Accelerating the move to sustainable aviation fuel is one of several initiatives that could be championed as part of the environmental legacy of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the QUT Business Leaders’ Forum has heard.
Speaking at the flagship QUT industry event, Brisbane 2032 CEO Cindy Hook said sustainabilty was the new norm for the delivery of the Games and Queensland had clear strengths to share.
“Is it the planting of a forest, is it the circular economy, is it sustainable aviation fuel to get everybody here?” Ms Hook asked.
“What could the Games accelerate in terms of change and transition in this country? And I am very open-minded and we will be thinking that way.”
More than 500 business and government leaders attended the second Business Leaders’ Forum for the year at the Hilton Hotel in Brisbane to hear how the former head of Deloitte Asia Pacific was steering Brisbane toward delivery of the international sporting event.
Ms Hook began by explaining the parameters of her organising committee function as separate from the Olympic delivery authority.
“The delivery authority will build the infrastructure using government funds, the organising committee will put on the event in the venues that are provided and we are self-funded,” Ms Hook said.
The torch relay, opening and closing ceremonies, medal presentations, and the cultural Olympiad that runs throughout the games period, all come under the organising committee’s remit.
But Ms Hook said if the people of Brisbane wanted a new main stadium for the Games, they should speak up.
“I am confident these games are going to be great,” Ms Hook said.
“And we will make them work in the stadium or stadia that is provided to us by the government which will be based on their view of what is needed for this community in the future.
“And if you think Brisbane is a growing city that needs a new stadium then I encourage you, you might want to speak up on that, but that is for the government to decide.”
QUT Business Leaders’ Forum attendees were given an exclusive first look at a ‘hype reel’ which will be released to strengthen the Brisbane brand ahead of the 2032 Olympics.
“We have the opportunity to put this amazing city on the world stage,” she said. “It is not well known yet globally but these games will give an opportunity for Brisbane and South East Queensland to be known.
“Brisbane, Queensland and indeed Australians are proud of their long heritage, of the continuous cultures that are here, super proud of their natural environments, and the beauty and the weather and bright sunshine, and really proud that this is an inclusive a welcoming place where people can reach their true potential.
“And there’s a bit of an ambition in Brisbane and Queensland, wanting to be known for more.”
Ms Hook spoke in conversation with award-winning journalist Ellen Fanning at the forum which was also attended by three QUT students who will compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games which start in July.
The next QUT Business Leaders’ Forum speaker will be Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Travis Auld on August 7.
