Toowoomba has won gold in its battle to host the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian events at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland’s ‘Toowoomba Equestrian Centre’ would be a legacy project to benefit Queenslanders for the next 50 years.
“This is a watershed moment for the Toowoomba region,’’ Cr McDonald said.
“We are ‘jumping for joy’ today with the State Government’s announcement of the Toowoomba Showgrounds as the host venue for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian events.
“Our advocacy efforts for the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland’s ‘Toowoomba Equestrian Centre’ have paid off with the project set to deliver significant legacy benefits to Queenslanders for years to come.
Cr McDonald said hosting the event would be a coming-of-age moment for the Toowoomba region.
“What an exciting time it will be for Toowoomba to have Olympic medals awarded right here in our region,’’ he said.
“The eyes of the world will be on us as the best dressage, showjumping and eventing riders and their incredible horses compete for Olympic glory right here in Toowoomba,” he said.
“The flow-on effects of today’s announcement could be massive and lead to the delivery of infrastructure for our region that may not have been possible without the golden opportunity of hosting Olympic and Paralympic events.”
As part of the 2032 Delivery Plan, Toowoomba would receive:
- A major upgrade to the Toowoomba Showgrounds to host the Equestrian events and become an Equestrian Centre of Excellence.
- The Equestrian Centre of Excellence could include additional arenas, stables and warm-up facilities and new amenities, as well as an upgraded and lengthened cross country course.
- Leveraging the 20-year tourism plan for new tourism initiatives.
- A share in the $250 million Games On! programs with upgrades to grassroots community clubs.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said 2032 would be the Queensland Games.
“These Games are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver an infrastructure, tourism and grassroots sports legacy to benefit all of Queensland,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“Delivering 2032 and Beyond sets the plan to build much more than what’s needed for a few weeks of competition.
“This is a plan that builds for our future, ensuring regional communities continue to benefit for decades to come.
“Come 2032, through better connectivity and the right infrastructure, Toowoomba will be ready to open its doors not only to the Games but to more tourists, more employment and more opportunities.”
