Infrastructure Authority to oversee Games construction

The delivery of major infrastructure for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games is one step closer with the passage of the Economic Development Bill 2012.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey said the Commonwealth Games Infrastructure Authority (CGIA) will achieve a simple, sensible, coordinated approach to developing infrastructure for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“This is another major step forward as we look forward with enthusiasm to hosting the Commonwealth Games,” Ms Stuckey said.

“The Gold Coast Games will be the largest multi-sport event in Australia this decade.

“The CGIA will facilitate the planning and development of essential major infrastructure projects such as the Athletes Village at Parklands and the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre upgrade, by providing advice and performing delegated functions such as planning and assessment.

“These developments will require a great deal of co-ordination and planning and I am confident this new authority will provide the additional mechanism to ensure the proper delivery of Games facilities.”

The CGIA will comprise the Directors-General of the Departments of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games and State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, the Chairperson of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation and the CEO of Gold Coast City Council.

“I am excited by the imminent start of the Village and the Aquatic Centre upgrade.  These projects will contribute significantly to the Gold Coast economy and the end products will showcase the Gold Coast and Queensland to the world,” she said.

“The Newman Government is determined to deliver the best Commonwealth Games ever, on time and on budget, and this new authority will help us achieve that goal.”

[ENDS] 29 November 2012

Media Contact: Minister’s Office 3224 2002