TRANSFORMATION OF A REGION How The Olympics Will Reshape South East Queensland

“THE SUCCESS OF THE BRISBANE 2032 OLYMPICS AND PARALYMPICS IS DEPENDENT ON THE COLLABORATION OF ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT, TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS ACROSS THE FULL SPECTRUM OF ENGINEERING, PLANNING AND URBAN DESIGN, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY THE COMMUNITY.”

Jonathan Powell

With the announcement of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games, it is an exciting time to live in Southeast Queensland (SEQ). The Olympics will be a significant milestone in the future growth of the region, but it is the infrastructure planning, built on long-term relationships and a shared vision, that makes it achievable and sets a sustainable trajectory towards and, most importantly, beyond 2032.

Being a host city for an Olympic games is both a privilege but also a huge responsibility. To deliver a successful event on the global stage, but also align with the long-term growth and infrastructure needs of the region, is a delicate balance of reinvention and legacy. There is also a significant investment to be made in support for the games by the citizens who will be key to its success and positivity aligned to the economic investment required.

Consultants have an important role in influencing the successful delivery of the games and need to be proactive in their partnerships and collaboration with government and stakeholders. Collaboration will be crucial in a successful delivery of the Olympics and in ensuring a strong legacy.

Planning for a connected future

Since 2015, SMEC has been working alongside the SEQ Council of Mayors and the National Faster Rail Agency to investigate transformational opportunities covering the areas of liveability and sustainability, connected infrastructure and governance – relating to two key outputs, the SEQ People Mass Movement Study (PMMS) and North Coast Connect Faster Rail Business Case respectively. The PMMS was a key document that fed into the Brisbane 2032 Olympics Feasibility and also the TransformingSEQ Proposal as part of the City Deal proposition. SMEC’s work provided expert strategic advice for the future transformation of the region in close collaboration with the government and leaders in SEQ. The consideration that SEQ and Brisbane could be a host city for the Olympics was also high, as the necessary investment required could be fast-tracked and supported by all levels of government if Brisbane was successful in its bid.

The teams of people involved in these projects were highly invested in contributing to making SEQ a liveable region whilst supporting the needs of predicted population growth over the next 20 years. There was a sense of comradery and shared vision for the possibilities, which resulted in a strong and trusting collaborative experience and outstanding outcome. To me, it demonstrated the value that can be derived when consultants and government come together and strongly influence the future direction for a region.

A legacy building opportunity

In addition to the delivery of infrastructure, there is also the social legacy and value which can be gained from hosting the Olympics and Paralympics. The city will experience urban rejuvenation around existing venues, the development of new venues, accommodation and transport infrastructure and put sustainability at the core of the proposition. The role the Paralympics will play is also vital; it will influence the way our urban spaces are designed to ensure we develop a city which is inclusive and provides access and opportunities for all.

With investment and planning, the Olympics can be a catalyst for greater connectivity across our region and create a strong platform to support and influence healthy, sustainable and resilient communities long after the games – and help foster the next generation of athletes!

Together, working towards a shared vision

The success of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics is dependent on the collaboration of all levels of government, technical specialists across the full spectrum of engineering, planning and urban design, and most importantly the community. The initial work completed to date has set the scene for achieving an amazing outcome and will undoubtably influence what the future will look like for SEQ.

SMEC is pleased to be already contributing to many of the transformational projects which form part of this future landscape, from Cross River Rail, Brisbane Metro, Breakfast Creek Green Bridge and urban renewal projects around Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

Leaving a legacy for the long term, through improved connectivity between population centres, accessible urban centres and rejuvenated venues, is a huge opportunity for SEQ and I look forward to seeing the next decade unfold. n

Jonathan Powell

Jonathan Powell, National Manager Clients and Strategy at SMEC. Jonathan has worked in infrastructure feasibility planning projects in more than 30 countries and is responsible for SMEC’s national client relationship management program and leadership of strategic business initiatives. Jonathan has been working with the SEQ Council of Mayors and other government and industry stakeholders since 2015 to bring these projects to fruition.