Work to start on key Gold Coast Commonwealth Games facilities

Work on key facilities for the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast will get underway in coming months.

Inspecting the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre at Southport yesterday (14th August) ahead of the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships which get underway next week, Federal Minister for Sport Peter Dutton said that construction of further infrastructure for the Gold Coast Games – the Carrara Sport and Leisure Centre and the Coomera Sport and Leisure Centre – is expected to be underway before the end of the year.

Minister Dutton stated “the Pan Pacs is one of the premier meets in world swimming and will be a great opening event for the redeveloped Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.

“After a great result in the pool in Glasgow our best swimmers will take on some of the world’s best during the Pan Pacs.

“The Queensland Government and Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) have provided a world class facility for this international swim meet, for Australian swimmers in the build up to the next Olympics and the Commonwealth Games to follow.”

Minister Dutton said the Commonwealth would partner with Queensland Government and the GCCC to provide new and upgraded sporting venues for other Commonwealth Games events, providing $156 million to assist with infrastructure development.

With the Commonwealth Games Federation having approved the final list of venues for the Games, the infrastructure programme is well on track.

Minister Dutton added “The new and upgraded venues will leave a lasting legacy for the Gold Coast, Queensland and Australia.

“After the success of the Glasgow Games, it’s clear that the Commonwealth Games are still viewed in high regard by spectators and athletes and remains an important part of the sporting calendar. 

“The 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will once again showcase Australia to the rest of the world as a first-class sporting destination, with first class venues. 

“Not only will the 2018 Games help usher in the next generation of elite Australian athletes, but the new and improved sporting infrastructure will greatly benefit grassroots sporting programmes across Queensland.

“This will help to encourage higher rates of participation and promote the many benefits sport and physical activity brings."

The Australian Government’s financial contribution will also help ensure Queensland and Australia capitalises on the positive legacy of the 2018 Games, including the long-term benefits to tourism, business development and improved social outcomes.

The main stadium for the Games will be at Carrara, which will stage opening and closing ceremonies and the athletics events. 

A total of 15 of the 17 sports are to be staged in the Gold Coast, with track cycling and shooting to take place in Brisbane and some preliminary basketball games in Cairns and Townsville.

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