THE Gold Coast has taken its place among the great Australian Cities after winning the 2018 Commonwealth Games Bid in St Kitts & Nevis said Premier Bligh today.
Ms Bligh said the Games could generate up to $2 billion in economic benefit with up to 30,000 full time-equivalent jobs created between 2015 and 2020.
Over $500 million will now be invested on sport and transport infrastructure as a direct result of the successful bid.
“Congratulations to the Gold Coast, to Queensland and Australia – we did it!” said Ms Bligh.
“Our united community welcomes these games.
“In 2018 we will be ready to host a unique world- class and friendly event that builds on the Commonwealth brand and enhances our city’s reputation.
“This city will be transformed with new infrastructure and a buzz that only a big international event like this can bring.”
The Premier said the successful bid to host the games would mean infrastructure upgrades including:
• Increasing the capacity of Metricon stadium from 25,000 to 40,000 seats
• New badminton and mountain bike facilities
• A world class squash complex
• Development of the Coomera Sports and Leisure Centre.
• Upgrades to the Broadbeach Bowls Club, Gold Coast Hockey Centre and the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.
“Ever since I picked up the phone to the President of the Commonwealth Games Association Mr Sam Coffa during the Beijing Olympics to suggest our games bid I knew the Gold Coast was in with a chance,” said the Premier.
“Today we hit the bullseye – 2018 is the Gold Coast’s time to shine!”
Ms Bligh paid tribute to Sri Lanka’s bid city Hambantota.
“Make no mistake this was a tough contest and all Queenslanders should be thrilled with the result,” she said.
“These games will bring superb tourism opportunities for the Gold Coast and for Queensland.
“The Games will also act as a catalyst to fast track infrastructure development.
“We will see new sporting facilities, improved transport and a new Health and Knowledge precinct adjacent to the $1.76 billion Gold Coast University Hospital.
“We have made a promise to the Commonwealth Games Federation and will deliver on this promise.”
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Bid Chairman, Mark Stockwell said the whole Bid team is overjoyed with the result.
“Thank you to everyone that contributed to the Bid and this outstanding result, it was a collective effort and one that Gold Coasters, Queenslanders and all Australians should be very proud of,” Mr Stockwell said.
“The Games will put the spotlight on the Gold Coast, and whilst we don’t want to lose our ‘famous for fun’ character, we do need to reinforce our capabilities as a serious business community with strengths across a number of diverse industries.
“A lot of very hard work went into the Bid but it doesn’t stop there – we need to put the same amount of energy and passion in to prepare and deliver the very best event the Commonwealth has ever known.”
“Congratulations Gold Coast – let the Games preparations begin,” Mr Stockwell said.
Wonderful news but we need to start from the very beginning advertising that these will be green games. A large component of the bid was sustainability so lets promote that in all media. Cheers Greg
Thanks for your input Greg!