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FORMER Queensland Premier Peter Beattie will head up the city's most talked about event, after being appointed the new chair of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC).
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the announcement at Coolangatta this morning saying that Beattie, who served as Premier from 1998 to 2007, will replace current chair Nigel Chamier.
Beattie will be joined on the GOLDOC board by former editor-in-chief of the Gold Coast Bulletin Bob Gordon.
Palaszczuk says Beattie and Gordon are passionate Queenslanders with strong connections to the corporate community.
"As Premier, Peter Beattie secured 2001 Goodwill Games and this was another major opportunity to showcase Queensland globally," she says.
"Through his experience and energy, Peter will help my Government ensure the 2018 games are the best ever.
"His role as a Trade Commissioner will be invaluable to reach out to international corporate sponsors and ambassadors for the games. It's also critical that we can maximise the benefits for local businesses and local jobs with the games."
Palaszczuk says Gordon will provide a strong understanding of the Gold Coast region and help ensure the local community and businesses seize on the opportunities presented by the games.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games will showcase Queensland and its people to an audience of more than 1.5 billion people across the world.
The event has already had a significant impact with more than 5700 workers already engaged to date.
It is expected the games will generate 30,000 jobs and inject more than $2 billion into Queensland's economy.
The games, to be held from 4 to 15 April 2018, will feature 6600 athletes and officials from 71 Commonwealth nations and territories.
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