Toowoomba Region's golden opportunity to shine

The long wait is over, let the celebrations begin. 

For the past six years, 11 Mayors of South East Queensland have aspired towards one dream. Now, the sweet taste of victory with Brisbane yesterday officially announced as the host of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The announcement South East Queensland will officially host the Games was made from Tokyo, Japan, and welcomed with much excitement, following months of anticipation.

Brisbane 2032 will be just the third time in history Australia has hosted the Summer Olympic Games.

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Mayor and Council of Mayors Deputy Chair (SEQ) Paul Antonio was in Brisbane for the announcement and said it was an historic moment for Queensland.

“This is game-changer for the Toowoomba Region and SEQ. The Council of Mayors has been very proud to be a part of the Brisbane 2032 journey,” Mayor Antonio said.

“One of the greatest contributions a leader can make is to leave their community a long and lasting legacy. The Olympic Games and the major infrastructure it will deliver to support the growing SEQ Region is one of the best legacies we can leave for our future generations. 

“The Games will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Toowoomba Region to shine on the world stage. Yesterday’s announcement will plant the seed of a dream for our Region’s youngest sportsmen and women to inspire a nation and compete at the 2032 Olympics. 

“Napoleon Bonaparte once said, ‘victory belongs to the most persevering’ and in this case it is certainly true.

“The SEQ Council of Mayors began working on a proposal to host the Games back in 2015. While this particular journey has come to an end, a new and very special journey is about to begin.”

Local leaders agree the social and economic benefits that the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will bring the Toowoomba Region will be phenomenal.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) CEO Ali Davenport said she was elated by the once in a lifetime announcement.

“There’s no greater opportunity than having an Olympic Games on your doorstep, and Toowoomba will reap the tourism rewards of this,” Ms Davenport said.

“An event of this scale will allow us to explore the possibility of new infrastructure for our Region which would create a legacy for decades to come.”

“It’s important we celebrate this milestone, but also now turn our attention to what needs to be done moving forward so that Toowoomba is considered a viable option for a number of Olympic opportunities,” she said.

Commonwealth Games swimming champion, Toowoomba’s Darren Lange competed at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

Mr Lange said the Olympic Games undoubtedly remains the greatest sporting event in the world.

“What an incredible opportunity to have this event on our doorstep.”

“Not only inspiring a generation of young Australians to set their goals on competing for our country in a home Olympics, but also encouraging our community as a whole to partake in the Olympic Spirit of which, among other things, promotes tolerance and understanding with a spirit of friendship and fair play,” he said.

CAPTION: Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio, former Olympic swimmer Darren Lange and TSBE CEO Ali Davenport celebrate the news South East Queensland will host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.