MEDIA STATEMENT: Mackay 2032 Olympics and Paralympics tourism boost to put runs on the board  

Mackay 2032 Olympics and Paralympics tourism boost to put runs on the board  

• Local tourism operators welcome Queensland-wide events in lead up to 2032.
• Mackay set to host second-ever Olympics cricket competition, with sailing nearby in the Whitsundays.
• Grassroots sports club to benefit from funding boost ahead of the Games.  

The Crisafulli Government has put Mackay in the box seat with the release of the 2032 Delivery Plan naming the city as a key host city.  

Mackay’s Harrup Park will undergo major upgrades in preparation to host cricket matches, for the proposed second-ever Summer Olympics cricket competition.   

Sailing competition will be held nearby with the spectacular Whitsunday Islands as a backdrop.   

The Bruce Highway will be extensively improved at Goorganga Plains to make sure competitors, families, supporters and other visitors can get around safely and easily. 

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Mackay-Whitsunday region was primed for a winning knock. 

“The green and gold runway leading up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is the perfect opportunity to bring home the gold for Queensland,” Minister Powell said.  

“Training and preliminary events will be happening in the lead up to the Games, increasing local visitors and spending among local operators. 

“During the Games itself, hundreds of millions of eyes will be on Mackay and the Whitsundays, delivering an unparalleled opportunity to sell Queensland to all those potential visitors.” 

Local MP for Mackay Nigel Dalton said tourism operators were excellent allrounders, who were ready for the next seven years and beyond.  

“This is our chance to show the world everything Mackay has to offer,” Mr Dalton said.  

“Whether it’s adventure tourism such as wakeboarding and river rafting, or cultural tourism like our South Sea Islander huts, Mackay is playing on the front foot.   

“We know The Whitsundays are among the most popular tourism destinations in Australia, and we want to capitalise on that as people visit our region." 

Minister Powell said the Crisafulli Government’s visionary 20-year Tourism Plan – Destination 2045 – would be critical to shape the State’s global appeal, allowing Queensland to maximise tourism opportunities ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

For more information on Delivering 2032 and Beyond, visit www.qld.gov.au/delivering2032