The Council of Mayors’ (SEQ) investigations into a potential South East Queensland (SEQ) Olympic Games received a welcomed boost as International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Dr Thomas Bach OLY reassured the SEQ Mayors that a 2032 Games would be at least cost neutral, if not profitable, should the region pursue a bid.
Meeting today in Brisbane with Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) President John Coates AC and representatives of the Council of Mayors (SEQ), the group discussed the IOC’s ongoing reforms and cost savings, the future of the Olympic Movement, and how an SEQ Games could support the long term goals and objectives of the region.
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Cr Adrian Schrinner said today’s meeting with the IOC President reinforced the SEQ Mayors’ belief that a sensible and cost effective Olympic Games could be a catalyst for better transport, regional connectivity and economic stimulus.
“The Council of Mayors (SEQ) embarked on its investigations of an SEQ Olympic Games because we believed it would act as a catalyst and firm deadline for the much-needed delivery of transport infrastructure for our region,” said Cr Schrinner.
“Today’s discussions with Dr Bach showed us how committed the IOC are to ensuring future Olympic Games are not only financially sound, but also provide positive momentum for cities and regions to reach their long-term social, environmental and economic goals.
“The IOC was particularly interested to learn more about how SEQ is changing over the coming decade through the expansion of the Brisbane Airport, addition of an international cruise ship terminal, Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro, and new opportunities such as Queen’s Wharf and Brisbane Live.
“To have the IOC President come to Brisbane to learn about our region, our future plans and to share his objectives for the Olympic Movement is a positive sign for a potential SEQ bid. We look forward to working with the Queensland Government to further investigate this significant opportunity,” said Cr Schrinner.
AOC President John Coates AC reinforced the need for any future SEQ bid to be built around the infrastructure and community facilities that would naturally be needed to support the growth of the region, not just an Olympic Games.
“The Olympic Movement is now stressing the need for innovative approaches to bidding for and hosting an Olympic Games to ensure costs are reigned in and infrastructure is built where there is an identified long-term need,” said Mr Coates.
“Right now, Los Angeles is preparing to host the 2028 Games where close to 100 percent of Olympic venues and facilities are being accommodated within existing structures across the city. This is what the future of the Olympic Movement looks like.
“Today we were able to give the IOC President a first hand understanding of the natural advantages SEQ has to offer and how this fits perfectly with the direction the IOC has taken in making the Games more flexible and affordable.”
An Olympic feasibility study commissioned by the Council of Mayors (SEQ) and released in February indicated the region has the potential to mount a competitive bid based on the use of existing and planned facilities to keep costs at a minimum.
The 2032 SEQ Olympic and Paralympic Games Feasibility Study also provided a high-level cost for hosting the Games, initially citing a conservative net operating cost of $900 million once IOC contributions and domestic revenue were considered.
View the 2032 SEQ Olympic and Paralympic Games Feasibility Study.