Recently, Sandy lodged a submission to the Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority’s 100 Day Review of Games infrastructure and planning. This, to raise the importance of ensuring that Olympics infrastructure is appropriate to deliver for all of Queensland, both metropolitan and regional, and that an appropriate legacy for Queensland is delivered. With the scope of the 100 Day Review to include venues, Olympic villages and transport, Sandy’s submission highlighted the following:

  • As the crossbench stated, the Gabba should not be redeveloped due to the massive detrimental impact on the local community, and other options available for consideration.
  • It is crucial that the development of Olympic infrastructure does not drive up the cost of housing and create displacement as has occurred in other cities during and in the lead up to their Olympics, particularly with our housing crisis.
  • All Olympic villages and housing should be designed and planned to be converted to social and community housing after the Games, to maximise the social benefits of the infrastructure investment for all Queenslanders.
  • With the potential for Noosa to be utilised as a pre games training location, and certainly a desired destination for Games visitor stays, transport infrastructure and services are urgently required, specifically appropriate links to the rest of the Sunshine Coast and to Brisbane. This includes high speed, frequent buses to the rest of the Sunshine Coast, and consistent bus and train links to Brisbane and Southeast Queensland. Importantly, increased services on the North coast rail line via a train shuttle between Nambour and Gympie North, and rapid and frequent bus services from Cooroy to Noosa synchronised with the shuttle train.
  • In addition, dedicated bus/shuttle lanes to improve timeliness of service, suitable parking station locations identified and made suitable for Park N Ride, and increased connectivity between local bike routes and an expansion of bike pathways throughout the Noosa region.
  • Facilities for training and preparation for Olympic athletes are required. This includes upgrades to the local sports facilities and new facilities as identified by Noosa Council such as an upgrade to the Noosa Aquatic Centre, Noosa District Sports Complex, and the Cooroy Sports Complex as examples.
  • To reduce congestion on the M1, appropriate direct international flights into and out from the Sunshine Coast, with accompanying airport shuttles to reduce car hire and volume.

Sandy’s submission also included a copy of the Crossbench Statement on Olympics Funding 23 May 2023. As mentioned in previous Noosa 360 updates, the released terms of reference for the 100 Day review, which incorporates aspects of the united Crossbench statement, including regional benefits and a representative, is very welcomed. However, there remain aspects, including the capping of the 2032 Olympic Games budget that need to be actioned. You can find a copy of the united Crossbench statement at https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tp/2023/5723T680-1559.pdf.

With submissions now closed for the 100 Day Review, residents wishing to provide direct advocacy regarding the Olympic and Paralympic Games can email the following Queensland Ministers:

Please cc’ our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any response you receive to us.

Further Information

For our previous Noosa 360 updates on the Olympic and Paralympic Games, please visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=olympics.