"While the Commission reviewed the overall status of works, we focused much of our attention for this visit on the elements of the Games which require the longest lead times such as venue development, security and transport arrangements.

"We have also reviewed budget, legacy plans and organisational build up; all very important aspects which enable Games delivery.

"We are completely satisfied with a number of aspects of the project and in fact impressed by a range of areas.

"The first meeting of the full Commission meeting included a number of detailed technical reviews by international Games experts in relation to programme and project management, venues and overlay, security and transport.

"These reviews identified a number of issues, none of which were surprises.

"The Gold Coast 2018 ship is on course, and there are no 'red flags'."

Jann Stuckey, the Queensland Minister in charge of the Commonwealth Games, promised that Gold Coast 2018 will deliver a "world-class event" ©Getty Images

Queensland's Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey was pleased with the report.

"The Coordination Commission brings great expertise in the delivery of this event," she said.

"Their recognition of work underway and already completed means that we are set to deliver a world-class event.

"This is a ringing endorsement for the tireless work that the Newman Government has been undertaking to deliver Australia's largest sporting event of the decade.

"I am delighted that the Commission has reinforced that we are well and truly on track and are in fact impressed with a number of areas in our planning.

"The delivery of major infrastructure projects such as the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre at the Southport Broadwater and the Commonwealth Games Village at the Gold Coast Parklands, are significant developments for these Games.

"Gold Coast 2018 have been meticulous with their attention to detail in planning and scheduling to ensure we deliver on key milestones.

"We are on time and on budget to stage a great Commonwealth Games and look forward to a productive year ahead."

Nigel Chamier, chairman of Gold Coast 2018, claimed that the visit would help ensure they delivered a good event.

"The information and feedback provided by the Coordination Commission will be incorporated into the ongoing strategic planning phase for Gold Coast 2018 and we look forward to learning from their experience and expertise as we move staging of a great Commonwealth Games," he said.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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