Gold Coast 2018

[micheal_warren]

Yes and when she presented last night it was very interesting!

Everyone had to wait and the doors opened and ALL THESE SUITS came marching in in single file, briefcase in tow, as Anna pounded her way to the podium.

She read a speach and part of it included "While we make up our mind of the coming months for consideration to make a formal bid and seek your feedback", followed by a 2 minute video.

Auckland presented next, a team of great people who had been mingling for days on the venue tours, letting everone know about their bid. Their 5 minute presentation was informative about the team behind an official bid (where Australia is not an official bid yet) and a 2 minute video.

Abuja got up and said "you already know eveything about us, and congratulations Glasgow on winning 2014, now its time to go to Abuja" with no video or powerpoint and oit lasted 30 seconds.

All of Oceania will vote New Zealand. The Carribean will vote New Zealand. Game Over.

Interesting, this is really encouraging and exciting from a New Zealand point of view. Do you know who was part of the Auckland presentation?

[NOC]

The Auckland Presentation was from members of their Olympic Committee, Sir John Wells, and Michael Barnett from the Auckland Council

[micheal_warren]

The Auckland Presentation was from members of their Olympic Committee, Sir John Wells, and Michael Barnett from the Auckland Council

Excellent thanks for that news.

[stevie]

Indeed, im starting to get a bit excited about this. Micheal, Matty, Alex and I finally might have some invested interest in a bid race!

[micheal_warren]

Indeed, im starting to get a bit excited about this. Micheal, Matty, Alex and I finally might have some invested interest in a bid race!

Exactly what I was thinking

[jim jones]

Yes and when she presented last night it was very interesting!

Everyone had to wait and the doors opened and ALL THESE SUITS came marching in in single file, briefcase in tow, as Anna pounded her way to the podium.

She read a speach and part of it included "While we make up our mind of the coming months for consideration to make a formal bid and seek your feedback", followed by a 2 minute video.

Auckland presented next, a team of great people who had been mingling for days on the venue tours, letting everone know about their bid. Their 5 minute presentation was informative about the team behind an official bid (where Australia is not an official bid yet) and a 2 minute video.

Abuja got up and said "you already know eveything about us, and congratulations Glasgow on winning 2014, now its time to go to Abuja" with no video or powerpoint and oit lasted 30 seconds.

All of Oceania will vote New Zealand. The Carribean will vote New Zealand. Game Over.

Not according to History of Commonwealth games bid vote results will the Caribbean votes go to Auckland If Abuja or any Candidate outside of Asia or Oceania Bids.

51 of the Votes are maximums of 12 hour flight durations from Abuja , The Average flight duration for Auckland or Gold Coast from those 51 votes is in the 30 hour range . Sports Admins generally try to avoid long duration flights if possible. with 70 or 71 votes you only need either 35 or 36 to gain a majority.

The Caribbean is going to be serviced in the near Future by Nigeria's Arik Air with Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago With a Aribus that could take the entire 2006 Athletes group for the Caribbean in one flight to Lagos Nigeria. Delta Air Lines has New York to Abuja and Atlanta to Lagos flights . Port of Spain in the Southern Caribbean is about a 6 hour flight to Lagos and a further 1 hour to Abuja. This was not the case when the 2014 bid was forwarded . Air routes direct to Abuja, Nigeria airlines are expanding service and the western Caribbean and Belize will be serviced with a one stop over in Houston with flight Directly to Nigeria. The 2014 bid with best information would have had Athletes for the Caribbean and America's flying in to Abuja via London , Paris or Frankfurt for the games . Glasgow being in Europe presents the possibility of just a few hours hop from most of these airports and continental Europe where most Caribbean Athletes Train and compete in the summer. Abuja would add 8 hours to that Trip for 2014. In the case of 2018 the flight time for an Abuja hosted games is actually less for many parts of the Caribbean then to go to Glasgow.

Australia has never won an international bid competition for the games . New Zealand has only won VS Australia and India . New Zealand for the 1970 games could not win against second time bidder Edinburgh '70. Christchurch came back to bid on 1974 defeating former Olympic city Melbourne with a 36 to 2 margin.

Second time Bidders have won 66 percent of the time and no commonwealth region has ever had to go to a fourth election to win their first hosting . Abuja 2018 will be the Third Candidacy coming from Africa. Salisbury Rhodesia bid unsuccessfully for 1966 , Abuja 2014 was the second bid for Africa. THe next African bid whether it be Abuja Durban or Nairobi would have that history on its side.

The only real possibility for Oceania to win is without a Candidate west of 77 degrees Longitude or New Delhi. Auckland beat New Delhi on New Delhi's first attempt 20 to 12 with New Delhi deciding to step to the Microphone at lunch at the LA 84 games, hours before the decision, and declaring they wanted to stage the games. Auckland had prepared a bid and thought they would be unopposed. Canada actually voted for New Delhi .

The Factor Abuja should present is that Their 2014 Promises in Regards to Accoms and Transportation for 2014 are not only being kept but indeed exceeded.

This cannot be said for the 2014 victor Glasgow.

Mike Fennel pointed to resolution of the Niger Delta Conflict as something to reassure voters . That is being accomplished via an amnesty program that has been very successful . Abuja 2018 will also be able to point to the U17 2006 Fifa Tournament being held this month which the legacy has provided all Training ground for Rugby Sevens in the Abuja Area that are required to host the games. That was an Ided peice of the Abuja 2014 bid that was missing according to the evaluation report. 100 kms of LRT are well underway in Abuja . The Entire motorway system is going to 5 lanes per direction compared with the 4 lanes promised for 2014 and to be completed sooner then the 2014 scheduling had in the bid. Glasgow well they will not have what was promise with the cancellation of GARL Glasgow Airport Rail Link. Even Glasgow Politicians believe that piece of Transportation Works we essential to winning the 2014 bid.

Jim Jones

[Sir Rols]

November 6 - A $1 billion (£570 million) bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games from the Gold Coast has made a big step closer after Event Knowledge Services (EKS), who had been carrying out an audit, gave it a positive report, the city's Mayor Ron Clarke (pictured) said today.

EKS, a Swiss company who provides a full suite of consulting services and knowledge transfer support across the total event landscape, investigated whether the Gold Coast had the capabilities to host the Games across a range of areas, including transport, security, accommodation, venues and finances.

The five-person EKS technical review team has spent the past week staying in Brisbane and travelling to the Gold Coast.

The members held a private briefing for key Commonwealth Games bid stakeholders today.

Clarke said: "They have come here and we've come out with a near-perfect report card.

"They told me that the city has a lot going for it, especially in the accommodation sector.

"Our infrastructure already accommodates for 60-100,000 at any time of the year through our tourism industry.

"We have much bigger flexibility compared to other cities."

During their visit to Queensland, the EKS staff visited Carrara stadium, Southport Olympic pool, Skilled Park, Belmont shooting range, indoor venues in north Queensland, Broadbeach Bowls Club and the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre.

Clarke, a former world record holder for the 10,000 metres and winner of four medals at three Commonwealth Games, said a decision on whether Gold Coast will bid would be finalised at an Australian Commonwealth Games Association (ACGA) meeting before Christmas.

If it is endorsed, a final submission would be made early next year.

Clarke said: "We've got the scope to put on a great show.

"I've been involved in three Commonwealth Games and I am already picturing the marathon and triathlon showcasing our great city."

Perry Crosswhite, the chief executive of the ACGA, was positive about a potential bid from the Gold Coast to follow Glasgow, which is hosting the 2014 Games, claiming it would have "a very good chance" of winning if the Australian Government provided financial and logistical support.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh last month visited New Delhi, the site of the 2010 Games, to meet senior officials from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

If it bids, the Gold Coast would be expected to be up against Abuja in Nigeria, Auckland in New Zealand and Durban in South Africa.

The CGF is due to choose the host city for 2018 at its meeting in St Kitts and Nevis in November 2011.

Insidethegames.biz

Edited November 6, 2009 by Sir Roltel

[micheal_warren]

Interesting. Thanks for posting this article.

It will be an interesting race. I haven't heard anything about the Auckland bid lately.

[Sir Rols]

Hmmmm

Coast Games bid needs a little TLC

Geoff Chambers | December 18th, 2009

THE Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games bid is on life support.

Despite attracting interest from Commonwealth Games delegates and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, the bid is on shaky ground.

Premier Anna Bligh yesterday said if the bid was not successful, the Coast would definitely host games during the FIFA World Cup in 2018.

"We put our hat in the ring. If we got the World Cup, there might have to be some reconsideration of the bid. I'm just being honest about it," she said.

Mr Rudd has failed to offer any funding for the Games bid, instead directing his attention to the FIFA World Cup.

Australian Commonwealth Games Association chief executive Perry Crosswhite has said the bid would require substantial federal support.

Ms Bligh said the decision for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup host countries would be made next December.

In the meantime, the ACGA will decide in the new year whether to pursue the Gold Coast bid.

"The ACGA has made it absolutely clear to me that if they decide that Australia should bid, there is only one place to consider and that is the Gold Coast," she said.

"They were excited about what the Gold Coast has to offer versus any other capital city in Australia. They think its the Gold Coast that would give us the competitive edge in a bid."

Ms Bligh, who travelled to Delhi to speak with Commonwealth Games delegates in October, said the FIFA decision was a serious threat to the Coast bid.

"I expect that it will be a factor that needs to be taken into account.

"The emergence of a serious bid by Auckland will also be taken into account, but without a doubt the Gold Coast is in play and we are going to back it to the hilt."

Ms Bligh said she was looking forward to hosting FIFA World Cup matches on the Gold Coast in 2018.

Gold Coast Bulletin

[Sir Rols]

World Cup snub big boost for Coast Games bid

January 28th, 2010

A POSSIBLY fatal blow to Australia's $45 million bid to host the 2018 soccer World Cup could be good news for the Gold Coast with a renewed push to get vital Federal Government funding for the 2018 Commonwealth Games bid.

Soccer governing body FIFA yesterday announced it would probably only consider bids from European countries to host the 2018 Cup, the snub raising hopes the Federal Government will now abandon its stumbling bid and concentrate on the more realistic attempt to lure the Commonwealth Games to the Gold Coast.

But it is not all smooth sailing for the Commonwealth Games bid team, with speculation Geoff Dixon -- the NSW-based chairman of Queensland Events who had been conducting a feasibility study for the Games to come to the Gold Coast -- will now be given a bigger role in the World Cup bid process.

In November Mr Dixon was appointed by the Federal Government to assist with the World Cup bid and is now expected to take on a more high-profile role.

Premier Anna Bligh said yesterday the FIFA announcement could benefit the Coast.

"This is good news for our Commonwealth Games bid. It's now full steam ahead and we will be working hard to get everyone on board," she said.

Although Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has given his support for the Commonwealth Games bid he has refused to contribute any funding because of the $45 million contributed to the more risky World Cup hosting attempt.

If Australia does continue with a bid for the 2022 World Cup it will be up against the United States, Qatar, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea.

The Australian Commonwealth Games Association is due to meet early this year to decide whether an Australian bid for the 2018 games will proceed.

Gold Coast Bulletin

Well, apart from the mention of dropping the 2022 WC bid (that's NOT gonna happen), it IS good news for the GC bid if FIFA restricts 2018 to Europe. It will remove the distraction for the GC CWG bid.

BTW, if anyone's missing the World According to JJ, click on the Gold Coast Bulletin link - he's still fighting his Jihad.

[Sir Rols]

Well, it (again) seems to be on!

Coast Games bid up and running

THE campaign to secure the Commonwealth Games for the Gold Coast in 2018 has officially been launched, with the State Government kickstarting the bidding process with an $11 million fighting fund.

A glowing report from Commonwealth Games Federation's scouts who were impressed by the Gold Coast's facilities sealed the Government's determination to go ahead with the bid.

Premier Anna Bligh said the official review of the Coast's Games prospects had stacked up in key areas of facilities, accommodation and transport.

The Government would now go ahead with formal advice to the Australian Commonwealth Games Association that the Government fully supported the Gold Coast being nominated by the Association to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The Premier said the bidding process over the next year could cost up to $11 million but the Games would be a major boost for jobs and tourism.

"That will be money well spent because not only will we have the chance to host a very significant event with major economic benefits for the state, the coastal strip will benefit with a significant boost to its infrastructure," she said. "That will not only include new and upgraded sporting facilities, but improvements and upgrades to roads and other transport networks and new housing developments.

"This is a win-win for the Coast and I'm determined that our government pull together the best bid possible to put Queensland out there as the front-runner for this event."

The Games will potentially create up to 30,000 jobs on the Coast, both in the lead-up and during the planned 2018 event, across a range of industries including construction, manufacturing, recreation, cultural and business services.

"Additionally, this is our opportunity to showcase the Coast to the world -- and that delivers a huge boost to our tourism industry," she said.

The report by Event Knowledge Services -- the group responsible for reviewing potential locations for the Commonwealth Games Federation -- found the Gold Coast was more than capable of hosting an event of the magnitude of the Games.

Focusing on four key areas -- the Games Masterplan, venues, transport networks and security, the review found the city could present a compact and efficient Masterplan for a Commonwealth Games bid.

Under the plan, the Gold Coast region would host all core sporting events, with a handful of additional events in Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville.

Other locations in competition with the Coast for the 2018 bid include Abuja in Nigeria, with Auckland also considering a bid.

"So the competition is steep but we are determined to give this our best shot," she said. "The Coast already has a proven track record of hosting successful international sporting events and that will be a key factor in a successful bid."

The deadline for the candidate cities to notify of intention to bid is March 31, with a decision on the host city expected to be announced before the end of 2011.

Gold Coast Bulletin

Thank God for that! With Auckland looking shaky to go ahead, I was getting worried the only bidder might be that one in Nigeria that shall not be named! Actually, I wonder if this means the Queenslanders have been told by the Kiwis Auckland isn't going ahead. Previous reports indicated going ahead with the GC bid was a dependent on NZ's plans.

Edited March 15, 2010 by Sir Roltel

[Alexjc]

Well....The path is all clear for Gold Coast to bid now that Auckland has pulled out of the 2018 bid.

Gold Coast would be a delightfull addition to the Commonwealth Games Hosts family. An unusual venue, alot like Edmonton '78 where not many people even heard of the place. A great holiday destination for Aussies and Kiwis alike. The whole area is pretty much built for leasure.

Go for it Gold Coast.

[Rafa]

Will the CWG Federation go for a "safe host" post Delhi 2010?

[Brekkie Boy]

At this moment in time I'd say they definately should, but should Delhi turn out to be a huge success, I'd imagine they'd be much more confident in moving into Africa.

When would the Gold Coast propose to hold their games - it's getting a bit ridiculous now with them March one games, October the next. I know June - August is probably out of the question, but April/May or September wouldn't be too bad. I'd just like more than a couple of weeks between the Winter Olympics and the Commonwealth Games!

[Sir Rols]

Will the CWG Federation go for a "safe host" post Delhi 2010?

That's the question I suppose, and I guess won't be answered (if then) till the fat lady in the Sari sings. I think it's fair to say though that at this stage Delhi's preps aren't doing any borderline hosts any favours. And as for, ahem, Abuja, well Nigeria still seems to slip into regular outbreaks of sectarian violence with triple digit death tolls every few months.

And the Aussie fatigue factor is fair enough. Even our games chief ws quoted in AAP as saying it might be a bit too early:

Australian Commonwealth Games Association chief executive Perry Crosswhite told AAP on Monday the Gold Coast bid was hindered by the fact that Australia held the last Games in Melbourne in 2006.

"That would be something that people will ask questions about," he said.

"It's not going to be easy because Nigeria, and Africa for that matter, have never had the Games before.

"Every country seems to take their turn ... It's a little bit early. Maybe one Games early."

At this stage, I'd rate it as evens between the two.

e

I suppose what puzzles me is that last wek there was talk of a March 31 deadline for bids, yet all the reports I've seen from here and NZ this week are now mentioning May next year. I wonder if the CGF are leaving the window open a bit longer to see if they can entice any more promising starters.

I still have hopes the South Africans might get enthusiastic after the WC. July-August this year shouldn't be too late to get a bid rolling.

When would the Gold Coast propose to hold their games - it's getting a bit ridiculous now with them March one games, October the next. I know June - August is probably out of the question, but April/May or September wouldn't be too bad. I'd just like more than a couple of weeks between the Winter Olympics and the Commonwealth Games!

Well, I won't try to claim the Gold Coast is still a tropical wonderland in mid-winter (July-August), but it's still pretty mild enough. April-May and September are definitely possible, even most desirable. Probably the loveliest time weather wise when it's still warm without being too hot (or wet, as is likely in high summer).

Edited March 16, 2010 by Sir Roltel

[Alexjc]

If the CGF is holding off a deadline for a year then prehaps they really don't want another Australian bid so soon and are cringing Abuja walking playing the african card.

It seems they're holding out for a South African city to ride in on the wave of the 2010 FifaWC success. Still if no one else wants them...Maybee the games themselves need to be looked at.

[Sir Rols]

Hmmmmm. Put it this way. I still can't pin down if it would fit in with their schedule or not, but I don't think they'd knock back at another bid if a serious one surfaced by the middle of the year.

Anyway, maybe waiting for South Africa is just wishful thinking. If the WC comes off well, they probably will start getting starry-eyed about an Olympics. I doubt they'd bid on both the SOGs and the CWGs at the same time.

Edited March 17, 2010 by Sir Roltel

[Brekkie Boy]

I suppose what puzzles me is that last wek there was talk of a March 31 deadline for bids, yet all the reports I've seen from here and NZ this week are now mentioning May next year. I wonder if the CGF are leaving the window open a bit longer to see if they can entice any more promising starters.

I still have hopes the South Africans might get enthusiastic after the WC. July-August this year shouldn't be too late to get a bid rolling.

Well, I won't try to claim the Gold Coast is still a tropical wonderland in mid-winter (July-August), but it's still pretty mild enough. April-May and September are definitely possible, even most desirable. Probably the loveliest time weather wise when it's still warm without being too hot (or wet, as is likely in high summer).

When are the games due to be awarded - sometime next year I guess?

I imagine realistically it's too late to get a bid off the ground for South Africa now - though IMO in the next couple of decades they are Africa's only realistic hope of getting the games, though unlike other African countries, should South Africa bid for the Olympics I'd imagine they'd always be a strong contender. It's a gamble really - do they go straight in for the Olympics, or delay their Olympic dreams and show they can host an event such as the Commonwealth Games first - but if they were to host those in 2018, I think we'd be looking at 2028 (2024 at a push) for South Africa to be bidding for the Olympics.

[Sir Rols]

Well, it's official now. The Feds are on boatrd and the application's in the mail (well, immininetly):

Coast Commonwealth Games bid backed

IT came right down to the wire but the Australian Commonwealth Games Association and the Federal Government have finally endorsed the Gold Coast's bid to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

ACGA president Sam Coffa will today join Premier Anna Bligh and Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke in Brisbane to officially sign the documents notifying the Commonwealth Games Federation that the Gold Coast will be Australia's candidate city.

A letter of support from the Federal Government will be included in the bid notification, which must be received at the Federation's London headquarters by the end of today.

A comprehensive proposal costing $11 million will now be developed over the next year to be lodged with the Federation in May 2011.

"It's terrific that we can today officially announce we will be joining with ACGA on the bid to host one of the world's great events in one of the world's great cities," said Ms Bligh.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity -- hosting this international event has the potential to bring enormous economic benefit to the region and would also act as a catalyst for transport, multi-purpose venues and accommodation infrastructure.

"Everyone who witnessed the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane understands it was a major milestone in the city's development."

Ms Bligh said the ACGA would now advise the Commonwealth Games Federation that the Acceptance of the Candidature procedure had today been signed by all three parties.

Cr Clarke said the Gold Coast already had a successful history in supporting and hosting major international events.

"Given Gold Coast's extensive track record of supporting and hosting major international events, I believe we can successfully host the Commonwealth Games in 2018," she said.

"I know that our local community will get right behind this wonderful sporting event."

Ms Bligh said the Games would be a major boost for jobs and economic development, strengthen the tourism industry and make the Gold Coast one of the premier elite athlete training centres in the Asia-Pacific region.

Planning will begin for a new velodrome, an upgrade of the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, further work on the Carrara stadium to accommodate track and field and construction of accommodation for the Athletes Village at Southport, which would later become high-density housing and office space.

A decision on the host city will be made in November 2011.

The Gold Coast's only known competition at this stage is Abuja in Nigeria, after Auckland's withdrawal from the bidding process.

Gold Coast Bulletin

[Alexjc]

Yaaaaaaay!

This is good news for the Commonwealth...And a new city that has never been considered before. Go for it Gold Coast!

Look what you missed out on Auckland... But then we know why now.

My only concern is that Abuja is going to pull out all stops to secure 2018 and they will use the "Australia again!" card. This would scare the CGF if Gold Coast wins as this would signal to the African nations "why bother". May be we need a South African city to jump in...

This is going to be a real Watch This Space thread.

[Brekkie Boy]

If Abuja took that approach though it would prove they're not up to hosting. They need to do what Rio did and keep that message quite subtle and in the background, sorting out the technicalities first.

[Rafa]

Golden Games

[4gamesandcounting]

I think we can safely say the games will be in GC. I'll be coming over for it I am sure!

[Sir Rols]

I think we can safely say the games will be in GC. I'll be coming over for it I am sure!

Yeah, this really is just a going through the motions campaign. I'd be surprised if Hakuna-matata lasts the distance to the vote. Surely not even JJ could spin it that it had a snowball's chances of surviving in Surfer's Paradise to win out.

[cube]

i was reading some old post and threads, and after Melbourne 2006 everyone was thinking australia will host not before 2026 again, and now they will get the GC already in 2018 - congrats