Gold Coast 2018 Confirms New Chair

Mark Stockwell’s replacement as the chairman of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games has been confirmed as Brisbane businessman Nigel Chamier.

Chamier, best known for helping redevelop Brisbane’s City Hall and South Bank, was the choice of Queensland Premier Campbell Newman and Commonwealth Games Minister Jann Stuckey, along with three other nominations for the Board. 

Stockwell, a triple Olympic swimming medallist who had led the successful bid and was appointed as head of the Organising Committee four months ago by the previous Labour Government, was unexpectedly sacked last week.

The Government has not given a clear reason for the decision, sparking speculation it was made on political grounds.

Newman said: ‘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.’

‘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 State Government also nominated Catherine Tanna, who is chair of BG Australia, the company responsible for Australia’s biggest coal seam gas project, commercial property developer Stephen Conry and Queensland Airports managing director Dennis Chant.

The Organising Committee will also include Sam Coffa and Perry Crosswhite, the President and chief executive of Australian Commonwealth Games Association (ACGA).

It is completed by Mike Victor, a former cyclist who is the President of the Queensland division of the ACGA, and Glynis Nunn-Cearns, the 1984 Olympic heptathlon gold medallist.