WITH the countdown now officially at seven years, the Redlands and Brisbane’s Bayside are no longer on the sidelines – we are firmly in the Olympic spotlight.
The 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games offer more than just the thrill of hosting world-class events.
They offer us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape our future – through investment, infrastructure and a renewed sense of purpose.
From July 23 to August 8, 2032, the eyes of the world will turn to South East Queensland.
For the Redlands and Bayside, that means showcasing our region through the brand-new Redland Whitewater Centre at Birkdale – the first of its kind in Queensland – and events at the Belmont Shooting Centre and Anna Meares Velodrome in Chandler.
It’s a proud moment, not just for sports fans, but for every resident who can see the potential for lasting community benefit.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell has hit the right note in urging bold investment in public transport and tourism infrastructure.
Extending the Metro to Capalaba isn’t just about ferrying Olympic crowds; it’s about fixing a long-standing disconnect in our transport network.
Thousands of residents rely on clogged roads and unreliable services.
This is a chance to address that – not just for 2032, but for decades to come.
Mayor Mitchell is also right to call for upgraded tourism offerings.
The Olympics are more than a sporting event; they are a global showcase.
Visitors will come for the Games – but they should leave remembering the beaches, islands, wildlife and warm hospitality of the Redlands Coast.
That requires accommodation options, dining precincts, tour experiences – and a concerted effort to invest now, not in 2031.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie both acknowledge the transformative power of the Games.
The State Government’s $4.7 billion Olympic budget has rightly drawn scrutiny, but it also offers a unique lever for economic renewal.
Upgrades to existing venues like Belmont and Chandler, and support for grassroots clubs, will ensure that the Olympic legacy reaches beyond elite sport into every neighbourhood and school oval.
But a word of caution: legacy doesn’t happen by default.
It requires careful planning, community consultation, and transparency.
The Games can leave a positive mark – but only if decisions are made in the best interest of locals, not just for two weeks of global attention.
We are at the start line of an incredible journey – Redlands and Bayside has three Olympic venues, big ambitions, and seven years to get it right.
Let’s use this time wisely – to push for better transport, create enduring tourism appeal, and deliver sporting infrastructure that benefits generations to come.
This isn’t just about 2032. It’s about what comes after. And it starts now.
