News
2 April, 2025
Let the games begin
MORETON Bay and Somerset are optimistic about the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games following the Queensland Government’s release of the 2032 Delivery Plan.
While Somerset Mayor, Jason Wendt, admitted Council is “disappointed” Lake Wivenhoe was not included in the plan as a location for some aquatic sports, he said Council “firmly believes” in its potential as a premier training venue for Australian and international rowing teams in the lead-up to the Games.
“Together with Seqwater and Rowing Queensland, we presented a compelling case in the Brisbane 2032 Games 100-Day Review, highlighting the unique benefits our region offers,” he said.
“Council will leverage any opportunities given to strengthen our tourism industry over the coming years, including recent SEQ City Deal Public Art Initiative funding which will be used to create public art along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.”
Cr Wendt added the announcement of Toowoomba being selected to host equestrian events is very welcomed by Council, as it is going to attract thousands of people further west into the regions, with Somerset placed as a tourism destination between Toowoomba and Brisbane.
“With our prime location just an hour from Brisbane, Somerset is ideally placed to welcome athletes, officials, and fans seeking a true Queensland experience beyond the city,” he said.
“We’ve got the best lakes in South East Queensland and the largest recreational rail trail in Australia – why wouldn’t Somerset be at the top of every visitor list?”
“Somerset Regional Council remains committed to working with the Queensland Government to explore every opportunity for our region to play a role in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.”
Moreton Bay, on the other hand, has been selected as a key venue for the games, with both a commercial and community benefit.
The Moreton Bay Indoors Sports Centre (MBISC) being the centrepiece of The Mill site in Petrie.
Mayor Peter Flannery said the MBISC is “shovel ready,” with delivery now able to progress to the next stage.
“We’ve been eagerly awaiting the outcome of this review, now we look forward to accelerating delivery with the State Government,” he said.
“This is a much-needed investment for our City, will drive economic growth into the future and create around 178 direct full-time equivalent jobs during construction.”
Cr Flannery added a key takeaway from his recent trip overseas with the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (COMSEQ) was “to design a smart venue.”
“It is vital we learn how past Olympic and Paralympic host cities are delivering long-term advantages to their communities so that we can do the same,” he said.
“This way we can attract events and entertainment to the City with the impacts lasting long after the games.”
“We also saw benefit of working together with the other councils in South East Queensland, taking a partnership approach to leverage off each other.”
Cr Flannery also emphasised the importance of delivering long term transport infrastructure, which has also been promised.
“City of Moreton Bay looks forward to working with the State Government on critical connectivity and transport infrastructure considering the needs of our rapidly growing population and the requirement that public transport will be needed for 90 per cent of the transport demand of the Games,” he said.
The MBISC is set to have 12 multi-sport courts (across two separate halls) with a capacity of 10,000 spectators, being designed to host multiple sports before and after the Games such as basketball, netball, boxing, volleyball, badminton, and wheelchair rugby, addressing a growing need for indoor sports facilities in Moreton Bay.
More than 20 Moreton Bay community sporting clubs will see an investment by the State Government as part of the Delivery Plan.
