The Toowoomba Showgrounds will transform into an Equestrian Centre of Excellence to host the 2032 Olympic Games Equestrian events.

Queensland Treasurer and Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki MP said it was a privilege to be at the centre of the decision to bring the Olympics to Toowoomba.

“This is a truly historic day for the Darling Downs,” Mr Janetzki said.

“As the first Queensland Treasurer west of the divide for many decades, it’s a privilege to be at the heart of the decision to build the equestrian centre and bring the Olympics to Toowoomba,” he said.

“I’ve been working behind the scenes for months fighting for this moment, and I am ecstatic to finally see it announced today.”

Mr Janetzki said the Games would be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver an infrastructure, tourism and grassroots sports legacy to benefit our region.

“It’s a lasting legacy for our region that stretches far beyond the two weeks of Olympic competition,” Mr Janetzki said.

“It captures the character of our region and will shine a global spotlight on why we love the place we call home,” he said.

“This is not just infrastructure for the Olympics - but for generations to come who will see the Darling Downs as the heart and soul of equestrian in our state.

“Our own Olympic equestrian legend Chris Burton grew up with me at Brymaroo - and it’s been a privilege to join forces in advocating for this project with him and so many others across the Darling Downs.”

The Queensland Government’s 2032 Delivery Plan recognises the value in Queensland’s regional centres like Toowoomba to host Olympic events, drive tourism opportunities and support community grassroots sport.

As part of the 2032 Delivery Plan, Toowoomba is in the box seat for:

• A major upgrade to the Toowoomba Showgrounds to host the Equestrian events and become an Equestrian Centre of Excellence.
• The Equestrian Centre of Excellence could include additional arenas, stables and warm-up facilities and new amenities, as well as an upgraded and lengthened cross country course.
• Leveraging the 20-year tourism plan for new tourism initiatives.
• A share in the $250 million Games On! programs with upgrades to grassroots community clubs.

For more information on the Delivering 2032 and Beyond Plan visit delivering 2032

RASQ CEO Damon Phillips said the project would leave our region with an equestrian centre capable of delivering national and international level events for a wide range of disciplines, including the Olympic equestrian sports.

“This facility will transform equestrian in Queensland and will be generationally meaningful for the Toowoomba Showgrounds.”

The nationally significant project aims to fill identified state and national gaps in equestrian facility provision.

In Queensland, there are currently no competition facilities with international-level equestrian surfaces.

Across Australia, there are very few facilities of sufficient scale and quality to host national equestrian championships. Filling this demand will keep talent and competition in Queensland and grow the equestrian industry and support athlete pathways.