by Priscilla Radice, CEO Infrastructure Association Queensland
The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are a once-in-a-century opportunity for Queensland and are strongly supported by the infrastructure industry.
To learn more, join us at the IAQ Assembly – working together for a better future on 8-9 September 2021, where IAQ will be exploring the infrastructure opportunities and challenges in Queensland.
This includes the 2032 Games opportunities, with a deep dive on the London Olympics with Simon Wright OBE. Mr Wright was the Director in charge of delivering the infrastructure for the London Olympic Delivery Authority and he will be unpacking the lessons learnt.
Aside from the tremendous benefits that will flow from the event itself, the Games are the catalyst needed to activate planning and delivery of the critical infrastructure Queensland needs to stay connected and maintain equitable living in the 21st century and beyond.
In turn, this will build business confidence, attract new investment, boost economic performance, enhance our global brand and bring more investors and visitors to the whole of Queensland.
Southeast Queensland is an outstanding destination matched with the facilities, the can-do attitude and the existing governance and leadership structures in place to work together to deliver a truly exceptional and unique Games experience.
The changes to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) approach means we can plan and deliver long-term development plans that we need for a growing Southeast Queensland, not just specifically for the Olympics.
Delivering for growth is a critical factor, recent modelling by the Austrian Institute of Economic Research highlights it’s the investment in the infrastructure, especially connectivity infrastructure like transport and digital, that drives the biggest economic boost.
IAQ supports a targeted dialogue and planning process which confirms infrastructure priorities that are aligned with the state’s long-term planning and needs, and ensures the focus of the agreed contract is on legacy.
Consistent with the IOC’s ‘New Norms’ and with the 2019 Value Proposition Assessment, no infrastructure should be delivered just for the Games.
IAQ’s view is that legacy is the ability to trigger the delivery of critical infrastructure ahead of population growth such as:
- Public and active transport infrastructure to enable quicker connectivity and improved liveability including faster inter-regional passenger rail to integrate with the existing Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro projects
- Appropriate, accessible and sustainable accommodation solutions, delivering innovative facilities which can service social and aged care beyond the Games themselves
- Telecommunications and data infrastructure, following on from recent critical work such as the Sunshine Coast International Broadband Submarine Cable
- Competition venues and programs as identified by Government, which will support an active and healthy Queensland for many generations to come
- Associated sustainable placemaking and community activation opportunities
- Accelerating digital take up
- Embedding Circular Economy principles
The Games is also a transformational catalyst for all three levels of government to collaborate on an agreed program and governance framework for ten years, hand in hand with the private sector.
This sponsored editorial was brought to you by IAQ. For more information and to register to the IAQ Assembly – working together for a better future event on 8-9 September, please visit www.nectarcc.eventsair.com/infrastructure-association-of-queensland-assembly
