Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games preparations on time and on budget

Queensland is on time and on budget to deliver the 2018 Commonwealth Games- the largest sporting event Australia has seen in a decade.

Following a tour of Commonwealth Games venues with the Tourism and Commonwealth Games Cabinet Committee today, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said key planning milestones were being met with just 244 days until the opening ceremony.

“We know the Commonwealth Games will be a game changer for the Gold Coast,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“The Games will inject billions into our State’s economy, support thousands of jobs and deliver benefits now and into the future.

“Thousands of hours of planning and hard work have already gone into ensuring we deliver an affordable, accessible and world-class Games, and we are on track to deliver just that.

“In June, the Commonwealth Games Federation confirmed our preparations were on time and on budget and we’re full steam ahead towards delivery.

“The Games themselves will deliver a big boost to the State’s economy, and in showcasing the very best the Gold Coast and Queensland has to offer, we can achieve a lasting legacy of trade, investment and business opportunities for Queensland.”

Key milestones achieved include:

• The completion of all competition venues, with the $550 million Commonwealth Games Village on track for completion later this year;
• Queensland Police Service is working with other state and federal authorities for a security force of more than 10,000 people including security officers, Queensland Police, Australian Federal Police and the Australian Army; and
• Transport Operations Plan finalised with timetables to be released months ahead of the Games

Commonwealth Games and Tourism Minister Kate Jones said the Games would provide a significant opportunity to strengthen Queensland as Australia’s premier tourism destination.

“With around 1.5 million spectators expected to attend the Games, we want to make sure all athletes, coaching staff, spectators and tourists have a great time and promote the Queensland as a great holiday destination,” Ms Jones said.

Ms Jones said communities outside the Gold Coast could also experience the Games.

“There will also be opportunities across the state for Queenslanders to become involved with Festival 2018 events in the event cities of Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns,” she said.

Media contact: Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875