Olympics Games for SEQ 2032

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> How Olympic dream could end transport nightmare

FIGHTING lagging infrastructure and facing an unstoppable wave of population growth, the 2032 Olympic Games bid for southeast Queensland could be the catalyst for desperately-needed transport infrastructure.

The Olympic bid is being weighed up by the State Government at present to determine how viable a southeast edition of the Games would be.

With changes to the Olympic model, up to 10 years' lead-in time and a City Deal being thrashed out, it's hoped the Olympic Games could kickstart major investment in road, rail, civic and sporting infrastructure to help future-proof the Sunshine Coast and better connect the southeast.

The SEQ Council of Mayors' SEQ People Mass Movement Study found the demand for transport would increase by 30 per cent by 2031, based on population and employment growth.

Based on the Department of Transport and Main Roads' strategic transport model for southeast Queensland, current infrastructure would not cope with the increased demand, and public transport use was set to flatline after 2032.

Faster rail, of speeds up to 250km/h, was identified as being able to provide the backbone for the transport network across the southeast.

The advanced plan, which was recommended for implementation, was set to cost $63.7 billion through to 2041.

Potential private sector investment opportunities had been identified, which totalled up to $24 billion, that could reduce the capital investment required of government to deliver the vision.

Highway upgrades, light and heavy rail and high-speed bus networks formulated part of the plans for the Sunshine Coast's transport network transformation.

The drive market has long been identified as one of the key pillars of the region's tourism industry, and better connectivity to Brisbane and the Gold Coast was key to capitalising on international tourists.

The Sunshine Coast Airport Draft Master Plan included plans to bring light rail in to the terminal.

The light rail was set to eventually connect with a faster rail or heavy rail network linked to Brisbane, offering visitors to the capital another way into the Sunshine Coast.

The state and federal governments have both acknowledged the need to improve connectivity, not just for an Olympic bid, but to cater to future population growth and ensure tourists can still access the region easily.

That acknowledgment was sealed with the signing of a statement of intent in March, for a South East Queensland City Deal between the Federal Government, State Government and SEQ Council of Mayors.

"In the period to 2041, the region is expected to accommodate an additional 1.9 million residents and almost 800,000 new homes," the statement of intent reads.

"The region is also expecting to support one million new jobs."

In the statement it identified six priority areas for action, including connecting infrastructure, improving digital connectivity and delivering sustainable housing, as part of the 20-year City Deal.

The three parties were committed to progressing the development of a formal City Deal for southeast Queensland.

Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates, AC, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison had indicated recently the SEQ 2032 Olympic bid "sat comfortably" with the SEQ City Deal.

"He was very positive," Mr Coates said.

[Stillwater]

^ Sitting comfortably?  As in sitting on one's arse, doing nothing?  As with the climate change debate, we have modelled it, we know what's coming and we do little about it.

[ozbob]

" ... Based on the Department of Transport and Main Roads' strategic transport model for southeast Queensland, current infrastructure would not cope with the increased demand, and public transport use was set to flatline after 2032. ... "

I don't have any confidence in the ' TMR strategic transport model for SEQ ' ... 

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Southeast Qld 2032 Olympic Games bid gets heavyweight backing


Business leaders are backing the 2032 Olympics bid after meeting with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (centre).

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has enlisted the help of Queensland's business heavyweights in the push to get the 2032 Olympics bid moving — and she says there's one simple reason they must happen.

PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk says the simple reason Queensland needs the Olympics is jobs.

In her strongest terms yet, the Premier said the Olympics had already brought Queenslanders together, would speed up new roads and rail and get a generation of kids into sport.

"It moves projects off drawing boards and into our lives," Ms Palaszczuk exclusively told The Courier-Mail.

"The Games offer us 12 years' worth of economic stimulus to get ready for them and, if we're smart, at least a decade of opportunity to capitalise on them after.

"What does that mean? More jobs. It's that simple."

The Premier yesterday enlisted Queensland's business heavyweights in the push for the Games.

In a closed-door briefing for members of the Committee for Brisbane, Ms Palaszczuk outlined the state's study of how to secure the Games and make sure the numbers stacked up.

Ms Palaszczuk said Expo 88 had transformed Brisbane and left the legacy of South Bank Parklands, and the Olympics offered even more.

"The IOC is also prepared to put in funding to minimise the cost of the Games," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"There'll be no new whiz-bang 80,000 or 100,000-seat stadium to gather dust after the Games."

The dozen top business bosses gave the Olympics push the thumbs-up, saying it was needed to get the Queensland economy moving and fuel jobs.

"We need advocates out there talking about what the Olympics would mean to everybody living in Queensland," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"It would be transformational. It'd be a legacy and it would set Queensland up for the future.

"It would actually make Brisbane a world city."

She said if the numbers stacked up, she would be taking them to Cabinet before the end of the year.

Business leaders said an Olympic Games would provide Queensland with almost unmatched exposure on the world stage, a massive tourism and business boost, and fast-track desperately needed roads, rail and other infrastructure.

AEG Ogden chairman and chief executive Harvey Lister said the Olympics was an opportunity Queensland could not afford to miss.

"I think the point that is usually missed about big events like the Olympic Games, it's the years before the event with a big economic impact hits, and is spread right across the region," Mr Lister said.

"It's the international teams who are coming in to do their training and to get used to our temperature and the environment.

"It's the competitions that happen, whether they be regional or international, so that the athletes can swim in the same pool, run on the same running track and perform in the same gymnastics venue or basketball court.

"I don't think we can afford not to do it."

He said he was confident the International Olympic Committee's "new norm" of cost-effective, legacy Games and giving hosts a slice of television and broadcast income made him confident it could be cost-neutral.

RNA chief executive Brendan Christou said industry bosses knew the numbers had to stack up.

"We understand that business case is being done and has to be done to make sure it is good value for the state," Mr Christou said.

"We think it can deliver in fast-tracking and bringing forward infrastructure that we're going to need in southeast Queensland in particular over the next decade or so.

"It's a great catalyst for that."

Olympian Tracy Stockwell said Queensland could and should go for the Games.

"I think there's an opportunity especially now with the IOC change of the new norm, and their contribution financially makes it much more of an attractive option," she said.

"It's a fantastic opportunity and I think well worth going for.

"From my personal perspective, as an eight-year-old I remember watching the 1972 Olympics on TV, and that inspired me.

"I'd only just started swimming, but I remember watching Mark Spitz and Shane Gould.

"And I went 'that's what I want to do'. That's my dream. And that dream became reality and I got there in 1984."

Queensland Ballet's Li Cunxin, a Committee for Brisbane member who could not make the briefing, said the Games offered more than just sport — it would put Queensland in front of the world for years to come, before and after the Games.

The Council of Mayors — which first mooted an Olympics bid as a way of dragging forward desperately-need roads and rail — estimates the operational budget of a southeast Queensland Games would be about $5.3 billion, but would be offset by a financial contribution from the International Olympic Committee of $2.6 billion and an anticipated $2.7 billion of revenue from sponsors, ticket sales and merchandise.

The Mayors and Australian Olympic Committee have urged a decision on a bid be made before next year's Tokyo Games.

A leadership group, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison's delegate Sunshine Coast MP Ted O'Brien, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones, have been working on thrashing out details of any bid.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> South-east Queensland Olympics will maximise $12B tourist investment in state: Lord Mayor

The south-east Queensland Olympic Games bid is about ensuring the region capitalises on a once-in-a-generation investment to change the ­tourism and economic trajectory of Queensland, says Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

RIGHT now, south-east Queensland is on the cusp of a tourism infrastructure boom, fuelled by more than $12 billion in private sector investment.

We are opening the door to the world to experience everything Queensland has to offer.

If you look forward five years, we will see the completion of Brisbane's new runway, an international cruise ship terminal and the Queen's Wharf development, boosting the region's tourism credentials.

And while saying "if you build it, they will come" might work for Kevin Costner, it's not necessarily the case when it comes to the competitive international tourism market.

This is one of the reasons the Council of Mayors (SEQ) first started investigating the possibility of a south-east Queensland Olympic Games back in 2015.

It wasn't only for the weeks of sport a Games would bring.

It was a very deliberate push to raise the international profile of the south-east, and position Queensland as a global tourism destination in its own right.

It was about ensuring that we, as a region, capitalise on this once-in-a-generation investment to change the ­tourism and economic trajectory of Queensland.

The other reason was to use the bipartisan political support generated by the Games to ­expedite a solution to the lack of transport ­connectivity that currently exists in south-east Queensland.

Infrastructure Australia forecasts congestion in the south-east to increase substantially by 2031, mirroring the findings of the Council of Mayors' (SEQ) own SEQ People Mass Movement Study.

Its modelling indicates the annualised cost of road congestion in 2031 will be approximately $6 billion.

Early investment in public transport is essential to avoid this outcome.

Fast and reliable public transport linking the Sunshine and Gold coasts, greater Brisbane and our western corridor through Ipswich, the Lockyer Valley and Toowoomba is ­desperately needed for both residents and visitors.

A lack of necessary transport infrastructure in the south-east is like an anchor to the Queensland economy, costing us two-fold in lost productivity and lost tourism dollars as visitors struggle to move around our region.

Brisbane Marketing estimates that the south-east is currently losing $12 million a day in tourism spending, with our lack of regional connectivity one of the main reasons we're missing out on a bigger slice of the visitor economy.

The SEQ Mayors are ­resolute in their position on a potential Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It presents a great opportunity if it follows the transport investment this region needs for its future.

Without this investment in transport, we would be squandering the greatest economic opportunity this state has seen in modern times.

Adrian Schrinner is Lord Mayor of Brisbane and Council of Mayors (SEQ) chair

[#Metro]

Maybe we can get bus reform off the back of the Olympics

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> SEQ 2032 Olympic Games worth $22b to Queensland

QUEENSLAND would reap a $22 billion economic windfall from hosting the 2032 Olympics – and half of that would go to the regions.

The Courier-Mail understands the whopping economic benefit figure is contained in research being undertaken by the Queensland Government as it considers whether to proceed with the 2032 bid.

The same research indicated the Commonwealth Games was worth about $3 billion to the Gold Coast economy.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk expects Cabinet to make that decision within a month.

The research shows that Queenslanders are united in their support for the Olympic bid, but only if it can be proven to be cost-effective.

Under the International Olympic Committee's new candidature process, the bidding country will likely finish square or make a profit on future Olympic Games.

Queensland would be the recipient of a $US1.9 billion ($2.77 billion) IOC handout to help with a new stadium and athletes' village, and southeast Queensland already has 85 per cent of the venues required for an Olympics.

Ms Palaszczuk will tell business leaders today at a CEDA lunch that she believes a Queensland Olympic Games would be transformational.

She wants Queenslanders to provide feedback on whether the government should proceed with the bid.

"I think it will be a game-changer,'' she said.

"But I want to hear what Queenslanders think.

"It's important that we get Queenslanders on board and supportive.''

Ms Palaszczuk believes Brisbane is on the cusp of becoming a world-class city, with Queen's Wharf, a new airport runway, new entertainment centre and cruise ship terminal to be completed by 2023.

The $6 billion Cross River Rail project is also seen as a vital part of the Olympics infrastructure mix.

Under the IOC's new candidature model, Queensland would need to formally lodge a bid for the 2032 Games before Tokyo in July next year.

Ms Palaszczuk has commissioned a special taskforce to investigate the cost and economic benefits and disadvantages in pursuing an Olympics.

The Federal Government has contributed $10 million to help with the analysis.

The Council of Mayors (SEQ) has been working on a possible Olympics bid since 2015.

It believes a bid would fast-track much needed vital transport infrastructure, including a second M1 and fast train network between the Gold and Sunshine coasts and Brisbane.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/SEQMayors/status/1197138220988780544

[SteelPan]

Option A
Say $20bn in NEW public transport infrastructure
Say $20bn on an Olympics
Total $40bn

Option B
Say $20bn in NEW public transport infrastructure
Total $20bn

And, Option B is simply govt doing what we pay them to do already - so WHY do we need to justify all of this with an Olympics?

:conf

[#Metro]

We don't need an Olympics to get things built.

Perth has never hosted an Olympics, yet their PT is first class.

That said, the IOC is willing to pour money in, as will the feds.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Albion Park firms as location for new stadium in 2032 SEQ Olympics push

ALBION PARK is firming as a location for a new stadium for the 2032 SEQ Olympics push, according to bid insiders.

The park and neighbouring Allan Border field could be taken over and transformed into the event's main stadium, offering a venue close to planned public transport.

But bid organisers would have to cut a deal with Racing Queensland, which values the spot at between $150 and $200 million and has plans to recycle any sale money into a world-class trots facility west of Brisbane.

Trots insiders say while a world-class trots venue could be built for about $40 million, they need the rest of the cash to upgrade horse, dog and trots tracks across the state.

It could also be considered for the athletes' village, along with parts of Hamilton along the river also believed to be in the mix. The river itself is also understood to be slated for a major role in the opening ceremony.

A spokesman for Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Olympics planning taskforce was yet to finalise where venues and facilities would be and refused to comment on any suggested locations.

Cabinet is set to consider costings for a potential bid before Christmas.

The Premier joined SEQ 2032 leadership group members Fairfax MP Ted O'Brien, Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates and SEQ Council of Mayors delegate Mark Jamieson on Thursday as planning for the Games bid ramps up.

"I think it's been a very clear signal about the Olympics, that it does need all levels of government to co-operate and that's what we are seeing," Ms Palaszczuk said on Thursday. "I'm very positive at this stage."

Speaking with the Premier in Brisbane, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said an Olympics would be great for Queensland and Australia.

"It was certainly good for Sydney," he said.

"The State Government took the lead on it back then and the State Government will take the lead on it here."

The Premier travelled to Switzerland with a high-powered delegation in September to meet with International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach and to officially throw Queensland's hat into the ring.

Ms Palaszczuk has previously said 85 per cent of venues already exist for a prospective 2032 Olympics.

[timh]

Not a bad spot for it. Would work well as a site for urban renewal, being that close to the city. I also can't say I'll miss a greyhound racing track.

Also though I'm interested that supposedly it's a site "close to planned public transport". I doubt they're planning a spur line just for this. Any ideas what that's referring to?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[verbatim9]

Couriermail --> Albion Park firms as location for new stadium in 2032 SEQ Olympics push

ALBION PARK is firming as a location for a new stadium for the 2032 SEQ Olympics push, according to bid insiders.

The park and neighbouring Allan Border field could be taken over and transformed into the event's main stadium, offering a venue close to planned public transport.

But bid organisers would have to cut a deal with Racing Queensland, which values the spot at between $150 and $200 million and has plans to recycle any sale money into a world-class trots facility west of Brisbane.

Trots insiders say while a world-class trots venue could be built for about $40 million, they need the rest of the cash to upgrade horse, dog and trots tracks across the state.

It could also be considered for the athletes' village, along with parts of Hamilton along the river also believed to be in the mix. The river itself is also understood to be slated for a major role in the opening ceremony.

A spokesman for Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Olympics planning taskforce was yet to finalise where venues and facilities would be and refused to comment on any suggested locations.

Cabinet is set to consider costings for a potential bid before Christmas.

The Premier joined SEQ 2032 leadership group members Fairfax MP Ted O'Brien, Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates and SEQ Council of Mayors delegate Mark Jamieson on Thursday as planning for the Games bid ramps up.

"I think it's been a very clear signal about the Olympics, that it does need all levels of government to co-operate and that's what we are seeing," Ms Palaszczuk said on Thursday. "I'm very positive at this stage."

Speaking with the Premier in Brisbane, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said an Olympics would be great for Queensland and Australia.

"It was certainly good for Sydney," he said.

"The State Government took the lead on it back then and the State Government will take the lead on it here."

The Premier travelled to Switzerland with a high-powered delegation in September to meet with International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach and to officially throw Queensland's hat into the ring.

Ms Palaszczuk has previously said 85 per cent of venues already exist for a prospective 2032 Olympics.

Not a bad spot for it. Would work well as a site for urban renewal, being that close to the city. I also can't say I'll miss a greyhound racing track.

Also though I'm interested that supposedly it's a site "close to planned public transport". I doubt they're planning a spur line just for this. Any ideas what that's referring to?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Albion Park is not bad. But I prefer the Mayne Yards option and relocation of the train stabling to a more secure and modern facility. Urban renewal around Mayne would tie in with the city plan and allow for 20 story mixed use buildings, with retail, new world class Stadium, Indoor Aquatic and Leisure centre comparable to Homebush (Syd) Albert Park (Melbourne) and Marion Aquatic Centre in (Adelaide).

With its close proximity to the main junction at Bowen Hills and nearby Hotels, Retail, Bars and Entertainment in the Valley, CBD and South Brisbane Mayne Yards is the  most logical solution.

[Moriosi]

Not a bad spot for it. Would work well as a site for urban renewal, being that close to the city. I also can't say I'll miss a greyhound racing track.

Also though I'm interested that supposedly it's a site "close to planned public transport". I doubt they're planning a spur line just for this. Any ideas what that's referring to?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

To move 60,000+ people, they'll probably need some form of rail transport. Maybe an event-day spur line, or a new station at Mayne. I doubt they'll make people walk from Albion or Bowen Hills station – at least I hope they won't. They could also make a ferry stop along the Brisbane River near Albion Park.

A lot of this would depend on just how much urban renewal there would be in the vicinity.

[verbatim9]

Not a bad spot for it. Would work well as a site for urban renewal, being that close to the city. I also can't say I'll miss a greyhound racing track.

Also though I'm interested that supposedly it's a site "close to planned public transport". I doubt they're planning a spur line just for this. Any ideas what that's referring to?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

To move 60,000+ people, they'll probably need some form of rail transport. Maybe an event-day spur line, or a new station at Mayne. I doubt they'll make people walk from Albion or Bowen Hills station – at least I hope they won't. They could also make a ferry stop along the Brisbane River near Albion Park.

A lot of this would depend on just how much urban renewal there would be in the vicinity.

Thats the problem with Albion Park they would be hard pressed in regards to urban renewal and density infill. It would be much easier and less controversial at Mayne Yards. They have already hit their first road block with Racing Qld at the proposed Albion site. I am pretty sure surrounding residents wouldn't want a stadium in the backyard due increased traffic and noise pollution. Mayne Yards is a wasteland and is ripe for urban renewal. If done right with private industry it shouldn't cost much for the Queensland taxpayer. Plus the community would have a world class Stadium, Leisure and Aquatic Centre for years into the future for everyday recreational needs and events in an inner city location, which would bring tourism dollars into the area.

[ozbob]

Albion Park ... no.  But I do have some good memories of that racecourse. 

In the 1970s I occasionally went to the races and had a little punt.  One Saturday it had been raining so much that the races at Eagle Farm were moved to the sand track at Albion Park. There was this nag called Malborough.  It had won a Hobart Cup in a mud bath, so a couple of us diggers figured it was a good bet.

We put some money on it.  The starting price was 100/1.  Well the race started and Malborough went to the front and kept increasing the lead such that on the final bend for the finish line it was around 25 lengths in front.  Ha ha, we were the only punters cheering. 

Was a good night in the big smoke that night!

Mayne is a better location, agree with Verbatim9.

[James]

There are worse locations (Chandler being a notable one).

Whack in a station opposite Hoppy's, put in a big footbridge over Sandgate Road & Breakfast Creek, and you have a venue which is only ~500m from the nearest train station on land which you otherwise can't really do much with. Only 300m further than Bowen Hills would be from a Mayne stadium, and 'Albion Park' station would allow both CRR and non-CRR trains to connect to it. In terms of road transport, it's quite convenient to the airport (KSD & Sandgate Road are both nearby), and a simple CityGlider diversion (to the stadium instead of to Teneriffe) would provide a strong bus connection.

Redeveloping Mayne may work well in theory, but is bulldozing QR's largest depot (or building on top of it) going to be a simple exercise? Not particularly...

[Cazza]

Plus, I would assume the Mayne site would require a lot of expensive flood mitigation measures.

[verbatim9]

Plus, I would assume the Mayne site would require a lot of expensive flood mitigation measures.

I have never heard of the Mayne Yards flooding in my lifetime.

[red dragin]

Plus, I would assume the Mayne site would require a lot of expensive flood mitigation measures.

I have never heard of the Mayne Yards flooding in my lifetime.

During the various large floods (like 2011), all trains where stored elsewhere as it can flood. Around Albion Station, the section from Toowong to Taringa, all became make shift railway yards.

I'd also expect that land would require massive environmental remediation from having been a railway yard for so long, and being beside a creek, is probably not the best surface for building large, heavy structures on.

[verbatim9]

There are worse locations (Chandler being a notable one).

Whack in a station opposite Hoppy's, put in a big footbridge over Sandgate Road & Breakfast Creek, and you have a venue which is only ~500m from the nearest train station on land which you otherwise can't really do much with. Only 300m further than Bowen Hills would be from a Mayne stadium, and 'Albion Park' station would allow both CRR and non-CRR trains to connect to it. In terms of road transport, it's quite convenient to the airport (KSD & Sandgate Road are both nearby), and a simple CityGlider diversion (to the stadium instead of to Teneriffe) would provide a strong bus connection.

Redeveloping Mayne may work well in theory, but is bulldozing QR's largest depot (or building on top of it) going to be a simple exercise? Not particularly...

Plus, I would assume the Mayne site would require a lot of expensive flood mitigation measures.

Plus, I would assume the Mayne site would require a lot of expensive flood mitigation measures.

I have never heard of the Mayne Yards flooding in my lifetime.

There has been a lot of articles in the papers recently about how we are not going to cope with more people as there isn't the space.

I know its bold, but I thought "what about Mayne Rail Yards" can that be moved? Its land that is close to the city and served by 2 rail lines. We could have a Sydney style loop happening as well.
Roma St, South Brisbane and Woolloongabba IIRC had their yards moved.

So 2 questions:
1. Should Mayne move (why or why not)
2. Where should it move to
3. What to do with the site/what needs to be done to the site (i.e install extra station? Busway connection?)

[red dragin]

On http://floodinformation.brisbane.qld.gov.au/fio/, the whole area is 1 in 500, with pockets of 1 in 100

[verbatim9]

On http://floodinformation.brisbane.qld.gov.au/fio/, the whole area is 1 in 500, with pockets of 1 in 100

It's never flooded that I know of. Maybe a bit prior to Wivenhoe dam being built.

[red dragin]

Plenty of parts of Brisbane "that'll never flood", but 2011 proved those claims wrong.

[ozbob]

Brisbane is on a flood plain.

[verbatim9]

A decision on whether Queensland will put in a bid to host the 2032 Olympics is just weeks away. Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner has written to the Premier urging the government to "go for gold". @AmeliaAdam1 #7NEWS https://t.co/dZ8TUrh3bm

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1201057178095734785

[verbatim9]

There are only weeks left for the state government to decide whether or not to proceed with its bid for Brisbane to host the 2032 Olympic Games. @harrytclarke #9News https://t.co/ubHD6Vhrda

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1201054246356975617

[ozbob]

Cabinet is to decide today if Queensland will proceed with the bid for the 2032 Olympics.

Inside oil is that they will, despite significant opposition within some political circles.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Jobs bonanza promised in lead up to a Queensland 2032 Olympics

QUEENSLAND will secure an additional 129,000 jobs in the lead up to a 2032 Olympic Games, while the regions alone can expect a $10 billion tourism boost.

As State Cabinet decides today whether to proceed with a 2032 Olympics bid, News Corp can reveal the majority of the new jobs will be in construction, tourism and retail.

In the cost-benefit analysis report to be tabled to Cabinet, economists have identified a $10 billion cash splash by international tourists in areas like the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, the Whitsundays, Far North Queensland and the Outback.

The massive financial benefits of hosting an Olympics follows market research obtained by News Corp which shows 75 per cent of regional Queenslanders support a Games bid, once they learned the IOC will contribute a whopping $2.5 billion to the cost.

Under the new rules governing host city bids, Queensland has been invited to the negotiating table by the IOC, which sees Australia's love affair with elite sport and our political, economic and safety credentials as key advantages.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said last night it was essential that Games gold flow to the regions.

"I've said from day one that this must be an Olympics for all Queenslanders,'' she said.

"Everyone has to share the jobs and the pride.''

Games benefits for regional Queensland include Olympic athletes living and training in pre-Games venues, hosting Games events and procurement and supply chain opportunities with hundreds of countries.

Ms Palaszczuk said the Games was more than two weeks of competition.

"It's a decade's worth of preparation and accelerated investment in the years leading up to 2032 and then capitalising on it in the years after,'' she said.

If Cabinet approves the bid, Queensland would likely present its submission to the IOC's Tokyo session in July, 2020.

A decision may not be made until 2021 at the earliest, although the IOC is keen to give the 2032 host country at least a decade to prepare.

[#Metro]

$10 billion?

Based on 200 000 attending (~2x Sydney Olympics), that is $50,000 per person. Or half a year's wages.

Need to see the detail on how this number was arrived at. 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/team_schrinner/status/1203896188845486080

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Premier announces Queensland to bid for 2032 Olympic Games

QUEENSLAND will go for the 2032 Olympics, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk finally saying the numbers stack up in favour of a bid.

Presented with a cost-benefit analysis that says the whole of Queensland will secure an extra 129,000 jobs in the lead up to the Games, State Cabinet backed the bid.

The announcement clears the way for the other three members of the 2032 Games leadership group – the Federal Government, local councils and the Australian Olympic Committee – to get on with the bid that centres on Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine coasts but includes events in Townsville, Cairns and the Whitsundays.

As revealed by The Courier-Mail today, the majority of the new jobs will be in construction, tourism and retail, with economists predicting a $10 billion cash splash by international tourists in areas like the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, the Whitsundays, Far North Queensland and the Outback.

Market research obtained by The Courier-Mail shows 75 per cent of regional Queenslanders support a Games bid, once they learned the IOC will contribute a whopping $2.5 billion to the cost.

The window now opens for SEQ 2032 to get their proposal in front of the IOC at the Tokyo Games next year.

A final decision would not be made until 2021 or 2022, but experts say moving fast and enthusiastically adds momentum to SEQ's chances.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/AUSOlympicTeam/status/1203897505509003264

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/SEQMayors/status/1203900823794634752

[ozbob]

I hope trains are running a lot more frequently on the Sunny Coast line by 2032 ....   

[ozbob]

 

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/12/9/state-gives-green-light-to-pursuing-games-opportunity

Media Statements

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Monday, December 09, 2019

State gives green light to pursuing Games opportunity

The Palaszczuk Government will pursue hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, if all levels of government get behind the State's efforts and provide appropriate financial support.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today said a detailed value proposition assessment had shown that a Queensland based Games in 2032 could deliver significant economic and community benefits for the State.

"This is about so much more than a few weeks of sport," the Premier said.

"Hosting the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics could be a game changer and deliver 20 years of accelerated opportunity for our State.

"That's why Cabinet has today made the decision to continue working towards securing a Games – and we will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure we receive the financial support we require from all levels of Government.

"There's more work to do to ensure we are in a position to put a compelling case to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

"As I've said all along, we will only proceed if it is in the best interests of Queenslanders.

"A strong partnership, including the right funding commitments, is vital – and our focus now is to secure that ahead of key discussions with the IOC at the Tokyo Olympics in July next year."

The Premier said the value assessment had shown the Games could:

Create 130,000 jobs
Accelerate the development of our infrastructure;
Boost international tourism spending by more than $20 billion;
Deliver up to $8.6 billion in new trade opportunities; and
Deliver procurement and supply chain opportunities for businesses throughout the State.
The government will pursue a staged approach towards a Games bid.

The next stage is to secure financial agreement between all levels of government.

Stage two will focus on finalising the candidature file.

"The world's greatest event provides a platform like no other. It's an opportunity to showcase Queensland to the rest of the world.

"Hosting around 11,000 athletes from 206 countries, and an estimated television audience of 3.2 billion people would see the world watching Queensland at its best.

"Queensland's climate and world-class facilities provide an ideal environment for elite athletes to train and perform at their best, but it also has the ability to motivate our communities to participate in sport and lead a healthier lifestyle."

The Premier said the IOC's "New Norm" rules meant it was the ideal time for the State to pursue the opportunity, with the IOC prepared to put in a significant investment towards Games delivery and provide flexibility.

"We are well placed with more than 80 per cent of venues existing or proposed to be temporary.

"This is not only about a few weeks of sport. This would leave a legacy supporting Queenslanders for decades into the future."

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https://twitter.com/SEQMayors/status/1203929838924419072

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Couriermail --> Why fast rail may finally become a reality in SEQ

THE desperate need for new roads and fast rail were the catalyst for the Queensland Olympics bid and must be the first priority for what it delivers, the group of southeast mayors who mooted the Games proposal say.

SEQ Council of Mayors chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the Games would transform Queensland but it needed to include infrastructure to keep the southeast from gridlock.

"We know we have a strong case to present to the International Olympic Committee. A compact and innovative South East Queensland Games proposal that will drive widespread tourism, economic and community benefits to all of Queensland and Australia.

"Our only weakness is the lack of a fast, reliable and sustainable public transport network for southeast Queensland to support the region's growing population.

"With the International Olympic Committee promising to boost its financial commitment to a 2032 Games, public investment should go towards creating a genuine lasting legacy in the form of roads and ­transport."

Operating with its current public transport, the southeast would have a load of 75 per cent added to present passenger numbers during an Olympics, the council of mayors warned.

The mayors, who first raised the Olympics as a way of fast-tracking infrastructure across the region in a February report released exclusively to The Courier-Mail, said that compared to less than 20 per cent extra load in Rio and London.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the report found the Games would not work without infrastructure. "The key finding ... was pretty straight forward – a SEQ Games could be successful if we get our transport infrastructure right first.

"We started this journey with one simple promise – that a Games bid can only proceed if it will demonstrably deliver a more liveable region for our residents, with better transport connectivity and a strong economic, cultural and social legacy."

Tourism bosses, including The Star Entertainment Group operations director Geoff Hogg, have warned visitors need to be able to get around the southeast easily.

"Connectivity for tourists and a growing population are critical to Queensland's future," Mr Hogg said.

"Our existing transport network is under pressure, I don't think too many people would disagree.

"Whether it's road or rail, or public transport in general, we need to be ready to move more and more people seamlessly around our cities and across the state to regional centres.

"Our infrastructure needs further investment and to a certain extent Queensland has been a victim of its own success.

"The state has positive net migration, drawing people from other parts of Australia to make their homes in Queensland, and tourism remains a key economic pillar."

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Couriermail --> Race track in for possible Olympic transformation

ALBION Park and QEII stadium are vying for the top honour of being Queensland's 2032 Games athletics stadium, the Gold and Sunshine coasts will glitter with a swag of events and north Queensland and the Whitsundays will also get their time to shine.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said her Cabinet had been presented with the possibilities of upgrading QEII, the centrepiece of the 1982 Commonwealth Games or building a new facility on the current site of the Albion harness racing track.

"What Cabinet considered today, and we're going to do further detailed work on, is one option is to upgrade QEII, now it's probably in need of an upgrade after the Commonwealth Games way back in the 80s. But also too the other option is a brand new complex which would be around Albion which there may be some private sector appetite in looking at that."

Ms Palaszczuk said the Gabba and Brisbane River were being considered for the opening ceremony.

"We believe that we could put on quite a show at the Gabba in terms of activating the length and the breadth of the river by having television screens and people from right across Queensland and around to world coming to watch the opening ceremony," she said.

Townsville Stadium may host a whole week of preliminary soccer finals, keel boat sailing would be held at the Whitsundays, mountain bike riding and other soccer games could be held in Cairns, and volleyball could be hosted overlooking the ocean at Broadbeach Park with temporary seating, and Coomera's indoor sports centre could host gymnastics.

Bids for the 2032 Olympics are due in 2021, with a decision due either that year or the next.

Ms Palaszczuk said Queensland was on the front foot and were "very well prepared" to beat out any competition.

Ms Palasczuk said the International Olympic Committee and its president Thomas Bach were very impressed with how far progressed Queensland was in its process and looked favourably on the fact the state already had 80 per cent of the venues needed.

While the State Government wants to include as much of Queensland as possible in the Games, the IOC and its members stipulate there must be a central "atheletes' village experience" for competitors.

It means competition is difficult to hold events much beyond an hours' travel from the main village.

One location for a central athletes village has been mooted for riverside Hamilton, with a smaller village on the Gold Coast and a possible "day village" for athletes on the Sunshine Coast.

But Townsville and Cairns would likely get pool games for events like soccer and international sailing groups are understood to be excited about competing around the Whitsundays.

The next stage for Queensland's Olympics venue planners is to juggle the desire to showcase as much of Queensland's natural and cultural assets with the IOC's athlete's village mandate.

Their job is made more complicated, but economically palatable, by the IOC's "New Norm" directive, that now marks down would-be hosts who splash out cash for Olympics-only venues.

The reform, according to Australian Olympic Committee boss John Coates, means the Olympics aims to fit the city or region where it is being hosted, not making them and their taxpayers fit the previous rigid, and expensive, Olympic template.

Beyond venues, major infrastructure including the massive international broadcast centre, main media centre and main media village are also being looked at.

The vast amount of data used to get the Olympics to the world presents challenges to planners but also a legacy opportunity, with past Games hosts using the built-in data links to fast-track new tech industry incubators and sectors in the former media areas.