CITY PASSES GAMES TEST

LESS than six months out from the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, the Supercars have provided another successful litmus test for Games organisers finessing the details of the city’s biggest ever event.

Emergency lanes on the Gold Coast Highway and a highly-visible police presence appear to have kept disturbances from the festival to a minimum, while traffic over the weekend was also relatively painless.

Locals and visitors appear to have listened to the message to use trams and other public transport to get around, taking pressure off the roads.

The system is not perfect, and doubtless Games organisers will be looking closely at ways it can be honed further as April and the promised crowds draw closer.

There will be some inconvenience when the event is staged, and every resident should be preparing now on that basis, but the gain is certain to outweigh the pain.

The Supercars show the power of a major event to draw the eyes and wallets of sports fans to the city.

Images of our blue waves and golden beaches beamed to millions from the Supercars are invaluable – and when GC2018 does the same for 11 days, the positive effects can be multiplied.

By this time next year, the Games themselves will be done and dusted, but our credentials as an events city will be established.