Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli will go to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, to learn what it takes to host the biggest sports event in the world.
Councillor Natoli will take part in an Olympic Family Program, from July 24 to August 1, which is designed to help future host cities and Games Delivery Partners gain useful insights.
The Sunshine Coast is set to host several events during the Brisbane 2032 Games.
In Paris, Cr Natoli will focus on transport requirements, community impact, the Cultural Olympiad and local business opportunities. She will also watch events that are proposed to be held on the Sunshine Coast.
She said she was committed to ensuring that the 2032 Games leaves a positive legacy for the region before and well beyond 2032.
“This is truly an exciting time for our Sunshine Coast as we approach eight years to go to Brisbane 2032,” she said.
“We have lots to do, and even more to learn about hosting what is arguably the largest global event.
“I am so honoured to have the opportunity to be on the ground at Paris 24 to observe and to gain valuable information that I can share with my council colleagues and our community to guide our preparations in the coming years.”
The mayor will travel alongside other Olympic and Paralympic Games Brisbane 2032 Delivery Partner representatives.
She elected to pay for her own flights and council will pay for incidental travel costs, up to $1000.
Accommodation, on-ground transport, meals and event attendance will be funded by the International Olympic Committee.
The Sunshine Coast is set to host nine Olympic and Paralympic events across four locations in 2032.
New and improved venues
Sunshine Coast Stadium
The stadium expansion will deliver additional seating, taking total fixed seating capacity to more than 10,500.
By utilising the mounds at the northern and southern ends, the stadium will have a total capacity of approximately 14,500.
Additional temporary seating will be installed to boost the total seating capacity to 20,000 to accommodate the Olympic Games Brisbane 2032 football (soccer) matches.
Construction is planned to start this year and planned for completion in 2027.
Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre
The new international indoor sports centre will have capacity for 11 courts and the ability to convert to a minimum 6000 seat show court.
The centre will support a range of groups and sports, including basketball, netball, volleyball, pickleball, futsal and badminton.
Related story: Mayor backs Olympic venue after clubs voice concerns
The venue is proposed to host basketball preliminary games.
Construction is planned to start next year and due for completion in 2027.
Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre
A key legacy opportunity with the development of the region’s first nature-based recreation precinct, the centre will host mountain biking, trail running, bushwalking, horse riding and multi-sport events, creating a network of adventure experiences.
It will include a new 5km mountain bike trail and multi-use trails and trail hub, with a 200 bay carpark.
It will be co-located within the Parkland Conservation Park, which already boasts more than 40km of trails.
Construction will start in 2026 and is due for completion in 2027.
Alexandra Headland and Athletes’ Village
Running, cycling and water sports events are set to be held at Alexandra Headland.
Meanwhile, athletes will stay at a new village at Maroochydore.
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