The former Queensland Premier told them they should "suck it up … because there’s no gain without some pain".

Current Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk apologised earlier this month on behalf of Gold Coast 2018 officials for a new television advert which it was claimed "patronises" local people over their transport plans during the Games.

The advert showed a local businessman riding to work on a pink bicycle as part of a drive to urge people to take public transport and leave cars at home.

Many traders complained that the advert made a joke of a serious situation.

Some described it as "insulting" and "self-important".

Beattie has warned the negative headlines surrounding the row are damaging the Games internationally and that everyone has to "really work with us" to make the event, due to open on April 4 and close on April 15, to make it a success.

"We do have to suck it up," Beattie said.  

"This is the biggest event in Queensland’s history and if we take the long-term view, it’s going put us on the world map like never before."

Transport has been considered one of the key challenges for organisers and a campaign has been launched in a bid to keep the city moving.

The "Get Set for the Games" initiative, launched by the Department of Transport and Main Roads in conjunction with Gold Coast 2018 and the City of Gold Coast, calls on residents to consider alternative methods of transport during the Games.

The M1, which connects Brisbane and the Gold Coast, is considered a particular problem because it is often gridlocked even in times of normal traffic. 

Beattie admitted the the M1 was "a pig" and "a pain in the bum" but remained confident it would not affect the success of Gold Coast 2018.