We are hearing a lot about the economic impact of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games, but what does it actually mean for us and how will it affect local businesses in South East Queensland? Whilst the numbers are impressive sometimes it can be hard to comprehend them and how they will directly affect us. This series of articles aims to break it down and explore the flow on effects of the games, including how investment and visitor spending could flow back into the local economy.
There is a significant opportunity ahead, but many businesses may not yet realise how these benefits could reach them. Currently there are three main areas we are particularly excited about. These include workforce development, tourism growth and increased visitor spending, and new opportunities for small business growth. Each of these areas has the potential to expand our customer base, strengthen local business networks and support long term economic growth in South East Queensland.
The 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics games is more than just a sporting event. For many of us in South East Queensland, this represents a significant opportunity for long-term economic growth and business development. According to Deloitte Access Economics’ report Going for Gold: The Economic opportunity for taking, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games could generate around $7 billion in economic opportunities across Australia between 2032 and 2052, with approximately $39.5 billion going into South East Queensland alone (Deloitte Access Economics, 2025). A large portion of this investment has the potential to flow back into local businesses through contracts, supply chains and increased demand for goods and service.
One key concept to understand is the flow-on effect, which describes how one economic opportunity can create further economic opportunities for other businesses. For example, a local business wanting to secure an Olympic related opportunity may decide to improve its digital presence. To do this, the business may hire a local marketing agency to help revamp its website, its social media and improve its online visibility.
Hence this investment not only benefits the business itself but also the marketing team involved in the project. As the team receives income from this work, they are able to spend it within the local community, which increases consumption. This rise in spending can create a flow-on effect, leading to higher revenue for other local businesses and in turn, supporting additional employment opportunities. Highlighting how a single business decision can have a wider flow on benefit that supports multiple local industries across South East Queensland.
Alongside this the global attention from the Brisbane 2032 Olympics is set to bring $24 billion in economic activity due to tourism. For us, this creates opportunities to attract more visitors, grow our customer base and increase revenue particularly within hospitality, retail, tourism and other local services. As Brisbane and South East Queensland will experience increased international exposure, more people are likely to visit the region not only during the game but also in the years that follow.
Increased visitor spending during and after the Games could help us build stronger brand recognition and long-term customer relationships. For example, visitors who have a positive experience with local business may return in future or recommend these businesses to others helping to build sustainable tourism. This ongoing demand can create further opportunities for businesses to expand their service, increase revenue and contribute to the continued growth of the local economy
The Brisbane 2032 Olympics could generate around $53 billion in additional productivity and economic output, strengthening supply chains across South East Queensland. For us, this creates opportunities to partner with larger projects, supply goods and services, and grow alongside the region’s expanding economy, leading to more customers and increased revenue potential. As major infrastructure projects, tourism and event related activities increase, many large organisations will rely on local suppliers and service providers to support their current operations.
This can provide opportunities for us to become a part of the supply chains, whether through providing specialised services, equipment, maintenance, logistics or other forms of support. These partnerships can help businesses expand their networks, build new relationships and access markets that may not have been previously available. If we prepare early, we may be well positioned to take advantage of these new partnerships and market opportunities, allowing us to grow alongside the broader economic development of South East Queensland.
Overall, the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic games is set to be a catalyst for economic development across Australia particularly for businesses in South East Queensland. The flow on effects are becoming clear with several key opportunities emerging. In particular we are excited about three main areas including workforce development, tourism growth and increased visitor spending and new opportunities for small business to expand and grow. Together, these opportunities have the potential to strengthen local businesses, attract new customer and support long term economic growth across the region.
Brisbane North Chamber of Commerce provides a valuable platform to connect, collaborate and form partnerships when pursing tender opportunities. If you are planning on working with others on tenders, BNCC can help to facilitate introductions and members are encouraged to reach out to the BNCC Executive Committee to build these connections.
