Ipswich City Council has revealed the community’s official Olympic legacy wish list as part of its new ‘Leveraging 2032’ roadmap.
Leveraging 2032: Our Roadmap to the Olympic and Paralympic Games was launched at Brighton Homes Arena on December 8.
The Springfield Central venue is scheduled to host the modern pentathlon during the Brisbane 2032 Olympics Games.
Speaking at the launch event, Ipswich Mayor and Chair of the Ipswich 2032 Legacy Working Group Teresa Harding said that the top long-term goals were improving mass public transport links, boosting grassroots sports, and attracting investment.
The roadmap also calls for luring top-class sport and entertainment venues and facilities, plus hotels and tourism to the region.
The document is divided into 20 chapters, each describing a proposed outcome.
The first on the list is development of the Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor (‘I2S’).
The I2S corridor would link the two population centres through Ripley.
It would aid mass transit during and after the Games, and avoid forecast congestion costs of over $1 billion.
Another section is devoted to the so-called Springfield Central Sport and Entertainment Precinct, harnessing the potential of Brighton Homes Arena and other local sports fields and venues.
Other chapters explore prospects for health, the environment, sustainability, and multiculturalism.
Taking advantage
Mayor Harding said the roadmap highlights definitive opportunities “that we know will deliver outcomes” for the community.
“Sport is a powerful driver. It brings us together, improves health and well-being, and builds positive and productive communities,” Mrs Harding said.
“However, the 2032 Games is far more than just a sporting event.
“Our community has highlighted transport connectivity as the most important legacy outcome for our city, ensuring we are connected to each other and our neighbouring councils in a safe, efficient, and reliable way.”
It sets a firm foundation that will endure well beyond the 2032 Games, the mayor explained.
“The next decade will represent a golden era for the South East, and Ipswich is well placed to take full advantage of the opportunities before us.”
Ipswich City Council Economic Development Committee Chairperson Cr Kate Kunzelmann said the Brisbane Olympics expected to deliver $8 billion in economic benefits for Queensland.
“The Games will be the largest event that has ever been held in Queensland. It is the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition, bringing hope for a better future.
“The redevelopment of existing sporting venues and creation of new sporting venues will be both accelerated and amplified due to the success of securing the Games.
“Our young athletes of today, may be our Olympic and Paralympic heroes in 2032, competing on the global stage, from a place called Ipswich.”
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