What’s happening?
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Geoff McDonald has been confirmed as one of seven Queensland Mayors appointed to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee’s Host Mayors Advisory Group.
The announcement comes as the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee expands its Advisory Groups, which now include the Athletes and Sports Advisory Group chaired by Susie O’Neill AM OLY and joined by Olympian Ian Thorpe AM OLY.
Alongside the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Commercial Advisory Groups, these groups will assist the Brisbane 2032 Board in decision-making and planning as Queensland moves closer to hosting the Games in just under seven years.
Why it matters
Brisbane 2032 President Andrew Liveris congratulated the new members and acknowledged the important role of local leadership.
“There is an incredible amount of support and goodwill across Queensland and beyond to ensure that our home Games are successful and importantly, drive meaningful and lasting legacies for local communities,” Mr Liveris said.
“Those across the Advisory Groups are leaders within their communities and on behalf of those they represent and I have no doubt their contributions will ensure we achieve our collective ambitions.”
By the numbers
• Just under seven years remain until Brisbane hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• Seven Queensland Mayors, including Toowoomba’s Geoff McDonald, have joined the Host Mayors Advisory Group.
• Four Advisory Groups — Athletes and Sports, Host Mayors, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and Commercial — are now active in supporting the Brisbane 2032 Board.
Zoom In
Brisbane Lord Mayor and Host Mayors Advisory Group Chair Adrian Schrinner said the expansion of the group would bring greater local input into Games planning.
“Expanding the Host Mayors Advisory Group means more local voices helping shape a Games that benefits communities across our state,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Delivering the world’s biggest sporting event takes teamwork, and this expanded group ensures more councils are part of that effort.
“Together, we’ll create a Games that leaves lasting benefits including better infrastructure, connected communities and a stronger Queensland economy.”
Zoom Out
The Host Mayors Advisory Group now includes representatives from Fraser Coast, Ipswich, Mackay, Redland, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, and Whitsunday. Brisbane 2032 confirmed the group’s composition will evolve as the sports programme and venue master plan are refined to ensure diverse regional representation across the state.
Local impact
Toowoomba’s inclusion gives the Darling Downs a seat at the table in discussions about Queensland’s Olympic and Paralympic future. Mayor Geoff McDonald’s appointment ensures the region’s interests are represented in decisions about infrastructure, tourism, and opportunities for community involvement ahead of Brisbane 2032.
What to look for next
The Host Mayors Advisory Group will continue working alongside the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee to ensure Toowoomba and other regional centres play an active role in delivering a Games that leaves lasting benefits across Queensland.