Blue koala revealed as mascot of 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games

A blue koala named Borobi has been announced as the official mascot for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

Borobi is the indigenous Yugambeh language word for koala, and is the first time a koala has been chosen as the mascot for a major Australian multisport event.

Queensland state Commonwealth Games Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said Borobi had enormous appeal and is proving to be an instant hit.

"Borobi is a very special and unique koala whose personality embodies all the values of the Gold Coast and the Australian way of life," Hinchliffe said.

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation Chairman Nigel Chamier said Borobi would have an important role to play over the coming two years.

"Mascots have become iconic symbols of the Commonwealth Games, providing an emotional connection between athletes, spectators and the community," Chamier said.

Queensland state Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said construction was on track for the 2018 games, which will be held on Australia's Gold Coast.

"Construction on Commonwealth Games venues is supporting jobs on the Gold Coast with more than 4,000 workers already inducted across eight different work sites where work is currently underway," Palaszczuk said.

The Commonwealth Games are held every four years and involve 71 different nations and territories. Endit