Businesses told they need to turn green to pitch for Olympic contracts
Business has been told that there was a $180 billion worth of work in its procurement strategy over the next decade, including the 2032 Olympics, but they would have to meet the Government’s environmental standards to access it.
The State Government has released its Q2032 Procurement Strategy to help local suppliers to bid for Olympic-related business and it has predicted a business-boom for Queensland from the games.
However, businesses would have to meet some strict policy guidelines to meet the āgreen gamesā and climate-positive theme, including managing their exposure to climate change.
The Government said that for businesses to qualify for Brisbane 2032, they must take action now to become more sustainable which meant signing up to ecoBiz, which provides personal coaching, site surveys, training and tools to help improve resource efficiency, environmental sustainability and lower operating costs.
They also would have to assess and manage the exposure of their business to climate change risks by using the climate change risk management tool for small businesses in Queensland.
They also need to investigate new business growth opportunities in a low-carbon future. Businesses would also have to set their own emissions reduction target and develop an emissions reduction plan andĀ investigate renewable energy options
Business Chamber Queensland chief executive Heidi Cooper said the organisation was pleased to see this early thinking about a procurement strategy for the Olympics, helping businesses to understand whatās in it for them.
She said there was still work to do to ensure business interests were front and centre in the lead up to game day and beyond 2032.
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She said there was a need to put detail into what a climate-positive games meant and what businesses needed to do to meet expectations.
āThis is not something that businesses can achieve overnight. Businesses needed to transform and change the way they think and operate so a strong lead-up is required to make sure they have the time, capability and capacity to do this,ā Cooper said.
āThere are still significant targets around carbon reduction and renewable energy that need to be met so the Olympics is a great motivator for movements that are already in train.
āWe know there are significant opportunities for business that do embrace transformative thinking around sustainability and digitisation to innovate and unlock new business opportunity approaches.
āItās really important that these games leave a lasting, positive environmental and social legacy in Queensland and itās important businesses are empowered to do that.ā
As part of the strategy, the Government has said it would publish an annual procurement update and enhance the Queensland Government Forward Procurement Pipeline to publish a separate list of Games-related procurement opportunities.
It would also appoint a specialist Q2032 Small Business Procurement Advisor to facilitate small business procurement opportunities and establish a Q2032 Industry Advisory Group to provide direct input from the business community leading up to 2032.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said all of Queensland would share the pride of hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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āThat includes Queensland businesses,ā she said.
āBuy Queensland already has the runs on the board when it comes to ensuring local businesses benefit from a government putting them first.
āWe want to put the Q in 2032 and thatās what this policy achieves.ā
āBuy QueenslandĀ prioritises Queensland businesses for government contracts ā itās been a massive success since it was first adopted by our great sporting state in 2017.
āThis procurement approach multiplies the value of government spending and ensures the benefits are shared among Queenslanders.
āIt creates more jobs and greater community benefits because every dollar we spend here in Queensland circulates throughout our economy many times over.ā
Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni said the procurement strategy meant the Government would give priority to firms that employed Queenslanders, companies that invested in the state and itsĀ people, and those which used local materials and produce, to help keep Queensland on the winnerās podium.
Queensland business was also likely to benefit from Brisbane winning the first Test of the British and Irish Lionsā three-Test series in 2025.
Before the first Test, the Queensland Reds play the British and Irish Lions in a tour match on Wednesday 2 July 2025, also at Suncorp Stadium. There was an expectation of 30,000 fans wouldĀ follow the team.
Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said tour was one of the biggest events on the global rugby calendar with up to $55.55 million generated for accommodation, hospitality and tourism operators.
āThe British and Irish Lions tour joins the menās and hopefully womenās Rugby World Cups on Queenslandās green and gold runway of major international sport to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
āItās all part of consolidating Queenslandās place as Australiaās leading destination for sport.
āOur agreement with Rugby Australia for extra world-class rugby content in Townsville will also deliver an amazing opportunity for the Lionsā army of 30,000 international fans to discover North Queenslandās great lifestyle and iconic visitor experiences.ā
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