The Mayors of South East Queensland have met on the Sunshine Coast to discuss opportunities to address the region’s big issues including the ongoing challenges of managing the South East’s booming population.
The Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Cr Adrian Schrinner said the significant population growth currently being experienced created both opportunities and challenges for the region.
“Throughout the pandemic we’ve seen South East Queensland become a destination of choice for interstate migration. We’ve known for a long time our region is the best place in Australia to live, and it’s safe to say the secret is well and truly out.
“But this growth is placing increased pressure on many of the things that make our region great. Things like how easy it is for people to find a job, how easy it is to move around, how affordable it is to live here and the health of our environment.
“This is why we started our journey to secure the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. To act as a catalyst for investment in the South East and now we’re keen to look at how we can continue to work together as local government to support positive outcomes for our region.”
The Lord Mayor said the region’s booming population and its 10-year runway to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games remained key discussion topics during the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Strategy Day discussions.
“We have shown when the Mayors work together we can achieve great outcomes for our region and its residents,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The Council of Mayors (SEQ) has a strong track-record which includes the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, SEQ waste reform and we are currently in the process of finalising negotiations for the region’s inaugural City Deal with the State and Federal government.”
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Deputy Chair and Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio said the day provided an opportunity to identify the next big thing and set the Council of Mayors (SEQ) agenda moving forward.
“We’ve looked at the legacy outcomes of other Olympic cities and we believe with the support of all levels of government, industry and the community the Games provides an opportunity to transform our region,” the Mayor said.
“For example Brisbane 2032 will be a net carbon positive event and it provides the perfect opportunity to jump-start SEQ’s transition to a climate-friendly region. This will support the health and sustainability of our environment and ensure we are an attractive global destination for tourism and investment into the future.
“Our 10-year runway to 2032 has begun, and it’ll take a decade of collaboration and action to ensure we make the most of this opportunity to secure better infrastructure, generate new economic outcomes and local jobs, and support a healthier South East Queensland that is the envy of communities across the globe.”