Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games

Playing our part in the Games

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) was preparing for a significant milestone in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games journey — the release of the Draft Transport Operations Plan (TOP).

Rowland worked side-by-side with GOLDOC and its transport partners, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and the City of Gold Coast (the City) before, during and after the release of the Draft TOP to ensure a robust public consultation process. We also worked to position the document and the engagement process — building confidence among local residents, Queenslanders, Australians and international visitors in the ability of GOLDOC and its partners to stage a world-class event.

Our in-depth understanding of the Games and the Gold Coast helped us provide valuable advice during the stakeholder and communication project. Our thorough understanding of the local media landscape helped us to identify the likely communication risks before we developed communication material to mitigate and manage those risks.

Once the Draft TOP was released in November 2016, we then worked closely with transport partners to arrange one-on-one briefings with industry bodies, local MPs and councillors, and identify common issues raised by various interest groups. Rowland MD Helen Besly played a key role as facilitator of the Draft TOP industry briefing, helping to steer the event and the beginning of the project to a successful conclusion.

Throughout the consultation process, Rowland also monitored feedback received via a dedicated email address and online survey, and provided weekly summary reports detailing key findings. Likely issues were identified as part of the weekly reports, including areas that could develop into more significant issues, if not managed early. Rowland also prepared material that confidently and clearly provided responses to hot topics.

A detailed interim consultation report was developed that provided transport partners with a clear understanding of how the consultation process was proceeding and proactively identify any issues.

At the end of the three-month consultation period, Rowland provided recommendations for inclusion in the Final TOP, and prepared a final consultation report outlining industry, government and general community feedback themes, as well as social media, website and media engagement trends.

As the Final TOP approached the release date, Rowland proofed the TOP document itself, assisted in the development of the communication plan and associated material for roll-out, and continued to play a key role as strategic advisor.

Services

• Stakeholder engagement
• Community consultation
• Communication strategy and support
• Content development
• Issues management
• Media relations and monitoring