Queensland officials have committed to a long-term strategy in order to increase the benefits expected from hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
The ‘Embracing our Games Legacy – Queensland’s legacy for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games’ plan was officially launched by Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey on January 29.
“Staging the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast will create up to 30,000 jobs and inject $2 billion into our economy,” Ms Stuckey said in a January 29 media release.
This new legacy strategy will look into how to sustain these benefits during the Games and beyond, which is encouraging news for those seeking opportunities for long-term employment and apprenticeships on the Gold Coast.
Ms Stuckey believes the Commonwealth Games will be “the most significant sporting event in Australia this decade”. Additionally, the Games should provide Queensland with the opportunity to achieve benefits for many years beyond the event’s run.
“The Commonwealth Games legacy program is a long-term strategy that works with business and the community to ensure we actively identify and embrace opportunities that arise across Queensland,” she said.
The strategy will focus on three key areas – the economy, lifestyle and community in Queensland.
“Games venues will leave world-class infrastructure for future international events, while the Commonwealth Games Village will become the heart of the Gold Coast health and knowledge precinct,” Ms Stuckey said.
Government officials are confident in their ability to increase benefits for Queensland, as similar results were achieved after the Commonwealth Games held in Brisbane in 1982.
“Just as the Brisbane 1982 Commonwealth Games sparked the rapid development of public infrastructure and cultural facilities, as well as more intangible legacies such as outdoor dining, we want to recognise and realise the lasting benefits of GC2018,” said Ms Stuckey.
The release of this strategy has followed consultation with businesses and industry leaders in Queensland, as well as the wider community.
It is hoped that by focussing on the future of the Gold Coast after the Games, further opportunities will be discovered over the coming years.
“The launch of the legacy strategy is a significant milestone on our journey to 2018 and an important platform for securing a healthier, united and more prosperous Gold Coast before and after the Games,” Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said.
By Leanne de Toerkenczy, Public Relations Coordinato
