Bligh said they were still determined to secure the Games, despite the huge rebuilding task after Queensland's floods and cyclones which devastated the region at the end of last year, killing 35 people and causing an estimated $1 billion (£647 million) worth of damage.

"As we recover from these disasters it is important that we do not lose momentum and continue to seek out new opportunities for Queensland," Bligh told Queensland's Parliament.

"I believe it is important at times like these, to back ourselves, to believe in ourselves, and to be out there and be competitive on the global stage."

Bligh claimed that there was there was a precedent as Brisbane had held the 1982 Commonwealth Games eight years after the devastating 1974 flood - and the Commonwealth Games would be held eight years after this summer's disasters.

Bligh is due to travel with Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke, the former multiple world record holder and a four-time Commonwealth Games silver medallist, and the Australian Commonwealth Games Association to submit the 240-page bid book on May 11.

Queensland plans to spend $11 million (£7 million) on its bid and invest more than $1 billion (£647 million) in infrastructure, including an upgraded aquatic centre, new velodrome and athletes' village.

Bligh said the details of the bid were being finalised and would be revealed fully next month.

"This is a very detailed and technical document outlining exactly how we would deliver the 2018 Commonwealth [Games] at the Gold Coast, and the end product would be very impressive," she said.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Evaluation Committee are due visit the Gold Coast in June to assess the city's capability of hosting the Games before travelling to Hambantota in Sri Lanka, Australia's only rival.

The CGF are due to announce the host city at a meeting in St Kitts and Nevis on November 11.

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