Commonwealth Games Minister to visit UK in lead up to GC2018

Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games Stirling Hinchliffe will travel to the United Kingdom today to inspect Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games venues and meet with key officials and Australian businesses to discuss legacy and planning the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

“We’re looking to learn from Glasgow to ensure GC2018 will be a tremendously successful Games,” Mr Hinchliffe said. 

“With less than two years to go, and the recent assessment of our preparation by the Commonwealth Games Federation it’s timely to meet with Glasgow officials and ministers to discuss the coordination of sport and cultural programs to learn from their success and make sure we can deliver a great Games legacy for Queensland.

“With 640 days to go until the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) planning is ramping up and we’re focused on ensuring we deliver a Games legacy for Queensland.”

Mr Hinchliffe said the visit to the United Kingdom came at a time of particular importance for Queensland with the recent EU referendum result.

“It is vital for Queensland to maintain strong ties to all of our trading and investment partners, including the United Kingdom, during a period of instability,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“Queensland is a strong, stable investment destination for capital, infrastructure and tourism and I’ll be meeting with the Commonwealth Bank in London, with KPMG’s Global Head of Infrastructure and with Deloitte and Merrill Lynch Bank.

“While in the UK I will also meet with Australian High Commissioner Alexander Downer and former High Commissioner Mike Rann, to be briefed on the current economic climate following the EU referendum.”

Mr Hinchliffe said the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will showcase Queensland to the world as a solid trade and tourism destination.

“All the Commonwealth Games sporting action and celebrations from the event cities will be beamed to a massive worldwide audience of more than 1.5 billion people,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“That’s why during this trip we’ll be meeting with more potential sponsors aboard to promote our state and the opportunities for business to be affiliated with the Games.

“With the Rio Olympic Games around the corner, we expect national and international interest to increase around GC2018 and this visit will ensure we’re on the front foot attracting more international sponsor interest.”

Mr Hinchliffe will visit London and Glasgow between 3 – 8 July and meet with representatives from the Commonwealth Games Federation, Glasgow Council, Glasgow Life, Sports Scotland, Events Scotland and the Former Minister for the Commonwealth Games and Sport, The Honourable Shona Robison MSP.

Media contact: Mainaaz Oakley 0434 116 299