Olympic projects key for growing region
By Sonia Isaacs
THE Sunshine Coast Program Lead for Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is confident that three projects slated for review will still be built.
Grantley Switzer was commenting following the State Government’s call for an immediate 60-day independent review into Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic venue infrastructure viability.
The review followed increased criticism of the cost of projects including a $2.7bn rebuild of the Gabba.
Mr Switzer said three Sunshine Coast projects; an indoor sports centre and stadium mooted for the Kawana Sports Precinct and a new mountain bike facility for Parklands were included under the review, however, he said given the projects fulfilled a much greater community need beyond the 2032 games, he was quietly confident the projects would continue to move forward.
“Our projects have already been through significant project validation reporting processes and have shown to be great projects regardless of the games,” he said.
“These are projects that are required for our growing population regardless of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we see them being great investments from our federal and state government for community access.”
Speaking at a Montville Village Association meeting on January 17, Mr Switzer said the Sunshine Coast was playing a vital role in the 2032 games and while there had been a lot of focus around Brisbane, the coast had been allocated significant events and was an integral partner in ensuring successful delivery of the games.
Mr Switzer included an overview of events planned for the region including the potential for the Hinterland to host road-based events such as cycling.
He emphasised the importance of an effective and integrated public transport system.
“A key driver for the Sunshine Coast in being a delivery partner in the Olympic and Paralympic Games is the critical need to have transport infrastructure in place,” he said. “Having the events and the venues are a great legacy, however the greatest legacy that can be derived would be ensuring significant improvements to our public transport network.”
President of the Montville Village Association (MVA) and mayoral candidate, Wayne Parcell, said the community could take heart with the prospect of some long overdue attention.
“Long after the games are gone, our region rightfully expects that transport, and sporting and cultural facilities are able to meet the expectations of one of the fastest growing regions in the country,” he said.