Government’s Commonwealth Games planning sorely lacking for Gold Coast’s biggest event in a generation

THE State Government is not looking to make changes to its organisation of the 2018 Commonwealth Games despite a scathing auditor-general’s report.

Jann Stuckey (fourth from left), Minister for Tourism, Major Events and Small Business, Mark Peters (second from left), CEO, Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games with athletes Jake Duffy (left), Michael Shelley, Melanie Schlanger, Wesley Caulkett and Wade Townsend during the unveiling of the games flag at Metricon Stadium in Carrara, Gold Coast. Picture: Regi Varghese

THE State Government is not looking to make any changes in its organisation of the 2018 Commonwealth Games — despite a scathing report from the state’s top bean counter before Christmas.

Queensland Auditor-General Andrew Greaves was particularly critical of the direction and funding for the legacy program, which was aimed at delivering long-term benefits for the Gold Coast and the state for years to come.

In the document tabled to State Parliament on December 16 he pointed out: “The current legacy strategy lacks detail on measuring the intended achievements and benefits to the community”.

The fact legacy outcomes were unfunded was raised as well.

ELECTION NEWS: BROADWATER MP’S BIZARRE ELECTION MELTDOWN

Mr Greaves went on to highlight the lack of accountability surrounding the event’s organisation because of the number of departments and groups involved.

The issues are largely the responsibility of Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey, who is charged with the event delivery.

And this week she seemed unconcerned about the matters.

When asked about legacy, Ms Stuckey instead chose to discuss the delivery of Games venues, which is actually the responsibility her parliamentary colleague, Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney.

“It is very important to note that we are on track — we are on time and we are on budget,” she said.

Then Ms Stuckey went on to say that “legacy was more about how a community embraces an event like this”, ignoring the fact that it was up to her to ensure that happened.

Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce president Peter Yared said the government needed to recognise the importance of the Commonwealth Games if the city was going to get the most out of it in the long term.

“This is the most crucial event in the next 30 years for the Gold Coast,” he said.

Political insiders said the government had struggled with legacy planning ever since it dumped the council formed Commonwealth Games Legacy Committee and established its own Embracing 2018 Advisory Committee in May last year.

Most of the work that was done by council’s committee was disregarded, while the State Government group, which is also headed up by former Premier Rob Borbidge, has been forced to rubber stamp recommendations put to it by Office of Commonwealth Games Coordination.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: “Legacy planning must be of a utmost priority and it is important any body carrying out this work is properly resourced and utilised.”

“I note the Auditor-General shares the same view and I would expect the community shares it too.”

“For our own part, legacy considerations are now enshrined in the Corporate Plan which means every Council decision is tested against its contribution to the Games.”

Gimmie 5

Gold Coast’s wish list for 2015