truly does benefit all.”
For more information, please contact:
Dan Knowles, Media Advisor