Logan mayor Darren Power has not given up on securing an event for the city at the 2032 Olympic Games.
He said it had been disappointing that the city was snubbed in the initial masterplan, but vowed that the race was far from over.
The key, he said, was legacy infrastructure. This meant water sports and new sports were strong on the radar, but a roadmap which identified opportunities would still have to be built.
A roadmap would identify economic benefits, employment opportunities, supply chain upscale, logistics and increased investment.
“This is an Olympic Organising Committee priding itself on delivering legacy outcomes, yet the city that shares the same name as our first BMX gold medallist, Logan Martin, has been completely overlooked,” Cr Power said.
“As one of the fastest growing cities in Southeast Queensland with an expected half a million residents by 2032, delivering critical infrastructure to meet community need seems like a winner to me.
“I agree with the IOC that the Games should fit into long-term regional strategies for social and economic development, so let’s see it spread across all regional areas.
“Olympic competition is all about fair play, and that’s all we’re calling for here – a level playing field to look at what other opportunities exist for Logan.”
Cr Power said the city’s ideal location, between the two major Olympic zones of Brisbane and the Gold Coast, was well-placed to maximise benefits of the Games and leverage infrastructure investment that may not otherwise have been realised.
Any indoor venue or facility could become the city’s to enjoy beyond the Games.
“Council is preparing a business case to outline the existing need, potential uses for the 2032 Olympics and how the space will be activated after,” he said.
“The creation of world-class sporting facilities can lead to elite sporting pathways and training camps for future events.”
Council was unsuccessful in its previous bid for Games infrastructure with a proposed slalom white water course at Park Ridge and a boxing venue, not progressing.
“We were at the starting line with the white water park before Redlands even knew they wanted to be in the race,” Cr Power said.
“Logan had done the research and had a business case completed before the idea of even bidding for the 2032 Games had started.
“There is no reason Logan cannot host a major event and Council will now progress a detailed investigation for a venue as part of a business case to unlock the Olympic potential in our city.”
The City of Logan had access to key rail and transport nodes, open space and ease of access, he said.
The renewed Olympic push in the City of Logan comes as the Queensland Government announced a $1 billion plan to speed up train services between the Gold Coast and Brisbane – the first major transport infrastructure announcement ahead of the Games.
“It’s time to make 2032 a reality for our city, it’s not a pipe dream,” he said.
