Work on the Commonwealth Games Village to start in October

The Newman Government will spend almost $50 million in 2013-14 preparing the Parklands site to become the official village for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said Gold Coast residents would start to see changes in their city later this year.

“Demolition of existing facilities at the Parklands will start soon after the Government takes control of the site in October,” Mr Seeney said.

“That will be followed by bulk earthworks, construction of trunk roads and infrastructure such as water, electrical and communications.

“The Newman Government has allocated $46.1 million for these early works, in its second State Budget, to prepare for construction of the Games village.”

The Parklands site covers an area of 29.4 hectares and was declared a Priority Development Area in February, enabling fast-track development.

Mr Seeney said development of the Games village would be one of the most significant projects ever undertaken on the Gold Coast.

“Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) is currently assessing seven Expressions of Interest from Queensland, national and international development companies and consortia to become the development partner for the village,” he said.

“We are seeking innovative ideas and plans to produce an exciting, yet cost effective, development.

“EDQ will produce a short-list of possible development partners in July and invite those short-listed entities to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP).

“A decision on a final development partner is anticipated early in 2014.

“2018 may seem like a long way off, but in terms of providing the infrastructure that will be needed, it is not.

“Development of that infrastructure will boost the construction sector, generate thousands of new jobs across various industries and should inject around $2 billion into the Gold Coast economy.

“After the Games, Gold Coast City should be left with a vibrant mix of new residential, commercial, retail and recreational facilities at the heart of a health and knowledge precinct based on the new Gold Coast Hospital and Griffith University.”

[ENDS] 4 June 2013

Media Contact: John Wiseman 0409 791 281 and Kate Haddan 0418 373 516