The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Coordination Commission, chaired by Canada's Bruce Robertson, offered a glowing assessment.

“We have seen an impressive increase in the pace and thoroughness of the cross-partner preparations for the XXI Commonwealth Games," said Robertson.

“I have no doubt that Gold Coast, Queensland and Australia will deliver a great Games; all the building blocks are in place.

“The thrilling challenge now, which I know the Games Partners welcome, is to seek out opportunities to deliver even further benefits for local communities.

"This has been a little unique for me in the sense that you can already feel that this is going to be a fantastic success."

Nigel Chamier, chairman of Gold Coast 2018, promised the CGF team, which also included its chief executive David Grevemberg, who had been in charge of preparations for Glasgow 2014, they would maintain the pace.

“It is so reassuring that by this time next year all of our new venues will be complete so throughout 2017 we will have an opportunity to trail all our venues and smooth out any issues that may occur,’’ he said.

“I don’t think we could have done any better.

"I can also assure you we are under budget.’’

With just over two years to go to the Opening Ceremony, the Coordination Commission focused on progress and integrated planning in a number of areas key to the success of the Games, such as legacy, sponsorship and transport.

In addition, they visited a number of venues and the Athletes' Village development site.

Meetings also took place with Queensland's Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.

A meeting is due to take place in Sydney next week with the Australian Government’s Minister for Sport, Sussan Ley.

"We are fast approaching ‘two years to go’, a critical planning and delivery milestone in the countdown to the moment when 6,500 athletes and officials from 71 nations and territories gather on the Gold Coast for one of the world’s finest and friendliest sporting extravaganzas," said Robertson. 

“There is much to celebrate.

"The Coordination Commission members and I have enjoyed our site visits, giving us real confidence that all venues, including the Athlete’s Village, will be delivered on time and will be excellent long-term investments for the citizens of the Gold Coast.

“We hope to travel north to the other host cities in Townsville and Cairns on our next visit.

“We are also delighted that the second stage of the Light Rail has been confirmed.

"The light rail extension will be a great asset for the city, and the welcome impact this will have on the overall Games transport solution cannot be underestimated.

“Ultimately, the Commonwealth Games are about bringing together athletes and communities, and we are impressed with the Games Partners plans for a continued and lasting legacy for the citizens of the Gold Coast, Queensland and Australia.

"This includes a great many inspiring projects and initiatives, including particularly exciting plans to engage with the cultural sector and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“We leave with a clear sense that under the leadership of Gold Coast 2018, the partners have a shared momentum and commitment.

“There is no room for complacency: the next twelve months will pass quicker than any before and in these projects time is never your friend."

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