Gold Coast City Council makes case to stage Brisbane 2032 aquatic events

Gold Coast City Council is advocating to host a number of marquee sporting events - including swimming - for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate this week outlined the City's formal submission to the Queensland Government’s 2032 Olympics and Paralympics review, suggesting that the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre could host swimming events and water polo finals.

This would be instead of major 2032 aquatic events being staged in a temporary pool at the proposed Brisbane Arena/Live venue or a new purpose-built centre.

As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, this would reduce Games venue construction costs.

Additionally, Mayor Tate is proposing the use of existing hotel infrastructure to host participants - reducing the potential size of a new athletes’ village.

Speaking at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre this week, Mayor Tate stated “we estimated the (cost of a) roof for here, and 10,000 seating, you’re looking at about $150 million.

“A temporary pool arena (in Brisbane), you’re looking at $2.5 billion. Do the sums.”

Mayor Tate also emphasised the importance of community engagement, noting “success will be measured by building an engaged and responsive community. If we fail to deliver in that regard, no gold medals or world records will be enough to convince Australians that their investment in the Games was a sound decision."

The basis of the Gold Coast submission is:

• Better Connectivity - accelerate critical transport and digital infrastructure for a growing region;

• Job Creation and Economic Development - deliver a cost-effective Games that boosts jobs and economic growth; and

• Global Identity - position the region as a global destination for tourism, trade and investment.

He added “temporary venues, other than for things like road races and triathlons, should only be contemplated when a permanent venue has a significant establishment cost and no meaningful long-term benefit to our community.

“If we can create or improve critical community infrastructure we should use this opportunity.”

“We should also look to Paris organisers who understood that when temporary venues were necessary - like their beach volleyball stadium at the foot of the Eiffel Tower - their value was in promoting iconic landmarks on the world stage.”

Mayor Tate went on to say “(the) new norm initiatives should include venue optimisation, alternative transport options, and reuse of field of play and back of house operations. This requires 'outside the box' thinking that is both bold and achievable. Paris 2024 showed the world that the event can be delivered differently.

“We must continue to challenge the norms and the Gold Coast has a proven track record in this regard."

According to the original Brisbane 2032 master plan, six new venues are set to be developed in time to host competition events while regional centres including Cairns, Townsville, Toowoomba, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast will also host Olympic and Paralympic competition.

Image: The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.