Brisbane Olympics win a great opportunity for Central Queensland

Following last night’s exciting announcement that Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympic Games, Rockhampton Regional Council and Livingstone Shire Council is looking to put the Region on the map as a preferred training location.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said that the announcement is welcome news and could be a great opportunity to showcase some of the world class facilities we have to offer.

“We want to ensure that our Region is well placed to take advantage of this opportunity and we already have tremendous potential in this space,’ Mayor Williams said.

“We hosted the Olympic Rowing team here just a fortnight ago – with the team using the Fitzroy River as a staging point.

“We’ve also hosted the Australian Track Cycling team for pre event training at our Velodrome.

“Our fully upgraded Kalka Shades hockey field which hosted the Oceania Cup in 2019, a qualifier for the Olympic Games, has the same surface that they’re playing on in the Tokyo Olympics.

“There is also the potential for Mountain Biking, with Mt Archer and Mt Morgan boasting premier Gravity Enduro and Cross Country Trails.

“Not to mention the outstanding sportspeople that our Region is called home - four Olympic hockey players have come from Rockhampton, also cycling heroes Kerrie and Anna Meares, just to name a few.

“It is very early days and there is plenty of time, but we are in the planning stages and we will be looking to develop a package of events, as well as what can be developed further in terms of facilities and infrastructure.”

Mayor Williams said a combined approach with Livingstone Shire is on the cards, with discussions between both Mayors taking place yesterday.

“I am committed to working alongside Livingstone Shire Council and other levels of government to ensure that some of the economic benefits reach our Region.”

Livingstone Shire Council Mayor Andy Ireland said the Capricorn Coast is no stranger to holding world class events either, with the Keppel Bay Sailing Club previously hosting international world class events and the 2020 Youth Camp and Championship event.

“It’s very exciting news, but I’m also very determined that this international event isn’t going to be focussed solely on the South East corner, this is something the whole of Australia can benefit from, especially Queensland,” Mayor Ireland said.

“As long as the events can be shared around Queensland, and providing this happens, it will be a fantastic outcome for many regional areas including the Livingstone Shire and the wider Central Queensland area.

“There are plenty of opportunities within our region to facilitate training for athlete’s such as hockey, football, netball, mountain biking, sailing at the Capricorn Coast, rowing on the Fitzroy River, as well as potential training opportunities at the Barmaryee Multi-Sports Precinct.

“I sincerely look forward to working with local sporting groups and clubs, Rockhampton Regional Council and other tiers of government to realise our full potential as part of this once-in-lifetime opportunity.”