Olympic Games would benefit the region

An Olympic Games spread across multiple facilities across Queensland would benefit the Fraser Coast, Mayor George Seymour said.

“There will be a number of opportunities for our community from this,” he said. 

“I have had discussions with Graham Quirk from the bid committee and the Premier about how the Fraser Coast can benefit.

“Council will be lobbying the state government for funds to help build a multi-function indoor sports complex and/or stadium at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct.

“The facilities would be a great Olympic Games legacy. It would also be a fantastic training facility for Fraser Coast athletes to hone their skills as they prepare for the 2032 games and host international teams in the lead up to the games.”

Having the games spread across multiple cities would help spread visitors across the regions.

“International visitors and athletes would be exposed to more of the state as they travel between venues to watch their favourite sports,” Cr Seymour said.

Council has been in discussions with various sports to offer visiting teams space to practice and acclimatise.

“We have a variety of facilities,” Cr Seymour said.

“The region has hosted national and international sailing events on Hervey Bay while the eventing and equestrian facilities at the Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Park are held in high regard across the country.

“We have ample beach for beach volleyball teams to practice; former Olympic and Commonwealth Games boxing champion Jarrod Fletcher trained in Hervey Bay on his way to the games; and several Olympic and Commonwealth Games hockey players started their careers in Maryborough.

“The region has premier hockey fields in Maryborough and Hervey Bay.

“The region has top-class aquatic facilities in Maryborough and Hervey Bay which would make ideal training venues.

“Marquee events such as the Hervey Bay 100, BayBreak Multisport Festival and Enzo’s 10km Ocean Swim show that there is plenty of scope for a range of sporting teams covering a range of disciplines such as running, bike and swimming, to base themselves on the Fraser Coast.

“Depending on timing, the teams could use these events to test themselves in local conditions.

“The Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct has a premium soccer field and plenty of space for athletes to train.

“Ultimately, it would depend on the needs of the teams and what could be provided.

“The Fraser Coast also offers easy access to Sydney and Brisbane with direct flights daily if teams need to travel or bring in specialists; and we offer a more relaxed atmosphere than some of the more developed southeast Queensland destinations.”