Kennett’s push for real Games reward
JEFF Kennett says the legacy left by the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games is as critical as the event itself.
The former Victorian Premier was instrumental in Melbourne winning the 2006 Games and will be part of a panel to discuss how to maximise the benefits of the event at the Going for Gold Legacy Symposium, to be hosted by the Bulletin on October 31.
Mr Kennett said so much focus was put on the lead-up, infrastructure provisions and the event itself but emphasised the importance of using the Games as a launching pad for the future.
“One thing you don’t want to do is in 2050 have this community look back and the only thing they remember is the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
“If that is the case then leadership has failed.
“The Commonwealth Games is the opportunity to relaunch into the half century. It’s got to be a launching pad.
“The great challenge here on the Gold Coast is to try and identify how we are going to maintain that recognition.”
Mr Kennett said using the assets, hosting more events and above all boasting a strong community connect were key.
“The Commonwealth Games gives you the opportunity to refresh and to be able to put together a program both of activities while using the facilities but also some of the natural assets,” he said.
“It is the personal connect that is going to make a difference in the long term. In Melbourne we built a community base on having a major events program that involved both sport and the arts.
“I’m not a great supporter in one-off events.
“You put a lot of energy into them but you really need to either develop your own events that are held annually or you have to go out and try and secure them.
“Being a regional city gives the Gold Coast an advantage because it has the critical mass to deliver those.”
Mr Kennett said having a
THE GAMES IS THE OPPORTUNITY TO RELAUNCH INTO THE HALF CENTURY. IT’S GOT TO BE A LAUNCHING PAD JEFF KENNETT
mix of leaders with both experience and youth would ensure the legacy was delivered.
“The planning requires leaders who are thinking about all these issues today,” Mr Kennett said.
“You need to make sure among your leadership group you have people who are young enough that are still going to be around in 2050 and probably in positions of leadership.”
LNP political candidate for the Broadwater electorate David Crisafulli said the Games had to springboard the city to the next level.
“It can’t be the trophy in the cabinet, it has the be the start of the next wave of the city maturing,” he said.