Cairns Regional Council has submitted a bold vision to the Queensland Government to ensure the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games deliver lasting benefits for the region.
The submission, made to the Department of Sport, Racing, Olympic and Paralympic Games as part of the Queensland Sport Strategy (2025–2035), outlines how the Games can create meaningful social, health, and economic outcomes for the Cairns community.
With Cairns confirmed as a host city for preliminary football and basketball events, the Council sees a once-in-a-generation opportunity to harness Olympic momentum for lasting impact.
Championing sport, inclusion and infrastructure
Mayor Amy Eden said the submission highlights Cairns' ambition to grow participation, support volunteers, develop athlete pathways and improve community infrastructure.
"We are committed to positioning Cairns as a leader in supporting healthy and active communities, ready to capitalise on Olympic momentum to improve liveability for the region," Cr Eden said.
"The Queensland Sport Strategy submission is a generational opportunity to back our volunteers, inspire our youth, grow inclusion, and cement Cairns as the capital of women's sport in Australia."
Cr Eden also noted Cairns' strong sporting credentials, referencing major events such as Crankworx Cairns, IRONMAN and the 7Cairns Marathon.
"This submission looks to push us further, calling for strategic reforms, smarter funding, more inclusive design, and regional equity, reflecting the real cost and complexity of delivering sport infrastructure in communities like ours."
Focus on women's sport and community access
A key feature of the submission is positioning Cairns as Australia's leading destination for women's sport.
"This is a chance to help lift participation of young girls and women in sport, and also provide a launchpad for sportswomen to pursue their sporting dreams," Cr Eden said.
"Women's sport is our unifying thread, linking infrastructure, legacy, participation, tourism and economic development. From grassroots to elite, Cairns is primed to lead."
Strategic priorities
The submission identifies ten key focus areas, grouped under six strategic pillars:
- Places and Spaces – Enhancing parks, footpaths and community facilities
- Volunteering and Clubs – Strengthening grassroots sport through local support
- Inclusion – Ensuring everyone can participate, regardless of background or ability
- Olympic Legacy – Leveraging the Games for long-term benefit
- Participation – Increasing community engagement in physical activity
- Women in Sport – Promoting equity and opportunity for female athletes
Council's vision ensures that the "green and gold runway" to Brisbane 2032 creates a brighter, healthier and more connected future for Cairns.
