GOLD COAST CAME OF AGE
TODAY one year ago the Gold Coast’s residents and its leaders held their collective breath.
The city was on the cusp of a make-orbreak moment.
It was the opening night of the biggest event this city has ever staged and would mark a transformational moment in time for the Gold Coast’s evolution: the 21st Commonwealth Games.
Minutes away from the start of the opening ceremony being beamed out to the world and attended by dignitaries including Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, it started absolutely bucketing down at Metricon Stadium.
Was the city with reliably perfect weather but punctuated by dramatic storms about to showcase a washout to the world?
Earlier, ticketholders were caught up in shocking queues to get on buses to the event. It was so bad some missed the start. The anxiety of Gold Coast Inc. was high. And then the rain stopped as quickly as it had started.
The show began on time and some public transport gripes aside, things went relatively well.
From there the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games – which had already resulted in fast-tracked major infrastructure desperately needed by one of Australia’s fastestgrowing cities – clicked into gear like Usain Bolt in the back half of his signature 100 metres event.
There is no disputing it was a dud for many small business operators with anticipated numbers failing to materialise, in large part due to fearmongering around traffic gridlock prompting Gold Coasters to depart prior in their droves for a holiday.
But those who stuck around and visited to soak up the event had a heck of good time. The resulting global exposure for the city and its enviable natural assets not to mention new and improved stadiums have since created major spin-offs.
Today, the Bulletin starts a week-long series looking at how the Games continues one year on to impact and shape the city, its economy, its outlook and its liveability for residents and visitors.
As revealed in today’s coverage, more than 300 events have been attracted to Games venues since June last year, creating $61 million worth of economic benefit for the Gold Coast.
High-profile and swanky affairs such as the Logies Awards and Eurovision’s national final have also been added to the line up.
It is the result of the billions in Gamesrelated infrastructure upgrades – including the fast-tracking of light rail to link up with heavy rail at Helensvale and revamps of 14 venues into world-class sporting facilities.
That is not to mention the $5 billion in private sector developments which were attracted to the city thanks in large part to the Games including Star Entertainment Group’s $850 million upgrades of Star Gold Coast and addition of its Darling luxury suite hotel and entertainment offering.
The burgeoning Health and Knowledge Precinct near the Smith Collective residential community (formerly the athletes village) continues to grow and attract talent and help diversify the economy.
The Gold Coast came of age a year ago, pulling off a golden Games and resulting in a far-reaching, ongoing legacy for this city.