The lead-up to every Olympic and Paralympic Games around the world has had its controversies from infrastructure and costs to scepticism around long-term benefits. The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games has been no different. When venue decisions are announced in March, media attention and controversy will no doubt soar.
But as Articulous saw first-hand when engaging the community about their hopes and dreams for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Strategy – Elevate 2042, Queenslanders are more excited about the potential to transform our city and region as a result of the Games.
Few would today argue against the transformative legacy of Expo 88 – with Brisbane evolving from a quiet country town to a vibrant city making the most of an outdoor entertainment culture and an enviable arts and community precinct along our river.
So too, the upcoming Games will enhance our infrastructure, resulting in state-of-the-art sporting facilities, improved transport networks, job creation and economic growth. It will also catapult Brisbane onto the global stage, positioning it as a premier tourism destination.
Beyond infrastructure: opportunities for broader transformation
But beyond the physical improvements, there lies an opportunity for broader transformation that can reshape our community and region for the better, while also fostering social change across Australia.
Central to the Elevate 2042 legacy strategy are the goals of advancing First Nations peoples and people with disability, providing the opportunity to shift the wider community’s understanding of the barriers and biases that exist and a chance to remove these barriers.
At the Brisbane 2032 Legacy Forum, Paralympian Kurt Fearnley shared how watching the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games as a child transformed how he thought about himself and what he was capable of.
Similarly, First Nations Olympian Cathy Freeman’s iconic moment during the Sydney 2000 Opening Ceremony and Gold medal continues to inspire future generations.
Celebrating diversity: the role of culture in the Games
By celebrating First Nations peoples as the world’s oldest continuous living culture, recognising their contribution to society and country and working together to advance self-determination, the Games can help shift attitudes and change lives.
The Paralympic Games is a global celebration of sport and the achievements of people with disability. We can harness the momentum of the Games to drive generational change for the one in five Australians living with a disability.
Initiatives focused on accessibility and empowerment can profoundly impact our society helping to dismantle barriers, cultivate a more inclusive culture and position Australia as a leader in accessible sports.
Wider benefits: enhancing our health, environment, connectivity and economy
The Elevate 2042 strategy also encompasses several other legacy benefits, including building sport health and inclusion opportunities, creating a better future for our environment, connecting people and places and delivering an economy of the future.
The Games can help create a society where participation in sports, health, and active lifestyles is encouraged for everyone. By making sports accessible to everyone we can enhance individual health and well-being. The Games can also foster community spirit and build a volunteer culture.
By leveraging the Games to promote low-carbon initiatives, we can also accelerate our transition towards a zero-carbon society and circular economy.
Additionally, Brisbane 2032 can empower local innovators, entrepreneurs and businesses, driving economic growth and job creation in future-focused industries.
Brisbane 2032 will also enhance transport and digital connectivity boosting our transport network, fostering active transport and improving our digital capability across the state. The Games will reinvigorate places and precincts around Brisbane and activate sports, arts and cultural experiences across the state.
The lasting legacy of Brisbane 2032
The true legacy for Brisbane, Queensland and Australia will not merely be the infrastructure created for a global event. Instead, it will be about how the Games will help shape our community and change lives for the better.
Ultimately, the power of the Games lies not only in inspiring athletes but also in igniting a spirit of inclusivity and opportunity within our community.
