(Reuters) – Australia’s Gold Coast has decided to withdraw its bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Mayor Tom State announced on Sunday. The decision was made due to a lack of support from the state or federal governments.
The joint bid with Perth, which amounted to 700 million AUD ($466.62 million), did not receive government backing following Victoria’s withdrawal in July due to budget overruns. Tate expressed his disappointment, stating, “We did our best and that’s all people can expect.”
“Sadly, at the same time, our country’s reputation as a place that reneges on a global sports contract remains in tatters,” Tate added. “In simple terms, it seems our Games’ vision doesn’t align with the vision of the state or federal governments.”
The development comes after Commonwealth Games Australia CEO Craig Phillips suggested that the event could be delayed by a year to allow potential hosts more time to prepare. However, the future of the Games remains uncertain, as Canada’s Alberta province has also withdrawn its support for a bid for the 2030 event.
Tate emphasized that the proposal had garnered overwhelming support from locals, athletes, and business people who are keen on seeing “the event saved.” He also mentioned the potential economic benefits, stating, “Our dual proposal would have delivered billions into the national economy and given athletes, and para-athletes, a clear pathway towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics and then on to the 2032 Games in Queensland.”
Australia, the most successful competing nation in the Games’ history, has hosted five of the previous 22 editions.
($1 = 1.5002 Australian dollars)
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
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