Townsville joins Commonwealth Games team

Townsville is officially an event city for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games after a formal agreement was signed today between the Queensland Government and Townsville City Council.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones and Townsville Mayor Cr Jenny Hill signed the Statement of Principles which formally outlines the city’s responsibilities in delivering events and activities associated with GC2018.

Ms Jones said the agreement demonstrated the collaborative approach required between the Queensland Government, Townsville City Council and GOLDOC – the Games organisers.

“As an event city for the GC2018 basketball heats, Townsville will be front and centre when the action starts in April 2018,” she said.

“The city will also roll-out arts and cultural activities during the Games.

“As an event city, Townsville is perfectly placed to leverage the excitement the Commonwealth Games will bring to Queensland.

“Townsville is officially on the GC2018 team and the major focus moving forward is on how the city will operate during Games time and leverage this major event for tourism, sporting, culture and legacy benefits.”

Minister Jones presented Mayor Hill with Townsville’s official event city flag and met members of the local Embracing 2018 Townsville Regional Working Group.

“It’s very encouraging to see this enthusiastic group up and running and getting excited about the Games and the opportunities it will bring for North Queensland,” she said.

“The Working Group is developing legacy projects for North Queensland and working with the community and Queensland Government to ensure Townsville’s Commonwealth Games experience is great.”

Mayor Hill said Townsville’s participation in the Games would strengthen the city’s reputation as a regional sporting and lifestyle capital.

“Staging Games events in Townsville is a great privilege for the city that will bring great opportunities our way,” Cr Hill said.

“Planning is already underway to identify ways to capitalise on opportunities for local businesses and the community before, during and even after the Games have been held.

“We want to show Townsville at its best to the international sporting world and the signing of the Statement of Principles with the State Government is an important commitment from both parties to make that happen.”

Ms Jones said the Queensland Government would also soon sign a Statement of Principles with Cairns Regional Council and Brisbane City Council.

For further information on the GC2018 visit http://aheadofthegames.embracing2018.com/

Media contact: Minister Jones’ Office 3719 7530