Mayor's appointment aims to capitalise on Games opportunities

The Scenic Rim is set to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the 2032 Olympic Games with Mayor Tom Sharp's appointment to a working group comprising members of the Council of Mayors South East Queensland. 

Chaired by Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald, the Leveraging 2032 Working Group will meet twice yearly with the aim of ensuring regional priorities are identified and furthered with the organising committees of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Queensland and Australian governments. 

Cr Sharp will serve as Council's representative on the Leveraging 2032 Working Group for the remainder of the Council term with Deputy Mayor Duncan McInnes appointed proxy following the endorsement of their nominations at today's Ordinary Meeting. 

Cr Sharp said that, as part of Council's continued advocacy for the region, Scenic Rim's representation on the Leveraging 2032 Working Group will focus on investment in critical infrastructure, not only for the Games but also the region's future, with transport being a key priority. 

"The global exposure provided through the Games offers economic and social benefits beyond 2032," he said. 

"As the home of the Queensland State Rowing Centre, the Scenic Rim has demonstrated its ability to host world-class sporting events at Lake Wyaralong. 

"While this is yet to be confirmed as the venue for rowing and canoeing for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we will be focused on maximising every opportunity. 

"Council is working with Queensland Government agencies to attract direct foreign investment for accommodation facilities near Lake Wyaralong which will continue to be the home of Rowing Queensland for decades to come. 

"As well as raising our international tourism profile, the Games also offer wide-ranging benefits for our region through business investment and procurement activities." 

As a legacy of the Games, Council hopes to see an increase in Lake Wyaralong's facilities including pontoons, finish towers, boat sheds and car parks with the potential for conference and community facilities that could be used by a range of community and sporting organisations. 

"Careful consideration of permanent and temporary facilities will ensure that, following the Games, world-class facilities will continue to support rowing, contribute to producing world-class athletes and be available to host state, national and international events," Cr Sharp said. 

"In leveraging the opportunities presented by the 2032 Games, we hope to achieve improved transport outcomes for our region in line with the legacy aims of advancing our economy and enhancing connectivity, accessibility and environmental sustainability."