GOLD COAST 2018

Commonwealth Games Board announced

Premier Campbell Newman and Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey have announced the State Government’s nominations for new members of the 2018 Commonwealth Games board.

The announcement follows a Cabinet decision yesterday to recommend to Her Excellency Governor Penelope Wensley that Nigel Chamier OAM (Chairman), Catherine Tanna, Stephen Conry and Dennis Chant be appointed for a three year term.

“I have every confidence that this eight member board will have the depth of experience and fiscal discipline to ensure this billion dollar landmark event is delivered on time, and importantly on budget,” said the Premier.

“My Government has an obligation to select the best team possible to deliver a world class games in 2018.

“I will be making it clear to the new board that they are charged with the successful delivery of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games on time and on budget.”

The Commonwealth Games Host City contract requires the organising committee to be constituted by 11 May 2012.

Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey said the clock was ticking and there was a lot of work to be done.

“These highly qualified business leaders have been chosen for their ability to quickly get on with the major infrastructure planning and delivery of this billion dollar international event.

“This is an immense project that that will transform the Gold Coast and will boost Queensland’s economy and create tens of thousands of jobs.

“The games will bring lasting change and benefits to the Gold Coast – just as an earlier Commonwealth Games and Expo 88 had a huge social and economic impact on Brisbane,” Ms Stuckey said.

The appointments need to go through Executive Council and will be finalised subject to some further administration.

The board includes:

Nigel Chamier OAM (Chairman)

Nigel Chamier is Executive Chairman of NAC Investments Pty Ltd. He has extensive experience in the financial, property and development sectors. Over the past 40 years Mr

Chamier has helped to shape some of Queensland’s biggest projects including the $215 million dollar restoration of City Hall, the Central Plaza project, the Riverside Centre, South Bank and the redevelopment of the Ipswich Central Business District. Mr Chamier is also the Honorary Consul for Sweden and was awarded the Polar Star in 2008.

Catherine Tanna

Catherine Tanna is the Chairman of BG Australia, the company responsible for Australia’s biggest coal-seam gas project. Ms Tanna brings a strong business sense to the table, having spent years working out of The Hague while managing the gas interests of energy giant Shell. Ms Tanna was also Director of the Reserve Bank of Australia.

Stephen Conry

Stephen Conry is the Australian CEO and International Director of Jones Lang LaSalles, the largest commercial property services firm in the nation. Over the past 30 years Mr Conry has specialised in development feasibility, marketing, valuation and investment consultancy. He is also the Vice President of the Brisbane Club and a Director of the Gregory Terrace Foundation.

Dennis Chant

Dennis Chant is the Managing Director of Queensland Airports Limited. As Director of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Bid Company, Mr Chant played a pivotal role in helping Queensland to secure the event. Mr Chant has extensive experience in strategic planning, aviation, tourism, project management and corporate governance. He is a board member at Events Queensland Gold Coast and also sits on the Gold Coast City Council Business Advisory board.

Salvatore (Sam) Coffa

Sam Coffa has been the President of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association since 1998. He is also the Vice President of the International Weightlifting Federation.

Perry Crosswhite AM

Perry Crosswhite is the CEO of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association. He represented Australia in Basketball at four Olympics.

Mike Victor

Mike Victor is the President of the Queensland division of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association. He represented Queensland in the sport of cycling.

Glynis Nunn-Cearns

Queenslander Glynis Nunn-Cearns is the Executive Director of the Australian Track and Field Coaches Association. She is also the only Australian to have won an Olympic multi-discipline athletics event.