The Organisation Sunshine Coast Association of Residents (OSCAR) has submitted a comprehensive response to the Queensland Government’s 100-day review of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, advocating strongly for the region’s interests.
Representing over 35 community groups across the Sunshine Coast and Noosa, OSCAR’s submission emphasizes that the Sunshine Coast—home to approximately 25% of South East Queensland’s population—deserves proportional benefits from hosting the international sporting event.
“If we don’t get our fair share of the venues and venue funding, then why do we need transport legacies? Why do we need housing legacies?” questioned OSCAR in their submission.
The residents’ group expressed particular concern about the potential loss of key events, including rumours that the marathon could be transferred to the Gold Coast. They’ve called for the protection of planned facilities including the Sunshine Coast Stadium, Indoor Sports Centre, and Mountain Bike Centre at Parklands. OSCAR President Melva Hobson PSM stressed the importance of looking beyond the Games themselves to secure lasting infrastructure improvements for the region. “The communities of the Sunshine Coast and other SEQ locations proposed a South East Queensland Games precisely for these long-term benefits,” said Hobson. “The Sunshine Coast is only seeking its fair share.”
The submission outlines several priority legacy projects including rail upgrades to Nambour, enhanced bus services, conversion of the Games Village to affordable housing, environmental initiatives including extensive tree planting and waterway clean-ups, and greater recognition of Indigenous cultural sites.
OSCAR also raised significant governance concerns, particularly objecting to the politicization of the process through ministerial appointments to the Games Authority Board and the potential bypassing of normal planning processes for Games-related developments.
The organisation has called for a more transparent approach moving forward, urging an end to political arguments and the development of genuine community engagement strategies.
“The government must include the community on this journey,” Melva Hobson concluded. “With only eight years until the Games, it’s essential we focus on sustainability issues and build support through positive engagement rather than top-down decision making.”
The government’s 100-day review is expected to assess infrastructure alignment, connectivity, affordability, and deliverability of projects related to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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