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

There's green, and then there's gold.

Now, a Queensland group wants to see plenty of both when the world arrives for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Queensland Wattle Association is proposing Project Brisbane Gold, an initiative to plant thousands of native wattles across Queensland, particularly in the south-east, in the years leading up to the Games.

The hope is they will eventually flower throughout parks, roadsides and areas surrounding major Games precincts.

Queensland Wattle Association president Mike Gilmour says he wants to see Brisbane "bathed in green and gold". (ABC News: Curtis Rodda)

"I want to see Brisbane and south-east Queensland bathed in green and gold," Queensland Wattle Association president Mike Gilmour said.

The Brisbane Golden Wattle, Acacia fimbriata, typically blooms from mid-July to mid-August, meaning it will coincide with the 2032 Games.

But with the Games now less than six years away, the association says planting needs to begin soon for the trees to establish in time.

"What better way than to have wattle planted now, so we can get them doing their job, blooming green and gold during 2032,"

Mr Gilmour said.

Thousands of seeds donated

The association has already collected about 10,000 seeds, with some travelling a considerable distance.

Miles resident Ann Gibbons has donated thousands of wattle seeds.

Golden Wattle is Australia's national emblem. (Supplied: Ann Gibbons)

For Ms Gibbons, the possibility that a piece of her backyard could carry an Olympic legacy holds special significance.

"To see our wattle trees lining roads and infrastructure during the 2032 Olympics would be thrilling," she said.

"We are passionate Australians and probably more passionate Queenslanders.

"To see the green and gold wattles, would be special."

More than a flower

For Mr Gilmour, the project is also about building greater recognition around Australia's national floral emblem.

The Brisbane Golden Wattle, Acacia fimbriata, typically blooms from mid-July to mid-August. (ABC News: Curtis Rodda)

"We should be as proud of our national floral emblem as the Canadians are of their maple leaf, as the Kiwis are of their silver fern," he said.

For now, Project Brisbane Gold remains a proposal.

Landscaping decisions around Olympic and Paralympic venues and public spaces would ultimately involve Game organisers, governments, local councils and other relevant authorities.

But the association's ambitions extend beyond the landscape.

The Queensland Wattle Association says planting needs to begin soon to see flowers by 2032. (ABC News: Curtis Rodda)

The group would also like to see wattle incorporated into other elements of the Games, including a symbolic image on medals, wattle blossoms in winners' bouquets and imagery on uniforms and throughout marketing material.

All ideas are yet to be considered by Games organisers.

A golden opportunity

The association hopes National Wattle Day on September 1 will provide another opportunity to make its case.

"What better way of welcoming our athletes and welcoming visitors to Brisbane and south-east Queensland than having green and gold on our streets, around the facilities, as well as having it on the platform inside," said Mr Gilmour.

Whether Project Gold takes root or not remains to be seen.

For now, wattle be, will be.