The Mayor of the Sunshine Coast says Queensland must “maximise every opportunity” to create a lasting legacy from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
It comes after almost 14,000 ideas were shared via submissions and feedback from the Brisbane 2032 Legacy Forum in March.
Those ideas formed the basis of a consultation paper, titled Elevate 2042, that was released on Friday.
Elevate 2042 is focused on the years leading up to the Games and the 10 years after it, in order to maximise the economic, social, environmental and other benefits of hosting the event.
Draft themes highlighted in Elevate 2042 included: sport, health and social inclusion; a better future for our environment; connecting regionally and globally; and economy, jobs and innovation.
Key suggestions included: building the most sustainable venues; a First Nations Cultural Centre; construction of ‘Innovation Clusters’ focusing on augmented reality; bio-medical and environmental technology; planting a Legacy Forest; and enhanced and inclusive mass transit solutions.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said it was important to make the most of the Games.
“The Sunshine Coast is committed to ensuring that the 2032 Games leave a positive legacy for our region well beyond 2032,” he said.
“We would be selling our community short if we did not seek to maximise every opportunity afforded from our involvement in the 2032 Games.
“The Legacy Consultation Paper offers an important opportunity for our community to provide feedback and have their say.”
President of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee Andrew Liveris said the Games could have a significant flow-on effect.
“With an ambitious, clearly defined Legacy Plan, we can use the catalytic effect of the Games to elevate our lifestyles and the health of our communities, across economic, social, emotional and physical aspects,” he said.
“Now is the time to refine the thousands of ideas we collectively share into clear themes and objectives that will enhance the Games and go beyond.”
The Premier and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Annastacia Palaszczuk said there was a strong response from Queenslanders.
“The Olympic and Paralympic Games have never been about a few weeks of spectacle. They are about making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said.
“Just as South Bank is a legacy of Expo 88, we are planning now for what the legacy of 2032 will be.
“Pleasingly, bold ideas were suggested on what we can advance by hosting the Games in our backyard. These ideas came from across the state, and beyond.
“That tells me people are embracing this opportunity and I encourage everyone to play their part.”
The consultation paper also laid out a draft vision for Games legacy aspirations.
It said: “By 2042, a child born today has more opportunities in life, in an inclusive society and a connected region.”
The final Brisbane 2032 Legacy Plan will be released in late 2023, in partnership between the Queensland Government, Australian Government, Brisbane City Council, Sunshine Coast Council, City of Gold Coast, Council of Mayors (SEQ), Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia and the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee.
People can still have their say on Elevate 2042 by visiting Queensland Government to view the Legacy Consultation Paper and survey until June 25.
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