Event took Gold Coast to the world

IN a competitive world, grabbing national and international attention is extremely difficult. But that is exactly what the Gold Coast did with the successful 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The Games’ TV broadcasts rated amazingly both domestically and internationally. The opening ceremony averaged 2,742,000 Australian viewers peaking at 3,226,000 viewers. The Gold Coast has never had that exposure before or since.

Why is that important? Because showing off the best of the Gold Coast to the world means more tourists, investment and consequently growth and jobs. The legacy is everywhere to see, from better heavy rail connections, a popular light rail service and better roads, to upgraded and new sporting facilities for up and coming sports stars, and a research precinct with Griffith University at the athletes village.

The Games’ success was invaluably enhanced by the fantastic volunteers. These were the first Games to have the same number of medals for women and men and the most significant para-sport program in Games history. The Games’ partnership with indigenous Australians set a benchmark.

Our athletes performed magnificently, winning the medal tally and showing great sportsmanship.

There were challenges. The M1 was a logistical nightmare but by effective planning and use of public transport, this was tackled head on and minimised as much as possible. However it was inevitable past delays on the M1 would influence travel behaviour on the Gold Coast and Brisbane – and it did. This understandably disappointed some local traders.

A standout disappointment was the poor TV broadcast of the closing ceremony. I have already accepted responsibility for the closing ceremony broadcast. It could have been done much better.

I want to thank Gold Coasters, State Government, Federal Government and Gold Coast City Council. The hard-working GOLDOC team deserves praise too for dedication and innovation. It was a magnificent partnership that took the Gold Coast to the world.

Former Commonwealth Games organising committee chairman