Delegates are set to vote on which city will host the 2018 event here this evening at the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly and Bligh, who is playing a key role for the Gold Coast bid team, says it is an exciting but nervous time.

"We're at the nail biting end of this bid and it's a very nerve wracking time," she said.

"But I'm confident that what the Gold Coast will offer the Commonwealth Games is a world class sporting event.

"You always go into these votes knowing that you can win or lose them but we have put every effort into winning.

"A successful Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast could only further boost our reputation as the world's preeminent year-round elite training location and reinforce our tourism reputation.

"It could generate up to $2 billion (£1.3 billion/€1.5 billion) in economic benefits, with the equivalent of up to 30,000 full time jobs created between 2015 and 2020.

"In addition, it would be the only major international sporting event held in Australia in the next decade."


Exactly 70 Commonwealth nations and territories will vote on the hosts rather the usual 71 because Ghana did not turn up following elections in the country last week.

Each city requires 36 votes to win but should it be a draw with 35 votes apiece, CGF President Mike Fennell will be given the casting vote.

Following presentations from the two bid cities, voters will use the wireless electronic keyboards for the first time ever at a CGF General Assembly and have been told that they need to press four to back the Gold Coast and nine for Hambantota.

Fennell will make the announcement on who will host the event at 6pm local time in the Jamaican's last act as CGF President before handing over to Prince Tunku Imran of Malaysia.

The announcement will be available to view live on the CGF's website here.

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