The CEO of the Sunshine Coast Council has been appointed interim boss of a key 2032 Olympic Games body.
Emma Thomas will be Interim CEO for the new independent Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority, starting on July 1.
She announced last week she will finish with Council on June 14 after three-and-a-half years in the job.
Queensland Parliament last week passed the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Amendment Bill which established an independent Games delivery authority.
It will deliver new and upgraded venues which will be used during the Games and retained as community assets.
Ms Thomas had previously accepted a role to become the new CEO of Seqwater, however, before taking up that role, she will oversee the Olympic body until a permanent CEO is appointed.
“I love Queensland, and it’s a great honour to help establish this new independent authority,” she said.
“We want to make sure we can bring about the incredible benefits the Games offer, and continue with the delivery of the venues we have already announced.
“I look forward to speaking to our very many stakeholders right across the state and the nation when I start,” Ms Thomas said.
The Premier Steven Miles said “Ms Thomas has a range of relevant experience, including as the Director General of the transport department in the ACT where she delivered light rail in Canberra, and of course as the CEO of Sunshine Coast Council, one of the Games Delivery Partners.”
The Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace said “we’ve got half a billion of contracts in the market already, supporting 1,000 jobs.”
Advertising for up to seven independent directors will commence soon.
They will be selected by CEOs of the nine Games Delivery Partners and then the Board will then appoint a permanent head.
