The 12 Oceania representatives are part of a delegation currently visiting the Australian city to inspect its bid.

Cook Islands delegate Sir Geoffrey Henry revealed that he and his colleagues had decided last October during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi that they would vote for the Gold Coast.

"We're all voting as a block," Sir Geoffrey, President of the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee, told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

The Oceania group is made up of the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu

"We talked about it a long time ago," said Sir Geoffrey, who has twice been the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands.

"We've been to Delhi and we really don't want to go back there.

"I'd rather come here."

Henry's comments about Delhi will be a major blow to Hambantota, the Gold Coast's only rival, who have spent much of the campaign trying to distance themselves from comparisons with the event in the Indian capital, which was overshadowed by problems in the build-up, including doubts over whether the facilities would be ready in time.

"The lifestyle is good, the people are friendly and it's a good place to be," said Sir Geoffrey.

"We believe Australia can assist in sport development better than Sri Lanka."

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