The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Coordination Commission (CoCom) today handed down its final review of planning for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).
Held bi-annually since 2014, the Coordination Commission is established by the CGF to ensure compliance with the commitments and undertakings made in the bid for the Games and outlined in the Host City Contract.
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman, Peter Beattie AC said that he was grateful for the guidance provided by CoCom during his time as GOLDOC Chair.
“We have had an extremely successful year fulfilling many obligations as a host city for the Commonwealth Games,” Mr Beattie said.
“Amongst a number of achievements, we have delivered an outstanding volunteer recruitment program, an ongoing but very successful Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) and a ticketing program where we have sold almost one million tickets.
“We are very confident that together with our Games Delivery partners, in every aspect of our planning and readiness testing, we are going to deliver a great Games with confirmation from the CGF that we are on time and on budget.
“Ably led by the CEO Mark Peters, GOLDOC has been true to its vision and mission in all the years of preparing for this event, to stage a great Games in a great city with a focus on the athletes and excellent competition and importantly a commitment to great memories and long lasting legacies.”
CoCom Chair, Bruce Robertson AC wrapped up the final review of GC2018 by complimenting GOLDOC and its Games delivery partners on the implementation of ‘a global first’ in the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), progress with ticket sales, the volunteer program and a commitment to gender equality with equal medals for men and women at GC2018.
GOLDOC CEO Mark Peters, who has led the Games since the bid in 2011, said he was pleased CoCom was satisfied with the progress towards a rapidly approaching GC2018.
“The past year has seen the launch of the number of key milestones including the launch of the QBR, the Transport Operations Plan (TOP), the final announcements of GC2018 Ambassadors, casting for ceremonies and the uniform unveil, however there is significant work continuing behind the scenes,” Mr Peters said.
“We have delivered a procurement program where 84% of contracts have been awarded to Gold Coast and Queensland businesses, the overlay at venues including the Games Village has commenced and is well on track and our financial management means we are well and truly on budget.
“I am proud of the work GOLDOC and our talented team of more than 1,000 staff have delivered this year and commend our Games delivery partners on their continued support and contribution.
“With just 117 days to go I am confident as we head into 2018 that we are in a very positive position in terms of readiness for the Games.”
