1000 days to go until Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games are getting closer with today marking 1000 days to go until the Opening Ceremony.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones today unveiled Brisbane’s official countdown clock at South Bank Parklands to mark the milestone.

Ms Jones said 1000 days out from GC2018, preparations were right on track.

“We are exactly where we need to be in terms of preparation and budget for the Commonwealth Games – an event that will inject $2 billion into the Queensland economy and generate around 30,000 jobs,” she said.

“We’re investing $320 million into sport and community infrastructure that will deliver 18 new or upgraded world-class sports facilities.

“All new and upgraded facilities including the Carrara Sports Precinct, Coomera Indoor Sports Centre, Queensland State Velodrome and athletes’ village will be ready 12 months ahead of time.”

Ms Jones said the countdown clock in the heart of Brisbane was a reminder to locals and visitors that the biggest event to come to Australia this decade is on its way.

“Brisbane will host the track cycling at the new Queensland State Velodrome and the shooting will be held at Belmont Shooting Centre,” she said.

Brisbane Games gold medallists marathoner Rob de Castella AO, MBE, cyclist Kenrick Tucker, heptathlete Glynis Nunn-Cearns OAM and weightlifter Dean Lukin OAM joined Minister Jones at the countdown clock unveiling this morning.

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman Nigel Chamier OAM said the promise to make GC2018 ‘the athlete’s Games’ was evident already with enthusiastic past, current and aspiring elite athletes from all over the country eager to help spread the GC2018 word.

“Brisbane will be a major part of our success in 2018 after hosting one of the friendliest Games ever in 1982,” Mr Chamier said.

“The fact that so many athletes have come forward to be involved in our milestone and other activities shows how keen they are to ‘share the dream’ and make sure the athletes from across the Commonwealth’s 71 nations and territories have the very best experience in 2018.

“This is a significant milestone and an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come in planning for this event and ensure that progress remains on track as we speed towards 2018.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the Gold Coast city continues to mature as a place where people can balance lifestyle with their families and still enjoy rewarding careers.

“We are inspired by lifestyle and driven by opportunity,” he said.

“The Games will project our city on to the world stage and I believe will be the platform for greater national and international investment in a range of industries from technology to film and sport.

“It’s our time to shine and I look forward to the countdown clock ticking down those 1000 days.”

Media contact: Minister Jones’ Office 3719 7530