2026 Commonwealth Games: Gold Coast can save event, Mayor Tom Tate insists

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate insists the Glitter Strip can still save the 2026 Commonwealth Games, despite the Palaszczuk Government pouring cold water on the idea.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate insists the Glitter Strip can still save the 2026 Commonwealth Games, despite the Palaszczuk Government pouring cold water on the idea.

Cr Tate dropped a bombshell last week when he returned from an overseas trip to announce the Coast could pick up the Games baton after it was sensationally dropped by Victorian Premier Dan Andrews who scrapped the event because of reputed cost blowouts.

But Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk ruled out hosting the Games, saying Queensland was fully focused on preparing for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Speaking on Tuesday, Cr Tate said he had not given up on his Commonwealth Games salvage mission which his administration believes could be staged on the Coast for around $1 billion.

“It’s really going to be up to the Federal Government – the ball’s in their court,” he said.

He said if the feds had to foot part of a “huge” bill for Victoria breaking the contract, “why not just give us half of that?”

“As a city, I’m confident that we can still do it, but it’s got to start with the Federal Government,” he said.

“The moment, fair enough, the premier’s concentrating on the Olympics until she knows any more.

“If the Federal Government has to pay a billion dollars for nothing, I’d rather have the billion dollars here and put on the Games and get the economic benefit for Australia and southeast Queensland … and save Australia’s reputation

“That’s where I’m at. We’re Games ready, I still maintain that.

“If the Federal Government said we’re not on, we’re not on.”

Originally published as 2026 Commonwealth Games: Gold Coast can save event, Mayor Tom Tate insists