Winter Olympics in Australia. Why not?

The courage, skill and athleticism are amazing.

For decades, it has been the preserve of America, Canada and Europe.

South Korea went into the act in 2018 at a hefty cost, and then the unlikely destination of Beijing China held the Games in 2022.

The Winter Olympics has never been to the Southern Hemisphere. Australia does great international events. Why not?

We have Thredbo for the Alpine Ski events, Perisher for Moguls, Slopestyle, Half Pipe and Freestyle, Blue Cow for Ski and Snowboard Cross, Smiggin Holes for Ski Jump and Nordic Combined (yes Roy and HG, the dream is alive), Charlotte Pass for Bobsled, Skeleton and Luge, Guthega for Cross Country and Biathlon, Jindabyne for Ice Hockey and Speed Skating. And now the big pitch, Canberra for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and Figure Skating, Curling and Ice Skating.

And all brought together by a fast train from Canberra to the Snowies.

Too expensive you say! No, there is an existing railway line to Cooma that can be upgraded and extended to the Snowy Mountains that would, in future, generate a tourism boom in Canberra and the Snowy Mountains regions from the many travellers on direct flights into Canberra.

Get the picture? Very doable and less cost than PyeongChang or Beijing, and wow wouldn’t it really put Canberra on the map. But wait, there is a problem.

Our dithering politicians. Are they able to work together on this or will self-interest, politicking and procrastination get in the way?

Small regional infrastructure projects outside of capital cities are given scant regard and are not something Australia does well, even just building on an existing train line.

Entrepreneurship barely exists in this country, too much red tape and who needs the hassle when collecting our holiday pay and going to the beach is so much easier.

Maybe there is someone in a position of influence who may be listening?  Canberra/Snowy Mountains for the 2038 August Winter Olympics with a Wombat for a Mascot!