REDLAND City Council is looking to leverage the long-term benefits of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games following Mayor Jos Mitchell’s report of a high-level international mission.
The 10-day mission in February brought together local government leaders from across South East Queensland to engage with global city-shapers and Olympic planners.
The tour aimed to explore how past and future host cities are using the Games to drive lasting improvements in transport, housing, infrastructure and community outcomes.
“This mission took us to Singapore, Greater Manchester and the Paris region, where we explored a number of issues relevant to Redland City including transport, urban renewal, housing delivery and waste management,” Mayor Mitchell said.
“These engagements built on past partnerships established through the South East Queensland City Deal, Brisbane 2032 Games planning, and the SEQ Public Transport and Mobility Strategy.”
In Singapore, the delegation explored investment and trade partnerships, intelligent transport systems and waste management innovations.
The city’s world-class digital connectivity, approach to water security and long-term infrastructure planning were of particular interest to Redland City Council.
The Mayor said the delegation also celebrated the 60th anniversary of Australia-
Singapore diplomatic relations at a reception hosted by the Australian High Commission.
In Greater Manchester, delegates examined significant city-shaping initiatives including MediaCityUK and the redevelopment of the Old Trafford Stadium district.
“We learned about their housing investment fund, which has supported substantial new residential development, and their public transport improvements which have reduced congestion by 23 per cent,” Cr Mitchell said.
The final leg of the tour focused on Paris and its preparations for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Delegates observed the city’s ambitious plans to expand its public transport network by 2030, including new metro lines and stations.
“The Paris region’s mass transit initiatives and metro line upgrades offer valuable lessons for our own transport infrastructure projects here in Redland City,” Cr Mitchell said.
The Mayor said the mission reinforced the value of global thinking, regional collaboration and local delivery.
“By observing international best practice, we can inform our own regional policies and tailor actions to meet our citizens’ needs,” she said.
“The mission also promoted regional unity, facilitating knowledge transfer and strengthening the relationships among the mayors of South East Queensland.”
The Mayor also addressed questions raised during the December General Meeting regarding the cost of participation, noting that the mayoral travel costs were covered by COMSEQ as part of Council’s membership.
“There was no cost to Council for me to attend this mission,” she said.
“So that is the trip over. I paid for my own trip back.
“The costs associated with my Executive Officer attending were covered by Council, as outlined in the December General Meeting, and any incidental costs incurred by my Executive Officer were also not charged to Council.”
