Just one week remains until the Queen’s Baton Relay comes to Ipswich as it makes its way to the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Ipswich Mayor Andrew Antoniolli said excitement continued to build ahead of its arrival.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Ipswich residents to be a part of history and celebrate in the lead up to next month’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“More than that, it is also a wonderful opportunity to promote Ipswich to Australia and the world.
“I encourage residents to line the streets and cheer on those carrying the Queen’s Baton.”
The Queen’s Baton carries a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II that calls the Commonwealth’s athletes to come together in peaceful and friendly competition.
The Queen’s Baton Relay comes to Ipswich on 29 March. It will start at Hunter Street, Brassall about 2.30pm and make its way along Pine Mountain Road, over the David Trumpy Bridge and into the CBD.
It will then head toward St Mary’s Church and Ipswich Grammar School before travelling along Brisbane Street on its way to a community celebration event at Limestone Park. The community celebration starts at 4.30pm, with the Queen’s Baton expected to arrive at the park about 5.30pm.
Cr Cheryl Bromage, council’s representative on the local Queen’s Baton Relay planning group, said significant work had been done to prepare for the baton’s arrival.
“Preparations began more than 12 months ago and are now in their final stages,” she said.
“It has been a collective effort by council together with many community service providers and organisations.
“There will be some traffic disruption during the relay but I’m confident all steps that could be taken to minimise its impact have been taken.”
The Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay is the longest in history, travelling a record 388 days and 230,000km around the world.
Information about the relay’s visit to Ipswich is available at www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/qbr
