Like many on the Gold Coast, I was thrilled to see confirmation that the 2032 Olympic Games will be making their way to our city – and especially to Labrador. It’s hard to believe that in just a few years, the world’s biggest sporting event will be right here in our backyard. As someone so invested in our city and community, I’m already thinking about what this means – the opportunities, the risks, and what we need to keep an eye on.

A legacy we can all be proud of?

There’s no doubt that the Olympics can bring energy, investment, and international attention. I’m genuinely excited about what this could mean for the Gold Coast more broadly.

But I’m also asking the questions I believe every community member deserves answers to: What’s the real cost? Who is paying for what? And will this benefit our city long-term?

The cost to ratepayers

What has stood out to me in the State Government Olympics venue plan is that while cities like Logan, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Cairns are receiving state funding for their Olympic venues, it appears that Gold Coast rate payers are expected to fully fund ours. This includes a new arena in Southport’s Carey Park and the upgraded Gold Coast Hockey Centre.

According to the Gold Coast Bulletin, our council signed an MOU that the Olympics would come at “no cost to ratepayers” – so how are these projects being funded, and what are the implications? Will the city suffer cost cutting when it comes to our basics like mowing, community projects, fixing outdated footpaths and other local projects?

We’ve seen from other host cities around the world that Olympic infrastructure projects can come with major costs and long-term debts. Cities like Montreal and Athens are still recovering from their Olympic builds decades later. I hope our Council and State Government are learning from those mistakes and being transparent and financially responsible with how these decisions are being made.

A big loss for the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

One venue I’m really disappointed not to see included in the Olympic upgrades is the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. It’s already a world-class venue, home to national and international competitions – from diving to even underwater hockey. With Brisbane’s new aquatic centre taking centre stage, I fear that post-Olympics we’ll lose major events from the Gold Coast, and the sport tourism that comes with them. That would be a big loss for our city.

Walkability and active travel need to be prioritised

We also need to start thinking now about how people will move around during the Games. Yes our rail and bus networks are important, but at a more local level, our Olympic venues should be easily accessed by foot, bike, scooter or e-bike – not just car or shuttle bus. I’d love to see planning that supports walkable precincts and boosted trade for local businesses in areas like Chirn Park and the Broadwater. Right now, that accessibility just isn’t there.

Learning from the Commonwealth Games

I was a small business owner during the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and like many locals, I expected an influx of tourists and increased trade. Instead, we were told to “stay home”, and many businesses I supplied to suffered as a result.

As we plan for the 2032 Games, clear and honest communication with residents and business owners is critical. We can’t afford to make the same mistakes. Community consultation and proactive planning must be front and centre.

Final thoughts

The 2032 Olympics are a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Gold Coast – but they also come with serious responsibilities. I’ll be keeping a close eye on the decisions being made and advocating for a Games that leaves a lasting, positive legacy for our community – not just in new stadiums, but in better neighbourhoods, improved infrastructure, and real opportunities for our community.

What are your thoughts on the Games coming to the Coast?