Sunshine Coast Business Council Chair Sandy Zubrinich said yesterday’s confirmation that South East Queensland will bid for the 2032 Olympic Games was great news for the Sunshine Coast.

“Firstly, I’d like to recognise our Federal Member Ted O’Brien and Mayor Mark Jamieson for their hard work in getting us to this point — their level of commitment to providing a sound business case for this bid has been commendable,” said Ms Zubrinich.

“Should we be successful in securing the Olympics, this would no doubt accelerate our ongoing quest for greater infrastructure investment for the Sunshine Coast region to bring us to a more comparable level to other South East Queensland regions.  It will provide much needed confidence for the business community to invest in growing and starting new businesses.

“This, along with the predicted 129,000 extra jobs for South East Queensland in the lead up to the games, and the anticipated $10 billion cash splash by international tourists in areas like the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, the Whitsundays, Far North Queensland and the Outback, will provide a significant injection into our economy.

“Of course, there is not only a financial benefit for the region, there is also the sense of pride and community that cannot be underestimated during an event such as this — both for Sunshine Coast residents and our business community.

While there is a long journey ahead to secure the games, being one of the first regions to bid for the event — given that prior to June this year only cities could make a bid — will already raise the Sunshine Coast’s profile internationally.

“We will do all we can as the Sunshine Coast Business Council to further support this bid and again, thank those who have helped get us to this point.”