This follows the establishment of a Cabinet Committee which will provide "strategic direction" for the delivery of the Games, after an audit found there was no single source of accountability or authority for the overall management.

But officials have insisted preparations remain on time and on budget, with the three-years-to-go milestone a good way to illustrate this. 

Celebratory events will begin tomorrow with an "Early Risers breakfast" at the Sofitel Hotel in Broadbeach, with guest speakers including three-time Paralympic track gold medallist Kurt Fearnley and Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones.

On Saturday (April 4), a community celebration is scheduled at Kurrawa Park at Broadbeach, with radio stations Sea FM and Gold FM hosting a live outside broadcast amid a community celebration featuring athlete and celebrity appearances and challenges.

Other planned events include a commemorative lapel pin promotion and signed surfboard giveaway.

Excitement has been building for Gold Coast 2018 ever since the conclusion of last year's Games in Glasgow ©Getty Images



"The 2018 Games are an opportunity to showcase Queensland to the world," said Minister Jones.

"The Games will bring enormous benefits to our state in many different areas of our community including sport, business, education and tourism.

"As we celebrate 'three years to go', now is the time to get excited and prepare to be involved in an event that no one will ever forget being a part of."

Gold Coast 2018 chairman Nigel Chamier added: 'Three years to go' is a very significant occasion for GC2018.

"Our operational planning is progressing very well and we are extremely keen to ensure the highest levels of community benefit, engagement and pride are achieved from everything we do.

"We encourage everyone to embrace the many opportunities and high excitement the 2018 Games will bring and thoroughly enjoy being a part of what will be a unique next three years.

"Everything is well and truly on track for a great Commonwealth Games in 2018."

The Games, due to take place from April 4 to 15, 2018, should feature 18 competition venues located on the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns.

Approximately 6,500 athletes and team officials from 71 nations and territories are expected to compete across 17 different sports.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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