“Two representatives, including the Governor of Queensland, will participate in the official Olympic Family Program.”
The final expenditure for these would not be disclosed until Queensland government annual reports for the current financial year were released.
A spokeswoman for Schrinner said Brisbane would be represented at Paris, “just like the state government, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast councils”.
“Along with being the main host city, Brisbane will also be home to many venues during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, so it’s important we learn from other host cities to ensure we can contribute to planning the best Games ever,” she said.
Cassidy said Labor would accept “some travel” for the Paris Games, but not that amount.
“This is ridiculous, especially when we have just finished debating in the council chamber this week – at 10:30pm on Tuesday night – a 20 per cent cut to the supply of concrete for basic council services over the next two years,” he said.
“That’s less footpaths being delivered, less drainage projects, less curving and channelling.
“We’re seeing contractors laid off, we’re seeing staff who are exiting the organisation not being replaced because of cutbacks on one hand, but then the international travel bill’s shooting up.
“I just think that the priorities are really wrong at the moment on this stuff.”
Last month, Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli was at pains to point out that the cost of her travel to Paris would come out of her own pocket.
However, on Wednesday, Sunshine Coast Council announced it would pay $7500 for Natoli’s accommodation in Paris.
“Am I greatly disappointed that the accommodations cost will not be covered as we originally thought? Yes absolutely,” Natoli said.
A Gold Coast City Council spokeswoman said they would be sending four representatives to Paris, including Mayor Tom Tate.