South East Queensland rolled out the ‘virtual’ welcome mat this week, during a unique three day virtual meeting of the International Olympic Committee’s Future Host Commission.
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the virtual delegation was yet another important step in the region’s six-year journey to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“We think South East Queensland is the ideal place for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics Games,” Cr Schrinner said.
“While COVID limitations meant we weren’t able to show the IOC commissioners our incredible array of sights and facilities first-hand, our virtual presentations were the next best thing and I’m confident they were impressed.
“This journey was started six years ago by the Council of Mayors and we’re very proud to represent our communities and showcase why we’re convinced the region is ready to host the world’s largest sporting event.
“This process has demonstrated what we can achieve when all levels of government work cooperatively together and if we’re successful, this approach is going be vital if we’re going to hold a successful Olympics and Paralympic Games.
“Being part of an Olympic and Paralympic Games proposal is historic in itself, but the Covid 19 pandemic ensures this is a truly unique process that is sure to be remembered for generations.
“Years from now we will read about when Brisbane hosted the IOC via video conference and if we are successful, we will be able to acknowledge the important role these three days played in securing the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The current global uncertainty also reflects why the Games are so important in creating a decade of economic opportunity for the region.
“During the delegation we highlighted just what these opportunities would mean for our communities should we be successful in securing the Games, including the 130,000 direct jobs that will be created for our residents.”
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor and Council of Mayors (SEQ) Director Mark Jamieson said while the virtual meeting was an exciting step in the Games process, there was still a lot of work to be done.
“The Mayors of South East Queensland started this journey more than six years ago and while we are in a strong position we aren’t there yet,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“We still have a lot more to do and we are working hard to ensure we have the best chance of securing the Games and all the benefits they will bring for our region.
“We started this journey because we saw it as an opportunity to deliver the infrastructure our growing region needs and we have never wavered from that objective.”
Background
The Council of Mayors (SEQ) unanimously agreed to investigate a potential regional Olympic and Paralympic Games on 6 March 2015.
On 30 April 2015, Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson represented the Council of Mayors (SEQ) at the first face to face meeting with the IOC President Thomas Bach and AOC President, John Coates, to discuss the proposal for SEQ to stage the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
On Wednesday 24 February 2021 (Lausanne time) The International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board recommended the FHC commence “Targeted Dialogue” with the Brisbane candidature, confirming Brisbane as the “preferred host” for the 2032 Games.
The timetable for the election of a future host is in the hands of the IOC. Ultimately, the Future Host Commission will make a recommendation on whether or not to progress a project to a future session of the IOC for Members of the IOC to cast their votes.