Mount Isa’s ambitious bid to host the Winter Games in 2030 has failed.
As uncovered by Neds over two years ago, the central Queensland mining town’s play to host one of the world’s biggest sporting events as a lead-in to Brisbane in 2032.
The comprehensive bid led by Dylan Katter (no relation) and local winter sports hero Jack Rafter included a proposal for the opening/closing ceremonies along with the speed skating at the Rodeo Grounds.
Other proposed venues included half pipe at the skate park, luge and bobsled to be held in the mines, ice skating at the Irish Club, and for the village to be based at the former underground hospital along with a host of ready-to-go venues and facilities.
When informed of the news that Isa’s bid was rejected by the committee, local federal MP Bob Katter said “I knew that would happen. That bloke wanted more money. We should have paid him more money.”
“It’s beginning to become clear to me what happened here. It’s discrimination…because we haven’t got snow and we could easily have put snow on the mountain there.”
The committee had also planned to turn the town into the biggest importer and exporter of fake snow in the world had they been awarded the games.
Speaking to Neds, the games committee gave their reasons has to why Mt Isa 2030 was rejected.
1. Climate: Mount Isa has a hot semi-arid climate with very high temperatures, especially in summer. Winter temperatures are mild to warm, making it unsuitable for winter sports that require cold and snowy conditions.
2. Geography: The Winter Games require mountainous terrain for events like skiing, snowboarding, and bobsledding. Mount Isa is relatively flat and does not have the necessary mountainous regions to support these activities.
3. Infrastructure: Hosting the Winter Games requires extensive infrastructure, including facilities for various sports, transportation, accommodations, and more. Mount Isa lacks the infrastructure needed to host such a large-scale international event.
4. Snow and Ice: Winter sports rely heavily on natural or artificial snow and ice. Mount Isa does not experience snowfall, and creating artificial snow and ice in such a hot climate would be extremely challenging and resource-intensive.
5. Accessibility: Large international events like the Winter Games require easy accessibility for athletes, officials, and spectators from around the world. Mount Isa is relatively remote and does not have the extensive transportation networks needed for such an event.
Because of these factors, Mount Isa is not a feasible location for hosting the Winter Olympics.
It’s unknown if the town will attempt the summer games
Bid chief Dylan Katter told Neds, “We were offered the 2026 Commonwealth Games from Victoria but passed.”
The IOC is set to formally announce the winner of the 2030 Winter Games on July 24th with the French Alps likely to be the successful bidder.
For now, let a thousand blossoms bloom.
DISCLAIMER:
- This short film is a mockumentary/spoof and is for entertainment purposes only. The underlying story, and characters portrayed in this production are fictitious.
- Neds is not a sponsor of and has no affiliation with the Winter Games, any committees or teams.
- No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.