GOLD COAST BUSINESSES NEED TO 'GET SET FOR THE GAMES'

It's the biggest sporting event in Australia in more than a decade and businesses on the Gold Coast have been urged to take action and plan for the changes to the transport and road network during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

The Get Set for the Games Travel Advice for Business Program will provide your business with essential information to keep you moving during GC2018 and to make the most of the opportunities you'll enjoy during the event from 4 to 15 April. The practical advice offered by the program will help you develop a plan to keep your business operating smoothly during this busy time.

A partnership between the City of Gold Coast, Queensland Government and Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC), the program offers detailed information and practical assistance for businesses facing disruption from daily road closures or restrictions.

At the launch of the Get Set for the Games Travel Advice for Business Program in June, representatives from the Gold Coast's largest employers received an insight into how the transport network will operate as well as advice and support on how to plan appropriately. Over 500 businesses have signed up for the program to date and they will all play a vital role in keeping the city moving.

With an estimated 6 million extra journeys expected to be made across Gold Coast roads during the Games, our transport networks will be under pressure so by reducing non-Games travel during our busiest times we can help ensure the success of the Games.

Some businesses may be able to implement flexible working hours and others may think about rescheduling deliveries. It is important that businesses who haven't already, engage with the program to ensure they are prepared for what will be an incredible event for the city.

Now is the time to work out how your business will be affected and develop your own GC2018 travel plans to make sure everything continues to run efficiently and help you capitalise on the benefits of staging the event.

Business travel planning workshops will be held from now until March 2018 at locations across the Gold Coast, Logan and Brisbane to help you understand how your business will be impacted and get help to develop a customised Games Travel Action Plan.

As part of the planning process, businesses are encouraged to re-time travel to outside of peak times, re-route travel to avoid congested roads, re-mode travel to cycling or walking as it may be quicker than travelling by car, and reduce non-essential travel where possible.

All businesses will be affected and should have their travel plan in place for the Games. You'll be particularly affected if your core business involves freight, servicing and deliveries, has a high volume of customers, or employs more than 20 staff.

The same applies to businesses located near a Games venue, road event or the Games Route Network. Planning ahead now is vital to make sure you can be one step ahead of any changes to the transport network.

Visit getsetforthegames.com/business for more information or to book a workshop closest to your business.