IT is disappointing the Crisafulli Government has turned its back on Ipswich in dumping our Mayor from the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee.
The community was shocked and angered to learn the recent 100-Day Review failed to include Brighton Homes Arena at Springfield Central in the list of venues.
Brighton Homes Arena was part of the original bid put forward when the Brisbane 2032 Games was secured. It was again supported during the Games review held under former Premier Steven Miles.
It was equally shocking to find Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River hosting rowing events, a major snub to the Queensland State Rowing Centre on Lake Wyaralong.
Ipswich City Council has stated Brighton Homes Arena remains the city’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venue.
That is exactly why we need a seat at the table. The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Mayors are represented on the Organising Committee with Brisbane’s Lord Mayor.
We now see Mayor Teresa Harding blaming our State and Federal MPs for not securing a share of the $7.1 billion in Games infrastructure funding for Ipswich.
Cr Harding was a member of the Organising Committee and was in a prime position to ensure the city had a legacy venue.
While no longer on the committee, she still needs to stand up for the city and call on the Crisafulli Government to give Ipswich a voice in the planning to host the Games.
It is time for petty politics to be left behind and for our politicians to work together for the good of the city.
