Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games on track with Carrara venue now open

Published Saturday, 29 April, 2017 at 09:30 AM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

The venue that will host the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) opening and closing ceremonies is now complete, with the purpose-built $105 million Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre in Carrara officially opened today.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the precinct including the GC2018 venue would host the opening and closing ceremonies and the athletics, badminton, wrestling and weightlifting competitions.

“In 341 days all eyes will be on this new sport precinct for the opening ceremony at Carrara Stadium, kicking off 11 days of unforgettable sporting action,” the Premier said.

“This new precinct is a gold medal winning project for our Games, supporting hundreds of jobs and engaging local contractors.

“In fact, 2982 workers were inducted onsite to work on this precinct, which will become a premier hub for community-based sport on the Coast.

“This world-class sporting venue is part of an important legacy of community infrastructure for South East Queensland that will help attract elite athletes and prestige events to the State.”

Federal Minister for Sport Greg Hunt emphasised the importance of creating community legacies from new sports infrastructure and from the Games event itself.

“The Gold Coast Sport and Leisure Centre is a world class competition venue for the 2018 Commonwealth Games,” Mr Hunt said.

“Our athletes will benefit significantly from having this facility available to them for competition, and it will also provide an exceptional atmosphere for fans to enjoy during the Games.

“Before and after the Games, the facility will be a centrepiece for community sport and active recreation, encouraging people from the Gold Coast and South-East Queensland to be active and healthy.”

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre would be a valuable asset for the Carrara community.

 “This venue will continue to be used well after the curtain has closed on the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony,” Ms Jones said.

“As a major sporting venue it will bring people to Carrara from all over the world, attracting even more visitors to the Gold Coast.

“In fact, this venue is already attracting international sporting events with the Sudirman Cup, the FIVB World League Volleyball competition, as well as big national events such as the Australian National Judo championships booked to use the venue.

“This is not only an investment in local community infrastructure, it is an investment in the future of the Gold Coast and Queensland.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said all levels of Government were working together to deliver the best Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in 2018.

“Legacy outcomes from the Games will be critical to our city’s future – and today, we are standing in front of one of the greatest legacy contributions to our city,” Cr Tate said.

“Post-games, we will work tirelessly to build on our reputation as a world-class southern hemisphere destination for competition and training. Having this facility allows us to roll out the red carpet to sports across Asia, the Middle East and further north.

“It will also allow us to bid for major national and pacific competitions. Bring it on.’’

For a full rundown on venues and GC2018 updates visit www.gc2018.com

 

Media Contact:

Premier’s Office                     Spencer Jolly  0419 020 093

Minister Jones’ Office             Emma Clarey0437 069 516