GOLD, GOLD GOLD
FOR KATE, COAST AND GAMES
TRANSPORT and creating a legacy for the Commonwealth Games will be the priorities for returned Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones.
Ms Jones had only been confirmed as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s choice to take over the portfolio for just hours when she made the trip to the Gold Coast to talk about the Games.
The Premier was forced d to reshuffle the cabinet after former transport and games minister Stirling Hinchliffe resigned due to the rail fail debacle which caused the cancellation of dozens of services.
Ms Jones breezed on to the Gold Coast, donning a Commonwealth Games cap, announcing she was back.
“Clearly transport will be one of my key focuses when I meet with heads of the Commonwealth Games,” she said.
Getting spectators and athletes around the Gold Coast has been a hot topic in recent months with constant delays on the M1 and the rail debacle causing concern about potential traffic issues.
“The transport operations plan is out there for consultation,” Ms Jones said.
The Tourism Minister said she had also been working with the legacy committee to ensure the Gold Coast continued to flourish after the Games.
“This really is a make-orbreak moment for us,” she said. “We can ensure that everybody knows that if you want to hold a major event, if you want to hold a conference, the Gold Coast has to be on the list, that’s what we want to see happen.” Ms Jones had been favoured among Gold Coasters to return to the post and yesterday GOLDOC chairman Peter Beattie, Gold Coast Airport chairman Paul Donovan and Mayor Tom Tate all welcomed the appointment.
While it was all smiles for Ms Jones’ appointment, there was some tension around the appointment of new Local Government Minister Mark Furner.
The incoming minister and Cr Tate exchanged blows via the media last November after Mr Furner accused councillor Paul Taylor of discouraging witnesses to appear at a committee examining the proposed bikie laws and then lying about it.
Cr Tate yesterday tried to ease concerns over the rift and said they had spoken and arranged a meeting to catch up.
“No concerns (with Mr Furner) because I will speak my mind and I will recognise his position and I will work for the betterment of southeast Queensland.”
A spokesman for Mr Furner said he would work with all councils.