Gold Coast makes solid progress

Australia, Oct 16, 2014: The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) today concludes its second Coordination Commission meeting in relation to the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

This second review has been timed to follow on from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Debrief coordinated by the CGF last week here in Gold Coast. The Debrief enabled the experiences and recommendations from the Glasgow 2014 Games organisers to be passed on to the Gold Coast Organising Corporation (GOLDOC), City of Gold Coast and the Queensland and Australian governments.

Reporting on the arrangements for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, CGF Coordination Commission Chair, Bruce Robertson (Canada) confirmed that impressive progress has been made over the last 12 months since the previous review meeting.

“The Coordination Commission is impressed with the venue and infrastructure developments. All is well in hand under the expert control of the State Government in partnership with the City of Gold Coast. We also recognise the recent funding commitment of the Federal Government. Highlights of recent achievements are the opening of the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre and the commencement of site works for the Parklands Development that will host the Games Village.

The legacy plans of all Games delivery partners are taking shape and the CGF is encouraging activation which will cause positive impact for the local community before, during and well after the Games.” said Bruce Robertson.

The Organising Corporation is established and has moved forward with strategic planning in 7 key areas such as Security, Transport and Sport. They have recently had the benefit of a comprehensive observation programme the CGF operated in Scotland before and during Glasgow 2014.

“The next six months are critical. When the Coordination Commission meets again in May next year there will be a little under three years to Games time and we will be over half way through the preparation programme. It is now that the very detailed operational planning work must accelerate” said Mr Robertson.

Continuing Bruce Robertson said “It is critical that plans are crafted to achieve Games time requirements and to deliver the best possible community impact and legacy. The CGF is committed to ensure the Games deliver real and tangible legacy for local communities and engage the Commonwealth across the globe.”

Bruce Robertson also announced that the Coordination Commission has appointed George Black CBE, retiring Chief Executive for the Glasgow City Council. Having overseen City’s delivery of the highly successful Glasgow Commonwealth Games, George’s insight and experience will provide additional support for the CoCom and the Queensland Government and City of Gold Coast.

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 available to the host city through its knowledge management and transfer of knowledge programme.

CGF Coordination Commission Members
•  Bruce Robertson – CGF Vice President and Board Member (CHAIR)
• Beng Choo Low – Vice President Commonwealth Games Association of Malaysia/Secretary General of World Baseball and Softball Confederation
• Jake Wilkins – New Zealand Olympic Committee Team Services Director
• Andrew Ryan – Executive Director Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF)
• George Black CBE – former Chief Executive Glasgow City Council (commences May 2015)
• David Grevemberg incoming CEO of Commonwealth Games Federation (commences November 2014)
Next Coordination Commission Meeting
The Coordination Commission will be conducted in the May 2015. —- CGF