CoCom in Gold Coast pleased with all areas

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, Nov 29, 2013: The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) today concludes its first Coordination Commission meeting in relation to the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

Although the CGF conducted an initial Project Review in January 2013 this was the first full meeting of the Commission, during which members met with representatives of the local organising corporation (GOLDOC), Gold Coast City Council, Queensland Government and a range of federal and Queensland state government agencies.

Commission Chair, Bruce Robertson (Canada) said:

“The Commission congratulates GOLDOC, the Australian and Queensland Governments and the Gold Coast City Council and their various agencies involved in Games delivery.

“Strong working relationships and structures have been established which will underpin detailed Games planning. While the Commission reviewed the overall status of works, we focused much of our attention for this visit on the elements of the Games which require the longest lead times such as venue development, security and transport arrangements. We have also reviewed budget, legacy plans and organisational build up; all very important aspects which enable Games delivery.”

“We are completely satisfied with a number of aspects of the project and in fact impressed by a range of areas.

“The first meeting of the full Commission meeting included a number of detailed Technical Reviews by international Games experts in relation to Programme and Project Management, Venues and Overlay, Security and Transport. These reviews identified a number of issues, none of which were surprises. The GOLDOC ship is on course, and there are no ‘red flags,’ concluded Mr Robertson.

What is a ‘CoCom’ (Coordination Commission)?

The CoCom oversees and ensures compliance with the commitments and undertakings the Gold Coast entered into under the host city contract and through its bid for the Games. Its members are responsible for ensuring that all of the technical requirements of the athletes are being met and that the promises that were made on behalf of Queensland and the Gold Coast to deliver programmes and legacy for the people of Queensland are followed through. The second element of the Commission’s work is to provide advice and support to the organisers. In addition to the Coordination Commission, the CGF also makes available substantial technical resources to the host city through its knowledge management and transfer of knowledge programmes.

CGF Coordination Commission Members

• Bruce Robertson – CGF Vice President and Board Member (CHAIR)

• Mike Hooper – CEO of Commonwealth Games Federation

• Beng Choo Low – Vice President Olympic Council of Malaysia/Secretary General of International Softball Federation

• Jake Watkins – New Zealand Olympic Committee Team Services Director

• Andrew Ryan – Executive Director Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF)

Schedule for next Coordination Commission Meeting

The Coordination Commission will undertake a Project Review at the end of the first quarter 2014. The next full Coordination Commission will be conducted in the 4th quarter of 2014. —- CGF