How are the Commonwealth Games going to affect your neighborhood?

Everyone gets excited when a big event like the Commonwealth Games comes to town – that is until you realise all the extra commotion and traffic that is coming your way. The Gold Coast already sees its fair share of tourist activity, but the upcoming Games is really going to escalate the influx of people. As a result, the Coast is going to be changing traffic patterns around town, which could alter your commute.

Here's what you need to be aware of, and how you can cope with the excitement:

What is happening to traffic for the Games?

The Coast is going to accommodate an extra six million trips around the city as athletes and spectators alike head to the events, making traffic inevitable over the 11 day event. According to the Gold Coast Bulletin, roads from Hope Island to Coolangatta are going to have lanes dedicated specifically to the Games athletes to ensure they don't miss their event. 

If you live around the Gold Coast, the new routes are going to mean that you are going to need to find alternate ways to get around. Unfortunately, it also means you will likely need to put up with a fair amount of traffic as well. 

What can you do to escape the madness?

If you don't want to get caught in the traffic, it might be time to start planning a holiday! Anticipating all the traffic, some residents find it more appealing to leave until all the excitement of the event has calmed down. However, you could also look into renting out your home to tourists to make a quick buck while you're away. If you live right in the hub of all this activity, you could get a good price for tourists (or athletes) to stay in your home – so much that it could even pay for your trip away.

All you have to do to advertise is put your property on a holiday rental listing and those in search of a place to stay will find you. Make sure you list your home well in advance so you can edge out the competition.

Should you have any questions about how the changing infrastructure could affect your neighbourhood and how you can prepare, just contact our team here at Ray White Surfers paradise. We're here to help.