TRC to make submission on Equestrian Centre of Excellence to 100-day Olympic review
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Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has resolved to make a submission to the Games Independent Infrastructure Coordination Authority (GIICA) 100-day review of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure.
The move was endorsed at this week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council with the submission to focus on pushing the case for the Toowoomba Showgrounds to be upgraded and feature a world-class Centre of Excellence for Equestrian (TEC) in a bid to host Olympic events.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said the region would continue the push for greater involvement in the delivery of Brisbane 2032.
“The Toowoomba Region has been involved in the bid for Brisbane 2032 since it was a concept of the Council of Mayors for South East Queensland (CoMSEQ).
“As a region, we understand the global exposure south-east Queensland will gain as the host of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the lasting and sustainable legacy that will come from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“However, at present, our Toowoomba Region is not being considered a host for any events in Brisbane 2032.
“The proposed TEC will deliver the Region a world-class equestrian facility that broadens its capability to provide equestrian events at the State, National, and International levels. It will also be a viable option to deliver equestrian sports for the 2032 Games. Further, the TEC will provide athlete pathways, rider education, and social and commercial opportunities to benefit the Region for generations,” Mayor McDonald said.
The GIICA has been tasked with conducting a 100-day review. The focus will include integration across venues, transport systems, athlete villages, and precincts while evaluating demand, affordability, deliverability, and overall impact to maximise social, economic, and environmental outcomes.
“The TEC meets all the objectives of the State Government's 100-day review, including demand alignment, connectivity, affordability, deliverability, and long-term legacy benefits.
“It was also pleasing to note one of the 'Guiding Principals' for the Terms of Reference of the 100-day review is that Brisbane 2032 Games venues should seek to deliver benefits for rural and regional Queensland, which is what the TEC would do,” he said.
“Council has previously supported a business case for funding the construction of a new TEC at the Toowoomba Showgrounds to attract the full range of regional, state, and national competitions to our Region.
“Council’s adopted position this week takes this a step further, moving our support of an upgrade as a potential Olympic venue and a long-lasting legacy from the Games to our Region.
“We look forward to partnering with the Queensland State Government to play a big role in the delivery of Brisbane 2032,” Mayor McDonald said.
The proposed TEC project:
fills a current void in equestrian infrastructure regionally and for all of Queensland. will enhance accessibility for riders with mobility issues and provide unprecedented opportunities for Para athletes in the equestrian sport. will create jobs and training within the Region's equestrian industry and further enhance its reputation as one of the premium equestrian regions nationally. The facility's increased capacity and capability will drive the sports economy in our Region, with increased events in both volume and participation. will facilitate further investment in the Region to support the equestrian industry.-ENDS-