The Australian Government has reaffirmed its strong support for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games and the legacy it will provide to South East Queensland and the nation.
The first meeting of the Brisbane Organising Committee for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games (BOCOG) board has been held today.
Australian Government representatives on the board, the Federal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck and the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for the Games Ted O’Brien MP, said the 2032 Games will provide an enormous social and economic benefit to Queensland and Australia.
KPMG has estimated economic and social benefits at $8.1 billion for Queensland and $17.6 billion for Australia.
“We will see Brisbane and Queensland deliver an Olympic and Paralympic Games which are affordable, beneficial and sustainable for Queensland and Australia,” Minister Colbeck said.
“In the coming years investment in infrastructure will continue to ensure transport and venues are not just fit for the purpose of the Games but support future growth in the region and remain shining examples of Australia’s success in staging some of the most important global events.
“The Australian Government has strongly backed this infrastructure investment in South-East Queensland by committing to jointly funding new and upgraded sport venues and transport infrastructure with the Queensland Government.
Mr O’Brien, also the Member for Fairfax on the Sunshine Coast, said that the Games represent a once in a lifetime opportunity for local communities in South East Queensland.
“Hosting the 2032 Olympics will not only inject billions into the economy, but it will also create around 120,000 new jobs, including 90,000 jobs for Queenslanders,” Mr O’Brien said.
“As preparations begin it’s also important that Queensland businesses and sporting groups start thinking about how they can take advantage of the decade runway to the Games.”
“The Government’s infrastructure commitments in the Budget will support preparations for the Games and the needs of the growing SEQ region, including $1.6 billion for the Brisbane to Sunshine Coast rail extension, $1.1 billion for rail upgrades between Brisbane and the Gold Coast and $150m for the Brisbane Metro Gabba Station as part of the $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal.”
Minister Colbeck said the ten-year runway to the 2032 Games is also an unprecedented opportunity for Australian sport with some of the world’s biggest and best events being hosted across the nation.
This year Australia is home to the UCI World Road Cycling Championships, the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup and the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup while next year we jointly host the 2023 FIFA Women’s Football World Cup, with the Commonwealth Games to follow in 2026 and the Netball World Cup in 2027.
“We have also been afforded exclusive bidder status for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup and the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup,” Minister Colbeck said.
“I am certain these major international events will inspire many young Australians to take up a sport and perhaps even aim to compete at the 2032 Games.”