South East Queensland’s Mayors, including Logan’s Darren Power, want urgent action on key transport and liveability projects in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympics Games.
The group is headed up by Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, who said now that the Games are locked in, we need to start developing a detailed investment and infrastructure plan.
“That’s what our Let’s Get Moving! campaign is all about, starting the conversation about what’s required to not only deliver the best ever Games but what’s needed to ensure we protect our region’s incredible lifestyle,” he said.
“Things like cleaning up our rivers and waterways, creating new greenspace and delivering better transport connections between venues can be achieved so they deliver benefits before, during and after the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympics Games.”
Redlands Mayor Karen Williams said when COMSEQ had started the bidding process for the 2032 Olympics, it was with the very clear goal of putting a deadline on building the roads, bridges and rail needed to support the region into the future.
“This whole exercise was always about building a better-connected region, and about protecting and growing our way of life,” Cr Williams said.
“We need to invest in our transport and environment projects across South East Queensland – not for the Games but in time for the Games.
“Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympics Games will be a truly regional Games and so we need this investment to spread across the region and beyond to ensure our communities can get where they need to go safer and faster.”
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said many of the elements needed for a good Games experience would be delivered through the SEQ City Deal, and he urged both the State and Federal Governments to sign on as soon as possible.
“The Foundation City Deal being offered is a good starting point for us to begin that work. There are certainly some more projects that Mayors and Councillors would like to see included, but this is a framework for all three levels of government to work together to build further confidence and certainty for the region,” Cr Antonio said.
“On behalf of all my COMSEQ colleagues, I urge the other two levels of Government to sign up to the deal, even if we need to keep talking to make it bigger and better.
“The eyes of the world will be on us in 2032. Our roads and regional transport systems need to be ready. And although a decade seems like a long time, it’s actually a short period to agree on priorities, sequence investment decisions and complete major transport projects.
“We are out of time for talking. It’s time to start the hard work. Let’s Get Moving!”
