Concerns have emerged over costs at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre ©Getty Images

A former Lord Mayor of Brisbane has claimed that Gold Coast 2018 facilities could become a burden on the public purse after the Commonwealth Games.

The Gold Coast Aquatics Centre has already lost money since redevelopment work was completed in 2014, it has been claimed. 

Jim Soorley, Lord Mayor of Brisbane between 1991 and 2003, drew a parallel with the state of his city after it played host to the 1982 Commonwealth Games.

"All of Brisbane’s 1982 Commonwealth Games facilities were white elephants which we had to transfer to the State Government because of the money they lost," he was quoted as saying by the Gold Coast Bulletin.

"They will all lose money and will never pay their way."

According to local authority figures, the Aquatics Centre generated revenues of AUD$3 million (£1.8 million/$2.2 million/€2.1 million) over the past year.

Expenditure figures have not been quoted, but the Gold Coast Bulletin quotes Council insiders claim the Centre is losing money.

Former Brisbane Lord Mayor Jim Soorley claims venues used in his city at the 1982 Commonwealth Games have become white elephants since the event ©Getty Images
Former Brisbane Lord Mayor Jim Soorley claims venues used in his city at the 1982 Commonwealth Games have become white elephants since the event ©Getty Images

The Aquatics Centre first opened in the 1960s but has undergone an AUD$41 million (£30 million/$24 million/€28 million) renovation in time for the Games.

Major events to have taken place there since the re-opening include the 2014 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships and the Australian Water Polo Championships.

"The centre has also developed a reputation for training excellence with 18 international elite training camps hosted for swimming, diving and other sports," a Council spokesman said.

Other officials claim it has had a far wider benefit helping enhance sporting opportunities.

"I take my kids down there on Sunday and I’m not sure a financial model is a great way to measure its success," Gold Coast Combined Chamber of Commerce President Martin Brady told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

"You also have to look at sports and fitness participation and the outcome in making us a healthy city.

"It’s more about the economic multiplier they bring in."

insidethegames has asked Gold Coast 2018 for a comment.