How hosting the Olympics is helping a fast-growing city meet its needs

In the third episode of The City Citizen, Adrian Schrinner, Lord Mayor of Brisbane, talks to Meghan Mills about realizing the opportunities of hosting the 2032 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games.

He tells Meghan Mills, EY Global Strategy and Operations Leader – Government and Public Sector, how the challenges of being Australia’s fastest-growing regional capital drove the decision to bid for the Games. And he sets out how hosting them will help address those challenges, particularly the need for infrastructure investment.

Adrian and John Kimlin, EY Oceania Business Development Leader – Government and Health, describe the factors making Brisbane a great host city, from its diverse and friendly community to its stunning natural environment. Making the Games inclusive and climate-positive will be key to showcasing and protecting these characteristics.

Adrian also explains why he’s determined to make sure the Games provide opportunities for Australia’s First Nations people, as part of a wider process of reconciliation. And he describes the lasting impact of a successful Games on a smaller, less well-known city like Brisbane: more visitors and people who want to live and work in the city.

Key takeaways:

• The critical test of an Olympics is whether, 10 years on, the citizens of the host city believe it brought positive change. Planning for that legacy needs to start 10 years before the event.

• Fast-growing cities need investment for roads and public transport, but also for “soft” infrastructure like parks and sports facilities. Cities will need private sector partners to help deliver these projects.

• Supporting innovation will reap its own rewards. Technology from Brisbane’s startups will help to move visitors around the city during the Games.

You can also listen to this podcast on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast and Spotify.

A full text transcript of this podcast is available­­­­­­ too. Read the transcript.