City leaders in race to secure Ipswich’s 2032 Games legacy

Published on 06 August 2026

Securing a lasting, meaningful community legacy for Ipswich from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is council’s priority, as the city marked the milestone of six years to go to 2032.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said council had brought together business, sport and community leaders to discuss how the city could deliver a lasting, meaningful legacy from the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“Six years will go in the blink of an eye, and we must plan carefully and wisely to make the most of the incredible opportunities on offer from these Games,” Mayor Harding said.

“As a proud co-host city, Ipswich City Council is working closely with leaders from all sectors to deliver tangible, practical benefits for our city.

“We have already prioritised shaping the outcomes of the Games through our 2032 Legacy Roadmap, and the Ipswich Legacy 2032 Working Group, and now we are honing our vision with the help of community leaders.

“Ipswich has been at the centre of the Brisbane 2032 bid since 2015, identifying the catalytic impact these Games will have on regional infrastructure and our city’s quality of life.

“The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will deliver an event right here in our city at Brighton Homes Arena, but there is so much more to be gained.

“Some of council’s major priorities are the North Ipswich Sport and Entertainment Precinct, a $200 million vision of which the $40 million tripartite-funded Western Grandstand, soon to start construction, is the first piece.

“We are already seeing the foundations of our legacy in real terms, with industrial commitments including Australia’s first steel mill in 30 years, a Hilton Garden Inn hotel for our CBD, and a strong commitment from the Brisbane Lions to deliver a new community sporting facility in Springfield.

“Ipswich’s Olympic and Paralympic legacy will be one that provides social and cultural growth and opportunities for our residents, young and old.

“We want to reach 2032 knowing we have done everything possible to capitalise on the opportunities presented by these Games.

“And we can only do that by bringing every part of our community along with us.

“Council is focused on leveraging every opportunity to advocate for funding, community development and private sector investment in our beautiful city, so that everyone enjoys the opportunities on offer.”

The Six Years to Go breakfast event at Brighton Homes Arena was emceed by Brooke Hanson OAM, with Mayor Harding joining a panel discussion with Dominique Lamb, Brisbane 2032 Director of Community Affairs; Taymon Kenton-Smith, 2024 Paris Paralympic archer; and Kaarle McCulloch, Olympic track cyclist.

For more information on Ipswich City Council’s advocacy for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic games, visit council’s website.