Mayor Teresa Harding and local State Members remain positive for the Olympics legacy throughout the Ipswich region despite last week’s backflip from the Queensland State Government.
Premier Steven Miles announced he would not accept the review on infrastructure for the Games put forward by former Brisbane City Mayor Graham Quirk.
The proposal review was based on the construction of a $3.4 billion stadium to be built at Victoria Park in Herston, with the recommendation to also stop the upgrades of both Toowoomba Sports Ground and North Ipswich Reserve.
Despite the announcement from Miles, Brighton Homes Arena at Springfield is still to be utilized as a key venue for the Games, said the Mayor and local State Members.
“Ipswich is already confirmed as a co-host city for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games with Brighton Homes Arena locked in to host the modern pentathlon,” Mayor Harding said.
“As Brighton Homes Arena does not require any further investment or construction to make it Games-ready, its role in the 2032 Games was not under review.
“Similarly, the recent commitment of $10 million to upgrade North Ipswich Reserve was a decision of the Queensland Government.
“Given Brighton Homes Arena is one of the best oval stadiums in the nation, I strongly believe it would make an ideal location for cricket should it be introduced into the 2032 Games program in the coming years.
“With the redevelopment of North Ipswich Reserve now underway, it too would be ready to accommodate modern pentathlon or other disciplines to facilitate this move if required.
“The project is now funded, has great support from the local community, and is ideally located close to heavy rail.
“My focus now is ensuring it can play a greater role in the 2032 Games masterplan.”
Member for Jordan Charis Mullen echoed the Mayor’s comments.
“The Miles Government has accepted 27 of 30 recommendations from the independent Sport Venue Review for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Ms Mullen.
“The Ipswich region will most definitely contribute to and benefit from the 2032 Brisbane Games from an economic, infrastructure and tourism perspective.
The upgrade of North Ipswich Reserve was taken off the table in the Quirk review, although the facility is not included in the list of Olympic venues, Mullen said the project showcased the legacy dividends for the city.
“The Govt has already committed $10 million for the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct which is proposed to include a 12,000 seat mid-size stadium for Ipswich and is aimed at community and elite sport,” she said.
