The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has reportedly agreed to support the mayors of South-East Queensland for a possible 2028 Summer Olympic bid.
John Coates, the President of the AOC, wrote Friday to the SEQ mayors giving an in-principle commitment to support them and their communities in their exploration of a 2028 bid.
Coates said in a letter, “we look forward to working with you on this project of national and international significance”.
In March the Council of Mayors passed a resolution to explore a potential regional bid for the 2028 Games. Coates has commended their approach and encouraged them “to clearly demonstrate all of the benefits for your region and residents to which you refer”. He added, this will assist you to “obtain the necessary support of the Queensland and Federal Governments, business sector and the sporting and broader community”.
Coates said in his letter, “your consideration of an Olympic bid for SEQ is timely as it will provide the opportunity to take advantage of the IOC’s new philosophy whereby candidate cities are invited to present an Olympic project that best matches their sports, economic, social and environmental long-term planning needs”.
The Host City Contract (HCC) for the 2024 Olympic Games will be made public by the end of September setting out the legal, commercial and financial rights and obligations of the IOC, the host city and the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of the host country. Coates told the mayors, “it will be an important guide for you.
“In your study you should recognize the elements for the two different budgets related to the organization of the Olympic Games; long-term investment in infrastructure and return on such investment on the one hand, and the operations budget on the other.”
Australia hosted the Olympic Games twice – the Melbourne 1956 and Sydney 2000 Games.
Brisbane bid for the 1992 Games which was won by Barcelona. Brisbane hosted the 2001 Goodwill Games and the Commonwealth Games which will be held on the Gold Coast in 2018.
