2018 Commonwealth Games

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/SmartState1/status/915310845390753792

[ozbob]

4th October 2017

Media Release
Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

Six months to go until the Games

The biggest event ever to be staged in Queensland – the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games – is just six months away and momentum is building.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said the Games will achieve a lasting and positive legacy for Queensland well beyond the 11 days of sporting competition.

"The Games will inject more than $4 billion into Queensland's economy, supporting thousands of jobs and delivering world-class sporting facilities that will benefit Queenslanders for years to come," Ms Jones said.

"It was a Labor Government that bid for the Games because we knew it would grow jobs, infrastructure and tourism.

"More than 15,000 workers have been engaged in the construction of venues and the Games village alone, with almost 90% of construction contracts awarded to Queensland companies.

"We will leave this infrastructure as a great legacy for Queenslanders after the Games.

"Tens of thousands of Queensland volunteers put up their hands to be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

"Images from the Games will be beamed to a global television audience of 1.5 billion people – a level of exposures that will be priceless for Queensland tourism.

"It's a great opportunity to show the world what Queensland has to offer.

"One of the biggest and most exciting legacies of all will be the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge precinct."

The 200-hectare site is already home to the Gold Coast University Hospital, a private hospital, Griffith University and the Games Village.

"It will become a thriving hub for world-class biomedical and health technology, and cutting-edge research, and is expected to inject more than $1 billion into the local economy and create up to 26,000 jobs at its peak," Ms Jones said. 

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will run from 4 - 15 April 2018.

Fast Facts

Economic benefits – more than $4 billion

$1.5 billion invested by the Queensland Government

70 nations and territories

6,600 athletes and team officials

14,000 volunteers

1.5 million tickets

Global television audience of 1.5 billion people

18 world-class facilities built and upgraded through our $320 million infrastructure program

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Commonwealth Games traffic report warns of 'very high crash risk' on M1

There will be a "very high crash risk" on the M1 at the Gold Coast during the Commonwealth Games as traffic exceeds the motorway's capacity, the Queensland Government expects.

In some sections of the road, the Government has predicted there will be a "significant road safety risk" for motorists with "a high risk of poor travel time reliability".

The forecasts are part of the Department of Transport and Main Roads M1 Management Plan, which was released to the ABC under a Right to Information request.

The M1 is the major road linking the Gold Coast to Brisbane and has been plagued by traffic problems for years.

The State Government's plan for the M1 during the Games states there will be a "very high crash risk" on both sides of the motorway south of Mudgeeraba at exits 82 and 85.

The plan also warns of expected congestion along virtually the entire Gold Coast strip of the motorway.

It predicts all-day congestion for the duration of the Games in the southbound lanes of a 33-kilometre stretch of the road from Coomera to Tugun.

In the northbound lanes, the State Government report finds traffic is expected to be at or above capacity from Nerang to Coomera.

It also details the risk of traffic queuing along the motorway at the Yatala and Ormeau exits because of traffic delays.

But the plan includes only one page on managing the forecast traffic problems on the road.

In five dot-points, it suggests that the Government implements prompt responses to severe congestion, informs Games family drivers of issues, and that it use alternative routes and reduce or manage traffic flows on the motorway.

It does not go into detail about how traffic could be reduced or managed.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said the Federal Government should have committed to an upgrade of the motorway earlier.

"Unfortunately, because Malcolm Turnbull wouldn't come to the party in funding an upgrade in time for the Commonwealth Games, it is going to be a challenge," she said.

"I am confident, as is the Main Roads Minister, as is the Mayor, as is GOLDOC, that all the steps we have put in place will help us manage the M1 as best as possible."

Ms Jones said the State Government's plan to reduce speed limits in sections and keep large trucks to the left lanes will help manage the traffic.

[ozbob]

Congratulations to Geoff (Inclusion Moves) who will be representing the community on the Commonwealth Games Baton relay through Ipswich on the 29th March 2018.  Well done Geoff!

[ozbob]

18th October 2017

Media Release
JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

Premier announces GC2018 Baton Bearers

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has revealed the list of approximately 3,800 Australians who will carry the Queen's Baton on its 100-day journey across the nation in the lead-up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The Premier said the list of names, selected through a community nomination program, is a great reflection of Australia.

"The lists of names have been compiled by judging panels in each state and territory, allowing local knowledge to play the greatest possible role in the selection process," the Premier said.

"The baton bearers recognise the achievements and aspirations of Australians from all walks of life, from ambitious 10-year-olds to humble volunteers and well-known Australians from a variety of fields.

"Collectively, our baton bearers will take more than a million steps through every state and territory, sharing the excitement of GC2018 with regional and remote communities."

The Premier also revealed the uniform that baton bearers will get to wear with pride as they carry the Baton.

"It will be a treasured keep-sake of their special role in GC2018," she said.

Minister for the Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said the baton bearers were in for the experience of a lifetime - one that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

"I'm proud that so many inspirational Queenslanders have taken up the baton to be part of our country's biggest ever sporting event.

"The Games is our once in a lifetime opportunity to show the world what Queensland has to offer."

At today's launch on the Gold Coast, the Premier was joined by four baton bearers:

    77 year old Marie Bennetts OAM, a long-time volunteer at Kurrrawa Surf Life Saving Club and Gold Coast Justice of the Peace;
    17 year old Harrison Tippett, a recipient of the Macpherson Community Young Achievers Award and the State Government Citizenship Award;
    Preston Campbell, former Gold Coast Titan, 2001 Dally M winner and 2011 NAIDOC person of the year; and
    Brooke Hanson, youngest member of the 1994 Commonwealth Games swimming team in Canada and winner of one Olympic Gold, one Olympic Silver and two Commonwealth Silver Medals.

"There is a 90 year age range across the baton bearers, from 100 year old Bill Bruce from Nebo, to 10 year old Corbin Easton from Caloundra," the Premier said.

"In Queensland, there will be more than 1800 baton bearers, as the Relay travels to 83 communities over 33 days."

The Baton lands in Brisbane to start the final leg of its journey on Christmas Eve this year.

For one month during the school summer holidays, the Queen's Baton will visit major events, iconic landmarks and children's hospitals across the country.

The traditional relay will resume in Canberra on 25 January 2018 and will be carried by great Australians through QBR celebration communities around the country.

The Baton arrives back in Queensland on 3 March on Horn Island, for a month long journey around Queensland before the start of the Commonwealth Games on 4 April

The Baton's activity during the school holidays and the street-level detail through Celebration Communities will be revealed on 17 November.

Since its launch from Buckingham Palace on 13 March 2017, the Baton has inspired athletes and fans across Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas and Europe. Currently it is in Malaysia and is set to visit the remaining 15 Commonwealth nations in Asia and Oceania before arriving in Australia on Christmas Eve.

It will be 60 years since a Baton first carried Her Majesty's message to athletes of the Commonwealth at the Cardiff 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Wales.

Batonbearer names and the communities that they will carry the Baton in are available at www.gc2018.com/qbr

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/tennewsqld/status/920554786092597248

[InclusionMoves]

Thanks mate, will be a change doing something that government wants media to report on :-)

Geoff

Congratulations to Geoff (Inclusion Moves) who will be representing the community on the Commonwealth Games Baton relay through Ipswich on the 29th March 2018.  Well done Geoff!

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> New guide tells Gold Coast bosses how staff can survive the Commonwealth Games travel crush

GOLD Coast bosses are officially being told to reduce the working days of staff, make them cycle or walk to work and be flexible with business hours during the Commonwealth Games.

A "Rethink your travel" guide is being launched for Coast employers which encourages them to undertake dramatic changes to their workplaces during the event next April.

Backed by the State Government, council and GOLDOC, the travel guide wants bosses to ensure their Coast employees reduce their travel during peak times.

The guide which includes the photograph of an athlete on the starting line for a race has been placed in major newspapers.

The key travel tips for employers include:

. enable staff to work from other offices or home.

. ensure staff work compressed weeks, reducing five days into four.

. encourage employees to walk, cycle or catch public transport to work.

. schedule meetings and conferences either before the Games or after.

. adjust your opening hours to encourage travel outside of peak times.

The State Opposition believes Coast businesses are being asked to find travel solutions when the Government after three years fine tunes a traffic management plan.

"How will forcing staff to work longer hours over four days help local businesses during the Commonwealth Games and is this even legal under the relevant industrial awards," an Opposition insider told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

The Government was advised in an internal brief in November 2016 that the added Games traffic would to lead congestion on some sections of the M1 which could create a "very high crash risk".

Southport Chamber of Commerce president Laird Marshall wants more transport details for businesses.

"I think most businesses have no idea what the disruption will be. I'm not saying that in a negative way," Mr Marshall said.

"They just don't know how it will be. For a lot of businesses, if they change the time of people at work, it will cost a lot more. I don't think people realise that the streets will be blocked off (for events).

"Everyone knows about the M1. I haven't seen a plan of what definitely is going to happen yet."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/922872921109831680

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Minister Kate Jones welcomes Gold Coast Commonwealth Games as boost well into the future

THE Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will deliver a multi-billion boost for our state and support thousands of jobs.

It's not just about 11 days of sporting action, it's an opportunity for businesses to capitalise on the biggest and best event in Gold Coast history.

The local tourism industry in particular stands to benefit the most from the more than 600,000 visitors who will spend more than $320 million in Queensland during the event.

Economic modelling shows the value add in tourism over nine years pre, during and post the Games will amount to an additional 490,000 visitors and generate $550 million for the economy.

With a broadcast audience of around 1.5 billion people, this event will put Queensland on the map as a global powerhouse for major events.

The flow-on effect to Australian industries like agribusiness, education and health is expected to add millions in export dollars in the years immediately following the Games.

We will also have great opportunities to promote foreign direct investment in Queensland. The infrastructure we've delivered for the Games will also pave the way for continued success.

While investments in the athletes' village will be used in the future to support the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, investments in sporting infrastructure will enhance Queensland's ability to continually secure major events.

On so many levels, the Commonwealth Games are a game changer for Queensland and a golden opportunity for our businesses to take centre stage in 2018.

KATE JONES is State Minister for the Commonwealth Games

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Pacific Highway M1 road crash record creates concerns for Commonwealth Games access

THE main road artery leading into the Commonwealth Games has four times more crashes than any other major highway, raising concerns about the biggest sporting event in the region's history.

Data obtained by The Sunday Mail shows the Pacific Motorway between the Gold Coast and Brisbane experienced more than 450 crashes last year. The result eclipsed nearest rival, the M1 Bruce Highway, which had 120 crashes between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

The Ipswich Motorway had 80 crashes, while the Centenary Motorway had 61.

RACQ spokeswoman Lauren Ritchie said traffic incidents along the Pacific Motorway during the 10 days of the Commonwealth Games "could be nightmarish".

"If there's a serious crash when you're driving to watch an event, there's every chance you could miss it," Ms Ritchie said.

"That's why we're urging everyone to avoid driving if they don't need to."

Spectators have been encouraged to take public ­transport to events, with little parking available.

The Pacific Motorway, with slow travel speeds, has been the worst performer for crashes over the past four years, growing steadily from 320 crashes in 2013 to reach 459 last year.

But Ms Ritchie said that while the results were surprising, it made sense because the highway was Queensland's busiest road.

Commonwealth Games organisers recognised congestion along the Pacific Motorway as a "key challenge".

"The safe and reliable movement of athletes, officials and spectators between Brisbane and the Gold Coast is critical to ensuring a successful event," the event's transport plan reads.

Officials announced several initiatives aimed at combating congestion, including lowering speeds by 10km/h in some sections. Vehicles with athletes in them will be able to use the road shoulder.

More traffic response units will be added around crash hot spots along the ­motorway, with the RACQ making seven available.

However, while crash attendance times should take less than nine minutes, it is unclear how long it is expected to take to clear crashes.

Transport and Main Roads were unable to answer questions about how many tow trucks would be required during the Games, or whether any companies had been contracted for the event.

"As the Games will be held during school holidays, there will be less traffic and measures will be in place to assist with traffic flows along the M1 Pacific Motorway, along with heightened incident response," a spokesman said.

[Cazza]

"Buses travelling both directions in Coomera will experience delays of up to 45 minutes due to a traffic incident on the M1 motorway."
https://translink.com.au/service-updates/158486

Chaos will be nothing but a certainty in about 5 months time...

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Commonwealth Games 2018: interactive journey planner for spectators raising the bar on previous efforts

DIGITAL experts are creating an interactive Commonwealth Games travel planner to rival any such technology rolled out for a global sporting event.

The GC2018 Spectator Journey Planner, which will also allow users to receive updates on service disruptions and road closures, is part of a bold bid to ensure every Games spectator walks, cycles or catches public transport to events.

Council's Get Set for the Games technical director Rose McArthur, who worked on the 2012 London Olympics and 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, said Department of Transport and Main Roads staff were "pouring" Games-specific data into the "pitch perfect" journey planner.

"It's (never) been done as well as the product we will have here," she said.

"In Glasgow, we had a very smaller offering (that) was just a standard journey planner with a few Games venues put in.

"This one (will be) pitch perfect ... it's a one-stop shop and absolutely responds to where we should be in 2018 with the technology and use of an app."

Ms McArthur said the planner would be accessible via the Games website early next year.

"If you've got a ticket to the beach volleyball in Coolangatta and you're coming from Southport, you'd enter that and our specially developed planner will give you the route (and transport options) that are best for you," she said.

GOLDOC chief executive Mark Peters said he was confident spectators would rise to the Games' travel challenges.

"This is a smart community so we've got no doubt that at Games times people are going to understand (the situation)," he said.

[#Metro]

^ Sorry, but I think this is a bit strange. Doesn't Google already do something like this. So why re-invent the wheel?

That and can't they publish a frequent network map?

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/940261443999481856

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/941337967594897413

[ozbob]

15th December 2017

Media Release
Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Minister for the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

Fans to take piece of GC2018 action home

The doors have been thrown open to Queensland's largest-ever event merchandise store.

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Superstore at Victoria Park at Broadbeach is the third and largest GC2018 Official Shop after outlets recently opened at the Gold Coast Airport and in Surfers Paradise.

Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones said the Superstore was not just to sell merchandise but was also created to engage locals in the Games experience.

"Some of the GC2018 gold, silver and bronze medals that will be awarded to the athletes will be showcased within a Royal Australian Mint activation space," she said.

"Having them in the store offers everyone the chance to see the expertly-crafted medals up close and see just how beautiful they are and why we are all so very proud of them," she said.

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) Chairman Peter Beattie AC, said superstores have been part of the Olympic and Commonwealth Games retail store fabric for over two decades.

"Since the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games large footprint stores like this have given Games fans a memorable retail experience," Mr Beattie said.

"The GC2018 Superstore range will include T-shirts, sweatshirts, accessories, collectables, homewares, mascot toys, the Team Australia range and many more items of memorabilia.

"There has never been a range like it in Commonwealth Games history with literally something for everyone on every shelf and rack," he said.

GOLDOC CEO Mark Peters said the 800 square metre store showcases the biggest and most comprehensive licensing program in Commonwealth Games history.

"It is anticipated that up to 5,000 people will visit the Superstore every day during the Games with our popular mascot Borobi expected to represent more than a third of all sales," Mr Peters said.

"Merchandise is an important revenue stream for the Games, but these unique and high quality products also give fans the chance to show their support for GC2018.

"Everyone can take a little piece of this historic moment home," he said.

Olympic, world and Commonwealth Games swimming medallist Brooke Hanson OAM said team colours in the crowd boost the athletes.

"It's the ultimate dream for any athlete to win gold in front of their home crowd.

"Visible home support makes a huge difference so it would be amazing for everyone in the Australian team to look into the crowds and see our supporters wearing the team colours.

"It is fantastic that fans will have such a huge range of items to choose from to get behind the athletes.

"We're all aiming to do Australia proud," she said.

[verbatim9]

All stores including Supermarkets and Department stores can trade 24/7 in selected areas over the Commonwealth Games period.

It's only for Brisbane CBD within the 4000 postcode where the majority of the accommodation is situated. Plus the area of the Gold Coast. May see Woolies and Coles open until midnight or they may go the full slog and open 24/7?

Coles Petrie Terrace is also included as well as Woolies Spring Hill and the inner core Supermarkets around the mall.

Might see Target open until 9 or 10pm 7days over the period. Myer and David Jones the same until 9 or 10pm 7 days.

Brisbane CBD to have 24hr retail over the Commonwealth Games period. Supermarkets, department stores, etc.

Will be interesting to see how locals embrace it.

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/24-hour-trading-will-come-to-brisbane-for-the-commonwealth-games-20171215-p4yxqj.html

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/944977364999532546

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/SmartState1/status/947586898209398784

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Games volunteers told to use gender-neutral words to avoid causing offence

VOLUNTEERS at the Gold Coast's Commonwealth Games have been told not to use phrases such as "ladies and gentlemen" and "boys and girls" to avoid causing offence.

In a gold medal for political correctness, the official Commonwealth Games orientation training handbook calls on volunteers to use gender-neutral language.

The instructions have been slammed as "political correctness gone insane".

The handbook, given to 15,000 volunteers and official staff and contractors, dubbed Games Shapers, instructs those at the Games to call people parents, rather than mothers or fathers, and partners, rather than husbands or girlfriends.

Some of the instructions are born of a desire not to offend people identifying as transgender.

"Use gender-neutral or gender-inclusive language," the 88-page handbook said.

"This can involve discouragement of the use of gender-specific job titles, such as policeman/policewoman, instead using police officer.

"Swapping gendered words for gender-neutral ones can make everyone feel included," the book said.

"This also demonstrates our understanding that not everyone identifies as heterosexual or cisgender.

"We can avoid words like guys, girls, ladies and gentlemen, and instead use words like students, everyone, folks and all."

The handbook also offers a lengthy list of instructions to avoid causing embarrassment to the physically impaired.

The instructions tell volunteers to refrain from calling para-athletes "extraordinary or superhuman", while athletes without impairments should not be referred to as able-bodied.

"Some community members oppose the use of 'able-bodied' because it implies that people with accessibility requirements lack 'able bodies' or the ability to use their bodies well," the guidebook said.

"(Also) it can be embarrassing for them to be referred to as 'extraordinary' or 'superhuman'.... Para-athletes don't consider themselves more unique or over achieving than any other athlete."

Games volunteers and staff have also been ordered not to tuck their shirts in, not to ask for autographs or selfies, and not to express their opinions on politics or social issues.

Opposition Commonwealth Games spokesman John-Paul Langbroek said the lengthy list of dos and don'ts risked making volunteers too scared to open their mouths for fear of offending someone.

"This is political correctness gone insane," he told The Sunday Mail.

"We have everyone willing to take offence at every little thing that people say.

"It makes it really hard for well-meaning volunteers who would be on edge worried about every word they say to every group they meet. It's very frustrating."

Acting Commonwealth Games Minister Di Farmer said it was important that everyone was catered for.

"We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of international visitors to Queensland for the Games and we want to ensure everyone has a great experience," Ms Farmer said.

"We recognise our 15,000-strong volunteer army who will help ensure we put our best foot forward.

"The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will be the most inclusive Games ever with the same number of men's and women's medals and the largest para sport program ever."

A spokesperson for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) said: "The volunteer training materials are necessarily extensive as we set out to meet the many needs of every person who will be involved in GC2018," they said.

The spokesperson also said GOLDOC had not received any feedback from Commonwealth Games volunteers on the issue.

[ozbob]

Sunday Mail --> Organisers of Gold Coast Commonwealth Games win medal for PC stupidity

THE phrase "political correctness gone mad'' sadly has to be used more and more.

And it has never been more apt than in relation to the extraordinary instructions being issued to staff and volunteers at the Commonwealth Games, on the Gold Coast, in April.

Nowhere epitomises the friendly, laid-back character and attitude of Australia, and especially Queensland, better than the Gold Coast, a city built on fun, relaxation and recreation.

A rule banning Games workers from tucking in their shirts in such an environment seems to be an extreme case of stating the bleedin' obvious, but at least it is in keeping with the casual spirit of the location and event.

Some of the other guidelines in the official Games Shapers handbook, however, are mind-boggling. Words such as "guys, girls, ladies" and "gentlemen" are to be avoided, in favour of "students, everyone, folks" and "all". Likewise, "gender-specific'' job titles, such as "policeman/policewoman", are discouraged, along with "mother" or "father".

"Disabled'' and "able-bodied'' are on the banned list, and woe betide anyone who tells a para athlete they are extraordinary; even though they clearly are, otherwise they would not be competing at an elite level.

Australians are a warm, inclusive, fun-loving and plain-speaking bunch and the rest of the world loves us for it. This heavy-handed intervention by the PC police is unnecessary.

So the first medal of the 2018 Commonwealth Games goes to the organisers, it is gold for rank stupidity.

[SurfRail]

I sincerely doubt anybody has any issue with the above except the culture warriors in the LNP and the Murdoch press.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/abcbrisbane/status/949831240416313344

[JimmyP]

Games volunteers and staff have also been ordered not to tuck their shirts in, not to ask for autographs or selfies, and not to express their opinions on politics or social issues.

The only thing I don't really understand here is the non tucking in of shirts. Everything else is a normal instruction for special event volunteers I would imagine!
The rest of it is also just the way of the world now, like it or not.

[verbatim9]

Games volunteers and staff have also been ordered not to tuck their shirts in, not to ask for autographs or selfies, and not to express their opinions on politics or social issues.

The only thing I don't really understand here is the non tucking in of shirts. Everything else is a normal instruction for special event volunteers I would imagine!
The rest of it is also just the way of the world now, like it or not.

I find that the general Qld public are very quiet on social and political issues unless probed. I don't think that would be an issue volunteering for the games. Having T-shirts untucked does give a sense of a more casual feel and on most people an untucked tshirt looks great.

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Gold Coast Commonwealth Games athletes face traffic trauma, says Councillor Dawn Crichlow

ONE of the Gold Coast's most experienced councillors fears the city's overwhelmed road network could turn an athlete's Commonwealth Games dream into a nightmare.

In the wake of a festive season where the M1 and major arterials repeatedly struggled to cope with holiday traffic, Cr Dawn Crichlow has become the first City representative to question organisers' repeated assertions that the transport system will cope during the Games.

The veteran Southport councillor joins the countless residents and local Opposition MPs concerned about potential transport chaos, including Mudgeeraba MP Ros Bates who last week predicted a looming "international failure".

"I think it's going to be very difficult for those athletes," Cr Crichlow said. "I really do ... if I was an athlete, I'd be a nervous wreck if I got stalled in traffic.

"Even if you're driving someone to the airport and you know you've got to get them there on time, your blood pressure goes up from the stress.

"It would be disastrous if athletes were late for their warm-ups or events ... it wouldn't be good (for the image of our city) but you have to think of the athletes first.

"This is their lives we're talking about ... (and) I don't want to see them stressed."

It comes as holiday traffic has wreaked havoc on the M1 this summer break, with the entire strip from Yatala to Coolangatta a virtual car park more than three times in the past fortnight.

The chaos overflowed to other main arterial roads across the city, including Bermuda St, Hope Island Rd and Brisbane Rd.

At the time, GOLDOC chairman Peter Beattie insisted strategically timed events and transport plans would ensure the motorway was not gridlocked during the Games.

"What people see of the M1 now isn't what they'll see during the Games," he said at a recent press conference.

"Don't forget most of the events aren't held in peak hours ... and you've (also) got school holidays."

Cr Crichlow expressed concerns about events being held at Coomera and Coolangatta, claiming former Games chairman Nigel Chamier previously said every venue had to be within a 20-minute drive of the athletes village at Southport.

"I remember clearly one of the councillors said 'What about having (a venue) at Coomera?' and he said 'If we put something at Coomera, we may as well do it at Gympie or Toowoomba'," she said of the man who headed GOLDOC from May 2012 to May 2016.

"He said everything had to be within 20 minutes of the village so that's a bit of a worry. The goalposts have changed."

The Coomera Indoor Sports Centre, built in 2015, was part of the original bid, while beach volleyball was added to the Games schedule in May 2016. It is understood the International Beach Volleyball Federation has no concerns with athlete travel times from Parklands to Coolangatta.

"It has always been our priority to provide a stress-free experience for athletes so they can perform at their best," GOLDOC chief executive Mark Peters said.

"GOLDOC has been working closely with the City (of Gold Coast) and Transport and Main Roads to ensure traffic is suitably managed during the Games, including for athletes travelling to and from venues.

"GC2018 events have been spread throughout the city to showcase it at its best and provide proximity to the sports and Festival 2018 events for as many residents as possible."

[Stillwater]

Not tucking the shirt in probably would be there to create a casual (as a more formal shirt tucked in) image for the Games.  Plus its cooler on a hot day.

Many of those volunteers for the Games will, by now, have been asked to commit to rosters.

Rather than rely upon the trains, most probably would have arranged to car pool and drive to the Coast.  Remember, it is not just a case of taking the frequent train to the Gold Coast (NGR or not), but catching the train from home to the Gold Coast Line connection.

They have no idea of the level of service or the type of service (bus or three-car train) on the line that services their home.

[Stillwater]

"It comes as holiday traffic has wreaked havoc on the M1 this summer break, with the entire strip from Yatala to Coolangatta a virtual car park more than three times in the past fortnight."

I would have thought that the level of visitors and traffic on the Gold Coast during the school holidays would equate with the numbers we could expect for the Commonwealth Games.

The worry is that these guys have faith in themselves and their management skills -- the ones that have failed us comprehensively in the past.

"GOLDOC has been working closely with the City (of Gold Coast) and Transport and Main Roads to ensure traffic is suitably managed during the Games, including for athletes travelling to and from venues."

[ozbob]

" The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior " - Mark Twain

Be afraid, very afraid ....   

[not_available]

▲▲▲Stillwater & ozbob

In the wake of a festive season where the M1 and major arterials repeatedly struggled to cope with holiday traffic, Cr Dawn Crichlow has become the first City representative to question organisers' repeated assertions that the transport system will cope during the Games.

It comes as holiday traffic has wreaked havoc on the M1 this summer break, with the entire strip from Yatala to Coolangatta a virtual car park more than three times in the past fortnight.

The chaos overflowed to other main arterial roads across the city, including Bermuda St, Hope Island Rd and Brisbane Rd.

Peter Beattie of that GOLDOC thingy:

"What people see of the M1 now isn't what they'll see during the Games," he said at a recent press conference.

"Don't forget most of the events aren't held in peak hours ... and you've (also) got school holidays."

Imagine the absurdity of a place where the number of people INCREASES during the holiday period...

"GOLDOC has been working closely with the City (of Gold Coast) and Transport and Main Roads to ensure traffic is suitably managed during the Games, including for athletes travelling to and from venues.

Hence why my very limited plans for April involve me staying on my side of the Brisbane river.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsGoldCoast/status/952816070431195136

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/952817547690237952

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Commonwealth Games 2018: Gold Coasters urged to rethink travel plans

GOLD Coasters are set to be swamped by hundreds of advertisements urging them to help reduce road congestion during the Commonwealth Games.

The Get Set for the Games campaign, which launches today, asks locals to consider alternative travel options during the event in a bid to avoid overwhelming the city's already stretched road network.

The first television commercial will air during tonight's Big Bash cricket clash, while billboards and posters feature warnings such as 'The Gold Coast will get much busier than you think' and 'Expect long delays on Gold Coast roads'.

"GC2018 is a unique opportunity for the Gold Coast region and also presents a unique and complex transport challenge," Transport and Main Roads deputy director general Matthew Longland said.

"Travelling out of peak times, working from home and walking or cycling instead of driving are perfect examples of small changes that people can make to help make the Commonwealth Games a huge success."

The campaign warns people to "Expect long delays on Gold Coast roads."

Council chief executive Dale Dickson said the campaign would feature TV, radio, outdoor, print, digital, social, direct mail and website advertising.

Cyclists and walkers epitomise the message that Gold Coasters should "Rethink how you travel during the Games."

"Education and early planning is key," he said.

"People visiting our city for the Games and locals moving about will need to plan their journey. It can't simply be a decision to drive as there will be many changes to road networks."

More information on how to prepare for the Games can be found here.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/952826734176423937

[Stillwater]

Delays will impact residents of the Gold Coast but, miraculously, won't affect competitors or spectators.  This should be interesting. 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/952948258732630016

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/953027691346673664

[InclusionMoves]

Its amazing what a police escort can fix mate.

Delays will impact residents of the Gold Coast but, miraculously, won't affect competitors or spectators.  This should be interesting. 

[Cazza]

Its amazing what a police escort can fix mate.

Delays will impact residents of the Gold Coast but, miraculously, won't affect competitors or spectators.  This should be interesting. 

Who needs a police escort when you can make your own aye?