Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018 legacy
GC2018 was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to embrace the excitement, enthusiasm and community interest in world-class sporting competition. Importantly, it also left a lasting legacy which will benefit our community for years to come.
The Commonwealth Games Federation aims to "....attract and build on public, private, and social partnerships that widely benefit Commonwealth athletes, sports and communities."
In delivering on this promise, the GC2018 Partners [Australian Government, Queensland Government, City of Gold Coast and the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC)] worked together to ensure the Gold Coast, Queensland and Australia experienced an economic and social uplift through:
- venue and infrastructure development
- precinct improvements around key venues
- improved skills and opportunities for business
- international competition for our Australian athletes
- increased tourism and event attraction
- community celebrations.
Overall, GC2018 united our community, created jobs and kick-started infrastructure projects that delivered a world-class event.
The City's reputation not only benefited from the global audience of 1.5 billion people, but the Games also brought a renewed focus on the City's strong credentials in all things sport and an acknowledgement of the growing arts and cultural capabilities of our city.
More than $200 million was invested in new and upgraded sports venues across the city and millions of dollars on various upgrades to our public areas including:
- art installations
- enhanced CCTV network
- upgrades to existing parks
- streetscape works
- upgrades to both the Southport and Broadbeach malls
- new footpaths and cycleways.
Other benefits to the City included the expedited completion of major transport projects including the duplication of parts of the heavy rail line, the Light Rail project stage 2 and substantial upgrades to Bundall Road such as widening to six lanes and intersection upgrades.
There are many benefits still to be realised including further development of the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, new private sector investment opportunities and new community parklands. Another legacy of GC2018 is the City's strong and sustainable commitment to the local arts sector, stimulating an increased appetite for high quality, diverse, creative experiences that are either free or affordable. This has been realised in the development of the city's arts and cultural precinct known as HOTA.
The City continues to reap the benefits from the Games and will continue to for many years to come.