SOMERSET Regional Council Mayor Jason Wendt joined 11 South East Queensland mayors and councillors on a globe-trotting, fact-finding mission in February.

The Council of Mayors South East Queensland (COMSEQ) delegation visited Singapore, Manchester and Paris to understand infrastructure and tourism opportunities ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.

Mayor Jason Wendt said the 2032 Olympics were an opportunity to be proactive rather than reactive in building infrastructure to service the community.

“We need infrastructure to service the games, and SEQ needs solutions for transport, housing and tourism to support its rapid growth,” Cr Wendt said.

“If all three levels of government work together, the 2032 Olympics will be something future generations can look back on as the start of an infrastructure-building legacy.”

The delegation’s first stop was Singapore.

Cr Wendt said Singapore’s small size and rapidly growing population of six million people shared many of the same challenges as SEQ.

"We visited Singapore’s government planning hub where we learned about their long-term holistic approach to urban expansion, allowing people to live and work in small communities,” Cr Wendt said.

“Underground infrastructure allowed fast travel throughout the region without compromising land usage, creating a more satisfying visual amenity, and this is something I think we should be considering for SEQ.

“They had high rise units all around, but it felt like you were driving through the country.

“Singapore has recycling facilities which turn waste to energy through incineration, and this is something COMSEQ is considering giving the ever-increasing waste levy being passed onto councils.

“They also use significant electronics and AI to provide pre-emptive maintenance to public facilities based on consumer feedback.

“We’re advocating for reliable telecommunications in Somerset, and hopefully by 2032 we can explore options for improving customer service through real-time data.”

Cr Wendt met with business and government representatives in Manchester to discuss the acceleration of the city’s business district.

“There was a historic city deal similar to the SEQ City Deal which stimulated significant infrastructure and attracted commercial investors to Manchester,” Cr Wendt said.

“The once industrial wharf area was abandoned in previous years but was redeveloped leading into the 2022 Commonwealth Games, creating many legacy opportunities.

“Today, Manchester’s infrastructure has improved the city’s liveability and continues to attract residents, tourists and commercial investment.”

The COMSEQ delegation visited Paris, where facilities built for the 2024 Olympic Games now provide venues for other sporting events, concerts and school functions.

Cr Wendt said the mayors examined how the Olympics were used as an opportunity to expand Paris’ public transport system.

“The city increased its capacity to supply passenger demand during the games, but today the facilities are still being used and expanded to compliment the Olympics infrastructure,” Cr Wendt said.

“Athlete villages were constructed with long-term residential apartments and transport connectivity in mind.

“There was some negativity towards the Olympics, but the community now sees the value of the legacy infrastructure and they’re excited about the future.

“The government also provided 26 ‘live sites’ around Paris where people could view the Games on large screens, making the experience inclusive and exciting by bringing communities across the region together to enjoy the event.

“We’re unlikely to get any competitions or training opportunities in Somerset, but it would be great to host a live site to bring our residents together in the games fever.”

Cr Wendt said Somerset and other SEQ councils would focus on educating the community about long-term legacy opportunities and cooperating with the state and federal governments to deliver projects.

“Brisbane is going to be showcased to the world and Somerset will be swept up in the Olympics frenzy given our proximity to the games,” Cr Wendt said.

“There will be substantial tourism opportunity with millions expected to visit Brisbane, and we’re perfectly situated in Somerset to capitalise on the Olympics.

“My fellow Councillors and I will keep advocating for Somerset’s slice of the pie as we look ahead to 2032.”