Event Knowledge Services – the group responsible for reviewing potential locations for the Commonwealth Games Federation – found that the Gold Coast was more than capable of hosting an event of the magnitude of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, reports Local Gold Coast News.
The State Government has begun the bid process with an $11 million fund. Premier Anna Bligh said the bidding process over the next year could cost up to $11 million but the Games would be a major boost for jobs and tourism.
She said the official review of the Coast’s Games prospects had stacked up in key areas of facilities, accommodation and transport.
The government will advise the Australian Commonwealth Games Association that it fully supports the Gold Coast being nominated by the association to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
According to the Games master plan, the bid will focus on four key areas – venues, transport, networks and security. The review showed the city could present a compact and efficient master plan for a Commonwealth Games bid.
Under the plan the Gold Coast region would host all core sporting events, with a few additional events in Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville.
Abuja, Nigeria and Auckland, New Zealand are also considering a 2018 bid.
However there are rumours that New Zealand’s government has decided not to back a bid from Auckland.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said an announcement was expected this week from Sports Minister Murray McCully, reports TVNZ.
Last year the government put up money to assess Auckland’s ability to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
The deadline for candidate cities to notify their intention to bid is March 31, with a decision on the host city expected to be announced in November, 2011.
