THE council has backed a south east Queensland feasibility study into hosting the 2028 Olympic Games even though the Gold Coast has pulled out and Logan City is unsure.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said councillors unanimously supported her on the issue, including endorsing the findings of the SEQ Council of Mayors pre-feasibility study into the possibility of a regional games bid.
"Councillors have agreed to proceed to the next stage of conducting a feasibility study, which will provide the information we as a region need to decide whether it is in our interests to continue with a formal bid process," she said.
"The decision follows councillors being briefed on the SEQ Council of Mayors' pre-feasibility study which showed it was possible for SEQ as a region to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028.
"This is just one step in a very long process. Obviously there are a lot of questions still to be answered, but equally there is a lot of opportunity and we owe it to our communities to gather as much information as possible so an informed decision can be made."
It has been reported that Brisbane ratepayers will likely contribute $870,000 the $2 million to $3 million feasibility study.
Cr Wendy Boglary said she was concerned about the impact on costs to the Redlands, given the Gold Coast City Council did not want to take part.
Cr Williams said it was something that would be monitored.
She said work on such a bid could help clarify issues surrounding much needed infrastructure and that it was worth noting that Old Cleveland Road became four lanes only when it was decided to hold the 1982 Commonwealth Games.
"Redland City Council has been crying out for upgrades to our State Government controlled roads and rail line for years and this process could provide the carrot we need to get these projects on the agenda," she said.
"There is no doubt that to successfully host the Olympics, there will need to be new and upgraded infrastructure across the region and today's decision gives Redland City a seat at the table when the SEQ Council of Mayors asks the State and Federal government for that infrastructure."
Cr Williams said the next step in the process would be to provide residents with detail on what it would cost to host the games.
"Obviously everyone wants to know how much it will cost and what would be involved if we were to host the Olympics and the feasibility study will help flesh out that detail so our eyes are open and we can make informed decisions," she said.
"This isn't just about the three weeks that the games will be held, the process has the potential to raise the profile of the SEQ region over the coming years, driving economic activity and with it job opportunities.
"There are ongoing tourism and community infrastructure opportunities that all need to weighed-up against the potential costs and all this will be made clearer during the feasibility study."
The feasibility study is expected to take 12-18 months. Redlands will contribute on a pro-rata basis with the funds to be made available at the first budget review.
An Olympic Pre-feasibility Analysis Report for a potential bid to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games was released last month.
It also remains unclear whether it would be Brisbane or the south east region which would put forward the bid.
