Golden opportunity: helping businesses prepare for the Games
More than 500 Sunshine Coast business representatives have gained valuable insight into how to be part of the procurement and supply chain for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, at a dedicated supplier event on April 28 at Venue 114.
Hosted by Sunshine Coast Council in partnership with the Queensland Government, the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Procurement Opportunities event provided businesses with clear, practical information on how to supply goods and services before and during the Games.
Businesses heard directly from the teams responsible for delivering the Games and major infrastructure projects, including the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, the Queensland Government, Sunshine Coast Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are expected to create opportunities across a wide range of industries, including construction, transport, events, hospitality, technology, health services, marketing, cleaning, waste management and more.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the event marked a significant milestone on the road to the Games and importantly, to realising the benefits they would bring.
“For our region, this is about turning a global event into real local opportunities including jobs, contracts and long-term tourism benefits,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Our local businesses are the backbone of the Sunshine Coast economy and connecting them early to Games procurement opportunities is a key priority for Council.
“We want Sunshine Coast businesses to understand what’s coming, what’s required, and how they can confidently step into Games‑related work.
“Most importantly, we’re determined to make sure Sunshine Coast businesses and our community are the real beneficiaries of our role as a Co‑Host City for the world’s greatest sporting event.”
The event also highlighted key Games‑related infrastructure projects on the Sunshine Coast, including the Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade, the Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike centre, the Sunshine Coast Arena and Athlete Village and The Wave rail project.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie said delivering the 2032 infrastructure program would create jobs and back local industry.
“The Crisafulli Government is getting on with delivering the infrastructure Queensland needs to host a world-class 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and we’re doing it in a way that supports local jobs and local businesses,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“From the Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade to the new athlete village, arena and transport connections, these projects will mean more work for our tradies, contractors, suppliers and service providers right across the region.
“We want Queensland small and medium businesses to be ready to bid, win and deliver, because every contract awarded locally helps create jobs now and builds capability that will last well beyond 2032.”
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the Games would deliver a lasting legacy for the Sunshine Coast.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering a Games for all of Queensland that will reshape infrastructure, boost tourism, develop grassroots sport and build pathways for our young athletes,” Minister Mander said.
“We want this to be a Games for Queenslanders, delivered by Queenslanders.
“It’s important that our local businesses share in the benefits of the Games by helping to deliver this once-in-a-generation event.”
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin welcomed the opportunity to meet with Sunshine Coast small and medium businesses about procurement opportunities.
“The Sunshine Coast small business community is ready to deliver the innovation and value that will support the delivery of this world class event,” Minister Minnikin said.
“It won’t just be the Sunshine Coast’s iconic beaches and tourism attractions that will be on display in 2032, it will also be a chance for local small and medium businesses to showcase their skills and products to the world.
“Now is the time for small and medium businesses to prepare and position themselves to tender for the wide range of goods and services needed to deliver an Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
What businesses learnt
Local business representatives learned what Brisbane 2032 procurement opportunities are available, when they will be released and how to become a registered supplier.
Attendees also gained a clear understanding of how major Sunshine Coast projects – including The Wave – will be delivered and where local suppliers can play a role.
Speakers and panel discussions identified practical ways businesses can prepare including:
- the scale of the 2032 Games procurement program and lessons learnt from previous Olympic and Paralympic Games
- the roles and responsibilities of the various Games Delivery Partners and what each will be responsible for procuring
- what Brisbane 2032 will be looking for in respect to supply partners – capacity, capability, experience and sustainable business practices
- practical advice on how local businesses can register and express their interest in being a Brisbane 2032 supplier.
For more information, businesses can visit: Procurement opportunities for business | Sunshine Coast Council