By Duncan Mackay

Prince Tunku visits Gold Coast 2018 January 18 2013January 18 - The Gold Coast 2018 will host the best Commonwealth Games in history, the politician in charge of the preparations for the event pledged today. 


Jann Stuckey, Queensland's Minister for the Commonwealth Games, made the promise as Prince Tunku Imran (pictured above second left), the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), visited the city to inspect preparations for the event. 

"It is important for us to have a close working relationship with the CGF and I am sure they will continue to be impressed with our current planning and progress," said Stuckey.

"We had a very busy and productive 2012, achieving several key milestones including the establishment of the Games Corporation and its move to new premises.

"There was also the appointment of a Board and several committees to assist in the delivery of the Games, as well as the development of crucial foundation plans."

Prince Tunku was accompanied by CGF chief executive Mike Hooper and Bruce Robertson, chairman of the Gold Coast 2018 Coordination Commission.

Stuckey led an informal tour of the Gold Coast 2018 offices before they moved onto the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre where upgrade work is due to start soon.

Since Campbell Newman won the Queensland election last March to become the new Premier there have been claims that the Government intends to move many of the events to Brisbane, which hosted the 1982 Commonwealth Games.

Stuckey sought to reassure the CGF team that the original plans presented when the Gold Coast were awarded the Games in November 2011 ahead of Sri Lankan city Hambantota remained in place. 

"There is much to do but we are well and truly on track," she said.

"The Newman Government is determined to deliver the best Commonwealth Games ever, which will transform the Gold Coast and create tens of thousands of jobs, efficiently and effectively for all Queenslanders."

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