September 20, 2016
Toowoomba Regional Council has voted to be part of a regional study into the feasibility of a South East Queensland bid for the 2028 Olympic Games.
The Council of Mayors (SEQ), of which Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio is Deputy Chair, is investigating the Olympic Games as a possible driver to attract funding and infrastructure to improve road and public transport networks, create jobs, boost the economy and raise the region’s profile internationally.
Mayor Antonio said that while bidding for an Olympic Games in 2028 was an ambitious goal, it was one that an earlier pre-feasibility study suggested was a realistic opportunity for the SEQ region.
“Progressing to this next stage will allow for an informed decision to be made by COMSEQ about whether to proceed with the bid,” he said.
“Importantly, the process will generate very valuable information to assist this Council and our neighbouring regional Councils to better understand opportunities and address some of the expected future challenges for the region.
“I am particularly excited about our inclusion in a targeted people movement study, which will be a major component of this feasibility work.’
Council’s contribution is calculated on a per capita basis with the maximum contribution of $150,000 over two years being approved unanimously.
It is anticipated the feasibility process would be finalised by the end of 2017, with an informal bid decision to be made after this date.
An official expression of interest for the 2028 Olympics is not required until January 2019, with a formal bid deadline later that year.
A decision on the 2028 host city will be made in late 2021.
