The 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games won’t be a “Rolls Royce” affair, the Queensland government says.
As the new government works to rein in the state’s debt, Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey has warned spectator capacity at some venues will be reduced as part of a strong focus on keeping costs down.
That didn’t seem to bother Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Tunku Imran in the least.
The Malaysian prince even offered to help identify areas where savings might be made.
“There is no need for a Rolls Royce Games when a Toyota will suffice,” he told reporters on the Gold Coast on Wednesday.
“For instance we try to put not such a high Olympic style standard on some services.
“We also feel you do not have to have huge spectator areas and we are always trying to help host cities in not having white elephants, which is not productive at all.”
He even held out the prospect of tinkering with some of the promises made in the Gold Coast’s games bid.
” … if the organising committee comes up with proposals that will not impact the delivery of the Games we will be very supportive,” he said.
Ms Stuckey said it was important to be realistic about demand for tickets at events such as weight lifting.
“I believe a lot of costs will be able to be trimmed back by sitting down with the federation and being able to look at events specifically and venues to assess the genuine capacity need,” she said.
She also refused to rule out putting the 6500 athletes up in transportable dongas.
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