The Ipswich City Council is inviting Springfield residents to have their say in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics by participating in two new community engagement activities.
They are the very first official steps along the ‘Ipswich 2032 Legacy Roadmap’, which the Council launched today.
One of the activities is an online survey that eligible people can complete now.
The other is a longer-term advisory group, with Council seeking expressions of interest to be submitted online.
Participants must be a resident, worker, or other key stakeholder.
Both have a due date of Sunday, March 19.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the aim is to get the most out of the Olympics.
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Building an Olympics legacy
“’Legacy’ means our city leveraging the Games to create positive change,” Mrs Harding said.
“[That includes a] vision for culture, sport, environment, community, and economic development in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
The roadmap is one outcome of last year’s Ipswich 2032 Legacy Summit.
The survey asks what a ‘gold medal’ Olympics legacy might look like for Ipswich, the Mayor said.
The advisory group — named the ‘Legacy Working Group’ (I2032LWG) — will develop a “meaningful legacy plan” aligning local, state, and federal interests and needs.
The Ipswich City Council will ultimately decide from the pool of submissions who takes part.
“I want to hear from all sections of our diverse community and business leaders,” she said.
Economic, infrastructure, and tourism benefits
Division 2 Councillor Nicole Jonic, who is also Economic and Industry Development Committee Chairperson, said the Council is intent on building a “truly special and prosperous legacy”.
“The 2032 Games bring with them a unique opportunity for Ipswich… to develop the economic, infrastructure, and tourism benefits,” Ms Jonic said.
“The working group will be formed by Ipswich’s brightest and boldest leaders in our community from a variety of backgrounds and expertise.”
The survey ensures everyone has a voice in the legacy of the 2023 Games, the Councillor said.
“I encourage all people in our community who are motivated to shape the ‘legacy roadmap’ for Ipswich to get involved.
“[That means] young people, industry leaders, artists, healthcare professionals, athletes, and literally anyone in between.”
For more information and to take part, complete the SurveyMonkey forms found via the following links by Sunday, March 19, 2023.
Top: Olympian Natalie Cook with Mayor Teresa Harding at the 2032 Olympic Summit held last November. Image: Ipswich City Council.
