The Queensland government is injecting almost $21 million into the planning and development of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games as part of this year’s state budget.
State minister for tourism, major events, small business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the multimillion-dollar cash boost would generate more jobs in the Gold Coast.
“Over the next five and half years, preparation for the games will provide plenty of opportunities for the Gold Coast,” Ms Stuckey explained.
“The direct stimulation to the local economy through the construction of the sites and the employment of staff will be a major boost to the region.”
The $20.9 million funding boost will enable the planning of sporting venues at the games, as well as the development of the Southport Games Village, which will accommodate 6,500 athletes and officials during the event.
With the tendering process for the village construction to commence next year, the local building sector will benefit with the generation of more jobs in the industry.
Following on from the 2018 games, the games village will be transformed into a residential community within close proximity of Griffith University and the new Gold Coast University Hospital.
Ms Stuckey said the prestigious event would be the largest of its kind to be held in Australia over the next ten years and would deliver significant fiscal benefits to the local economy.
Local apprenticeship and recruitment organisation BUSY At Work welcomed the funding boost. “As an organisation born and bred on the Gold Coast we’re thrilled to have this in our home town and thrilled to be working collaboratively to support job growth on the Gold Coast,” stated Kathie Kelly, national recruitment manager for BUSY At Work.
