LOGAN is hopeful that jobs, infrastructure, and investment will be the big winners after South East Queensland regional bid for the 2032 Olympic Games was named the preferred host by the International Olympic Committee yesterday.
Mayor Darren Power believes Logan has put its best foot forward to host Olympic competition or training in events, including canoe slalom, boxing and freestyle BMX.
He said the 'Logan story' extended beyond the hosting of events, with training venues, catalytic transport infrastructure, accommodation options and legacy-related opportunities.
This could be an absolute game changer for our city, our state and the nation
- Mayor Darren Power
"Council has invested significant time, effort and money into a positive outcome for our city. We have a long way to go but remain confident that Logan is on the Olympic map.
"When you consider the $3.3 million Doug Larsen Park world-class BMX freestyle facility at Beenleigh, our progressed plans for an outdoor adventure and whitewater park facility in Greenbank, and a specialist indoor sports venue linking rail and transport, we are well and truly in the box seat to play a key role in this once-in-a-lifetime event," he said.
Logan council believe the planned outdoor adventure and whitewater park closely aligns to the legacy principles of the Olympic Games and is a key opportunity for the city in the Games bid.
Council has been actively progressing the proposal since 2016 (Destination Management Plan 2018 - 2022). A pre-feasibility study and business case have been completed with those studies shared with the 2032 Taskforce and Queensland Treasury.
An expression of interest campaign to seek private interest in the development of the outdoor adventure and whitewater park is underway.
"The planned outdoor adventure and white water park and council's preferred location for the indoor sports venue are in the west of the city aligning with two areas of significant population growth, including the state government's priority development areas of Yarrabilba and greater Flagstone," Cr Power said.
He said the Salisbury to Beaudesert Passenger Rail, upgrades to the Mt Lindesay Highway and the Park Ridge Connector, could be brought forward as part of Games-related infrastructure.
"A smart state government would be looking to build critical infrastructure projects in a city that will have half a million residents by 2032.
"The benefits for Logan to play a role in this historic event are significant and achievable."