Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak about an extraordinary opportunity for our region: the proposal for Rockhampton to host the rowing and canoe sprint events for Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This is far more than just a sporting event; it's a generation investment in the Rockhampton region's future—one has potential to transform our city, strengthen our economy and showcase the incredible beauty and spirit of Central Queensland to the world.

Hosting Olympic events on the Fitzroy River will place not only Brisbane, Rockhampton and the wider Capricornia region firmly on the global stage; it will allow the world to see our stunning landscapes, from our pristine beaches and tropical islands to our rugged hinterland, and to experience the warmth, pride and resilience of our people. The 2032 Games are being designed with a strong focus on legacy and regional inclusion. The 2032 Olympics are about ensuring that communities like Rockhampton benefit for decades to come. Through upgraded infrastructure, improved connectivity, tourism development and support for grassroots support, the games will set up our region for lasting prosperity. For Rockhampton, this opportunity brings tangible long-term benefits.

The proposal includes a new athletes village within the railyards rejuvenation precinct, designed to be converted into permanent housing after the games; upgrades to the Fitzroy River and the Rockhampton Fitzroy Rowing Club, establishing our city as a premiere venue for elite level rowing and canoeing; improvements to the Rockhampton Ring Road as part of the $9 billion Bruce Highway upgrade between Brisbane and Cairns, a vital project enhancing transport, safety and economic activity across Queensland; and, access to the $250 million Games On! program, dedicated to upgrading grassroots sporting clubs, ensuring our local athletes, volunteers and communities benefit directly.

The economic uplift from hosting the Olympic events will be enormous. Independent analyst KPMG projects that Brisbane 2032 will deliver over $8.1 billion in direct economic benefits to Queensland and create more than 91,000 jobs statewide. If Rockhampton were to capture even one to two per cent of that impact, it would mean an injection of $80 million to $160 million into our local economy and would support up to 1,800 jobs over the next two decades. Visitors will discover our beautiful coastal communities of Yeppoon and Emu Park, explore the breathtaking Capricorn Caves, enjoy Australia's finest beef and savour an array of boutique cafes, restaurants and distilleries, such as the Reef Distillers. Better still, our rowing and canoeing facilities will become a national and international trading hub for the next generation of champions.

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Rockhampton and Capricornia. This is about putting Rockhampton and regional Australia on the map for years to come.

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