COUNCIL’S Commonwealth Games advocacy has paid off, with a swathe of short and long term benefits flowing into the region, according to mayor Karen Williams.
Cr Williams said the Games brought potential for benefits that spanned tourism and economic growth, trade and business, arts and culture, and sports and healthy lifestyle.
“Being part of the 2018 Commonwealth Games is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and council has been working with the community and local businesses in the years leading up to the event, to ensure long-lasting cultural and eco-tourism tourism benefits.
“Our athletes shone with three bringing home gold – Shayna Jack of Alexandra Hills won gold in the women's 4 x 100m freestyle relay, Melissa Wu from Thornlands won gold for the women's 10m platform (diving) and Zac Alexander landed gold in men's doubles gold medal match in squash.
“Paige Leonhardt from Mount Cotton brought home silver in the women's SB9 100m breaststroke while Daniel Fox from Cleveland won bronze in the men's S14 200m freestyle.
“Matthew Barnard from Ormiston also showed true sportsmanship in diving events, while ex-Ormiston College student and diver, James Connor won bronze in the men's 3m Springboard.”
More than 60 of England’s cycling and shooting teams were at the Anna Meares Velodrome, Chandler and Belmont Shooting Range.
Scotland also came to town, running a swimming and athletics sessions at Sheldon College.
Cr Tracey Huges said hosting England at the Alexandra Hills Hotel was a privilege for the city.
“Their presence hasn’t gone unnoticed and we hope they have enjoyed their stay and will share fond memories of their warm welcome when they return home.”
Cr Williams said the city enjoyed national and international media exposure from the two Queen’s Baton Relays events.
“They enabled us to profile our mainland and North Stradbroke Island communities, highlighting the regions spectacular tourism assets and showcasing our Quandamooka heritage,” she said.
“Those memories will live on as we commemorate those magical moments with plaques at both Raby Bay and Point Lookout to serve as a permanent reminder of Redlands’ role in the Games.”
Culturally, Redlands stood out with the exhibition of Quandamooka woman and Commonwealth Games medal designer Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, whose artwork Migalu Yalingbilla – White Humpback stole the show at the opening ceremony.
“For community the Games celebrations have brought our city together, not just through the Queen’s Baton Relay events but through the many other vibrant activities that have flowed from the Games presence in our region.
“Maryann Talia Pau of the One Million Stars to End Violence Program made Redland Art Gallery the 100th Star Weave Community, pledging to weave and collect 10,000 stars for a major installation for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games,” Cr Williams said.
Cr Williams said networking had ensured council was in contact with a delegation from Birmingham, the next Games host city.
Redland council also has backed a south-east Queensland feasibility study into hosting the 2028 Olympic Games even though the Gold Coast has pulled out and Logan City is unsure.
