It will cost Sunshine Coast ratepayers $7,500 in accommodation costs for Mayor Rosanna Natoli’s trip to Paris for the Olympics.
Last month Councillor Natoli said she would cover her flights to Paris with her own money and Council would pay up to $1000 in travel expenses.
At the time Council said all other costs would be covered by the International Olympic Committee
However, the IOC and Olympic Games Organising Committee has updated travel information and said accommodation for the trip from July 25 to August 2 is now not included.
Council said the trip is part of an important on-ground Olympic Family Program.
Sunshine Coast Council CEO Emma Thomas said the decision to pay for Mayor Natoli’s accommodation was a business decision that would stand to benefit the Sunshine Coast community significantly.
“Council was originally advised that the Mayor’s accommodation in Paris would be funded as part of the Olympic Family Program,” Ms Thomas said.
“We were made aware that this is not the case following the April 25 Ordinary Meeting, at which it was voted unanimously that Mayor Natoli should participate in the program.”
Mayor Natoli said her presence in Paris remained critical in securing a positive Games legacy for the region.
“Am I greatly disappointed that the accommodations cost will not be covered as we originally thought? Yes absolutely,” she said.
“Having discussed with my Councillor colleagues and weighing everything up, we all agreed this opportunity is too important to forgo and that the value of my participation in the program will significantly outweigh the cost of my accommodation.
“The lessons I will learn and the insights I will gain into transport requirements, community impact, the Cultural Olympiad and local business opportunities will be instrumental as we prepare to co-host what is arguably the largest global event.
“I remain fiercely committed to maximising the opportunity to be on the ground at Paris 24 and using my learnings to guide our Games preparations in the coming years.”
The Mayor will be travelling with other Olympic and Paralympic Games Brisbane 2032 Delivery Partners, including representatives from City of Gold Coast and Brisbane City Councils.
In 2032, the Sunshine Coast is proposed to host nine Olympic and Paralympic events across four locations.
