Wattle lovers push for Brisbane Olympics 'bathed in green and gold'

The Queensland Wattle Association, led by President Mike Gilmour, is pushing for a statewide initiative to plant native wattles across Queensland in preparation for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The goal is to have Brisbane and the surrounding areas adorned in green and gold during the event. Known as Project Brisbane Gold, the association plans to plant thousands of wattles, particularly in the south-east region, with the trees expected to bloom during the Games in mid-July to mid-August.

The Brisbane Golden Wattle, Acacia fimbriata, is set to coincide with the Games, making it an ideal candidate for the initiative. To achieve this, the association has collected around 10,000 wattle seeds, with some originating from generous donor Ann Gibbons, who has contributed thousands of seeds from her backyard. For Gibbons, the idea of her wattle trees playing a role in the 2032 Olympic legacy is particularly meaningful.

Gilmour emphasizes the significance of having green and gold elements during the Games, stating that it would be a thrilling sight to see wattle trees lining roads and infrastructure. The project also aims to increase recognition of Australia's national floral emblem, comparing it to the pride Canadians hold for their maple leaf and New Zealanders for their silver fern.

While Project Brisbane Gold remains a proposal at this stage, the association hopes that National Wattle Day on September 1 will provide an opportunity to further promote their cause. This initiative is expected to involve various stakeholders, including Olympic organizers, governments, local councils, and other relevant authorities.

Beyond the landscape, the association also envisions incorporating wattle into other aspects of the Games, such as medals, winners' bouquets, uniforms, and marketing materials. Whether the project will see success or not remains to be determined.