LOGAN and Scenic Rim residents can expect both the best and worst of times as the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games draws ever closer.
Communities throughout the district will hold parties to celebrate the arrival of the Queen’s Baton Relay, making its last stops at Daisy Hill, Shailer, Park, Beenleigh and Mt Tamborine, on Easter Sunday, April 1 – no joke – ahead of its arrival on the Gold Coast.
Road and service disruptions, meanwhile, can be expected throughout the Games from April 4 to 15.
City of Logan Mayor Luke Smith has reminded residents to embrace the occasion and be prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“The Queen’s Baton Relay will present a fantastic opportunity for the residents of Logan and for businesses to boost their trade,” he said.
“The relay has been designed so local communities can be part of the baton’s journey and experience the excitement of the Commonwealth Games and Logan will host two of the final legs of the baton journey as it travels to the Gold Coast.
“The council is organising special celebration events in line with the routes on Easter Sunday, April 1, to allow as many of our residents as possible to experience the excitement of the Commonwealth Games, cheer on our baton-bearers and show their support for the athletes.”
John Paul College student Maddy Birt, will carry the baton in Daisy Hill. It was an honour, she said, to be chosen for her work with the Hug the Helpers campaign, highlighting the abuse that paramedics, emergency nurses and police officers face every day.
“I’m looking forward to sharing the moment with my friends and family, and the other baton-bearers,” she said.
“I see it as another opportunity to highlight the hard work of emergency workers and first responders in their daily work, and a lot of them will be working at the Commonwealth Games as well.”
Other locals who carry the baton include Logan Country Safe City City Group chairman David Kenny, of Mundoolun.
Logan’s 2017 Citizen of the Year, was nominated for his work campaigning for Mt Lindesay Highway road improvements and other much needed services.
“It really is a honour,’’ said Mr Kenny,.
“It bowled me over. I thought unbelievable.”
About 70,000 athletes and games officials are arriving on the Gold Coast this month ahead of the Commonwealth Games, which will be held on the Gold Coast.
Mr Smith urged locals to be patient, with road delays and disruption to essential services expected.
“The games are on our doorstep and the message is to embrace and not race, by being patient as we welcome an influx of visitors and increased demand on services.”
“We will continue to maintain services; however, we have asked staff to avoid travel if at all possible, reschedule non-essential travel and deliveries – and plan their trips to avoid congestion and likely trouble-spots.
“The council will also suspend non-essential road or maintenance work that may disrupt traffic while the games are on.
“Residents may notice changes to the timing of rubbish collection schedules, building site inspections and other routine activities, but these will be scheduled in advance to ensure we can conduct business as usual.”
Mr Smith said people should take note of changed train timetables, temporary park-and-ride arrangements and shuttle bus services.
“The key to minimising the inconvenience, he said, was to plan ahead, allow more travel time, re-route if necessary and take note of all the changes being made to public transport while the games are on.
“There will be a Park ‘n’ Ride at Beenleigh High which is free to use for games spectators unlike other Park ‘n’ Rides, which need to be pre-booked, Beenleigh High will operate on a first come, first served basis.”
Learn about changes to services at the Logan City Council website or head here to learn more about Commonwealth Games park’n’ride and journey planning services.
See the baton arrive at Pioneer Park, Shailer Park about 9.44am; Beenleigh’s Doug Larsen Park at 10.30am and the Main Street Stage, Mt Tamborine, at about 1pm and stay on for community parties.
