The region’s two mayors are set to undertake a whirlwind overseas trip this month, as part of a delegation that will meet with global leaders and examine post-Olympic possibilities.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli and Noosa mayor Frank Wilkie will be among the 11 leaders embarking on the 10-day mission to Singapore, Manchester and Paris with the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (CoMSEQ).
A press release from CoMSEQ said the delegation would examine transport, urban renewal, housing and waste management opportunities, as well as examples of legacies delivered through major infrastructure and events such as the Paris 2024 Games.
The mayors will meet with global leaders such as Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, the Lord Mayor of Manchester Paul Andrews and senior officials from the Singaporean Government.
They will also seek to strengthen partnerships with Singapore, which is one of Australia’s largest two-way trading partners and was responsible for $141 billion of foreign direct investment with Australia in 2023.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said CoMSEQ would fund each mayor’s travel costs, including flights, accommodation and meals.
A senior council officer will also participate in the delegation, “to engage with experts and officials”.
“The officer will gather valuable insights and best practices from cities that have delivered major events and infrastructure including transport and urban renewal,” the spokesperson said.
“Council will fund flights and accommodation for the officer. Final costs are yet to be determined and will be included in council’s 2024-25 annual report. CoMSEQ will cover additional travel expenses as part of the mission.”
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The council spokesperson said insights gained from the trip would be invaluable.
“The mission aims to increase global awareness of the South-East Queensland region and to promote trade and investment opportunities,” they said.
“Importantly, the mission will also provide the opportunity to gather valuable learnings on how the cities are managing population growth and housing affordability, regional connectivity and mobility, sustainability, waste management and circular economy.”
Council of Mayors SEQ chair Adrian Schrinner, who is the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, said the mission would help inform planning decisions in the lead-up to the Games.
“As our region continues to grow, it’s important we engage with other global cities to understand how they are addressing both the challenges and opportunities of growth,” he said.
“The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure a lasting legacy that will keep our region moving now and into the future.
“Learning how other cities are delivering long-term advantages for their residents is an important step to ensuring South-East Queensland continues to be one of the best places in the world to live.”
The ComSEQ press release stated that past missions undertaken by the group had helped formulate the $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal and the SEQ Public Transport and Mobility Strategy, as well as to secure the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games themselves.
Cr Natoli, with four council staffers, also visited Paris last year, to learn about the logistics of the city hosting the 2024 Olympics.
Brian Stockwell will be the acting mayor of Noosa during Cr Wilkie’s absence.
