Gold Coast businesses given action plan to help avoid 2018 Commonwealth Games gridlock

GOLD Coast roads are predicted to be gridlocked during the 2018 Commonwealth Games with an estimated six million more journeys during the event. But authorities have a plan to prevent the city grinding to a halt.

Traffic is set to be gridlocked across the city during the Commonwealth Games. Photo: Kristy Muir

LOCAL businesses have been asked to keep their staff off the roads as Commonwealth Games organisers work to minimise the impact of six million extra trips on Gold Coast roads during the event.

More than 350 business owners attended the launch of the GC2018 Travel Advice for Business Program this morning, where they were asked to consider different work arrangments for their employees during the Commonwealth Games.

It includes reducing non-essential travel; allowing flexible work arrangements; encouraging staff to work from home or walk, cycle or take public transport; and review freight, servicing and delivery operations.

Businesses will be given a suite of support to make the changes, including information sessions, workshops, drop-in sessions and a supporting website under the program which is co-ordinated by the council, Goldoc and Queensland Government.

Department of Transport and Main Roads director general Neil Scales said during the Games, the transport network would need to operate differently to accommodate more than 6600 athletes and officials, 50,000 workers and volunteers, 3000 media personnel and up to 1.2 million spectators.

Businesses are being asked to be flexible with employee work commitments during the Games

“I encourage business operators on the Gold Coast to think about the transport and delivery arrangements they will need to put in place for Games time, and take advantage of the information and tailored support the GC2018 Travel Advice for Business program can provide,” he said.

“Six million extra journeys are estimated to be made across Gold Coast roads during the Games.

“Trips are likely to take longer, especially by car, on busy routes during peak times — as you would expect for a world-class sporting and cultural event of this scale.”

Traffic is predicted to be gridlocked during the Commonwealth Games.

Goldoc CEO Mark Peters said the comprehensive engagement program will also encourage employees to use alternative travel methods to the car.

“Walking, cycling, using public transport and carpooling to work are all encouraged during Games time,” Mr Peters said.

“Advice will also be provided to introduce more flexible ways of working such as changing working hours to avoid peak travel times.

“This will help employees increase their travel choices and get to where they need to go with more certainty.”

Mayor Tom Tate said everyone must ‘think ahead’, especially businesses who will play a vital role in keeping the city moving.

“It’s no secret our transport networks will be under pressure during the Games so by reducing non-Games travel during our busiest times we can help ensure the success of the Games,” he said.

“Some businesses may be able to implement flexible working hours and others may think about rescheduling deliveries. We want all businesses to engage with this program to ensure they are prepared for what will be an incredible event for our city.”

To register your business for the GC2018 Travel Advice for Business Program workshop and to access additional resources, visit getsetforthegames.com/business or call 1800 531 585.