Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2026 rescue mission - explainer
The Gold Coast’s bold bid to save the doomed 2026 Commonwealth Games is taking shape - this explains the funding, the sports, the dates and what’s next. Plus see what readers think
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The Gold Coast wants to host the next Commonwealth Games, after Victoria pulled out of staging the 2026 event. Glitter Strip leaders say they have the organisational grunt and can meet a “budget” Games. How will it play out?
HOW THE GOLD COAST WENT FOR GAMES GOLD.
* Victoria abandoned the 2026 Commonwealth Games saying costs would blow from $2.6b to $7b;
* The Gold Coast’s 2018 Games cost $1.2 billion. The Gold Coast City Council provided $100m;
* Coast Mayor Tom Tate is the only political advocate for the Games after Premiers rejected hosting it, and fellow councillor William Owen Jones continually heavily critiques the idea;
* But mining magnate and swimming backer Gina Rinehart has offered to help the Gold Coast save the Games and Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page is also supportive along with the Gold Coast Central Chamber of Commerce;
* The Mayor sought a report by Mark Peters, CEO for the organising committee of the 2018 Gold Coast Games, which shows the city can do it with streamlined sports, athletes put up in hotels and Commonwealth Games bodies funding.
HOW THE GAMES WOULD BE STAGED ON THE COAST.
* A new report by the CEO suggests a “budget” 2026 event would cost $650m;
* Fifteen sports would feature. The only two compulsory sports are athletes and aquatic;
* 2018 events to be excluded include shooting, wrestling, squash, badminton, basketball, cycling and the marathon;
* The Gold Coast would use its Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre and Convention Centre for events;
* Athletics could be staged at QE2 in Brisbane - or two tracks created on the Gold Coast, causing a slight budget blow out;
* The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre in Southport, also built for 2018, would host swimming with option to build a roof.
HOW WOULD THE GOLD COAST HOST ATHLETES AND OFFICIALS.
* The Glitter Strip has about 460 accommodation providers and enough hotel beds - more 20,000 - to accommodate competitors and officials;
* Another option in the Peters report is fast-forwarding the planned 2032 Olympic Village at Robina to also help solve the city’s housing crisis;
* Upgrading the Village could occur if the event dates were extended to early 2027.
WHAT WILL BE THE DATES FOR THE GAMES.
* The Victorian Games were to be between March 17-27, 2026 - and many believe only the Coast with its facilities can meet that deadline;
* Paralympics Australia want these dates, and many see the Games as vital for pathway Olympic qualifications for the Olympics.
WHAT FUNDING COULD BE ORGANISED FOR THE GAMES ALONG WITH SUPPORT
* Mr Tate has asked the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to contribute $300m to support the city’s bid.
* The funding would be from the $380m compensation payment to the CGF from the Victorian Government for axing the 2026 event and breaching its hosting contract;
* The Gold Coast in backing the bid assumes the Commonwealth will continue financial and in-kind support;
* The Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia want another host city, after Victoria pulled out;
* Failing to host the Games will impact Australia’s reputation as a reliable partner.
* The Games are a critical pathway for the Olympics, Paralympics Australia see it as vital for pathway Olympic qualifications.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS
* The Gold Coast city council will conduct more detailed planning on budgets to firm up a total $650m cost;
* The Gold Coast formally signals it wants to host and Commonwealth Games Federation partnership group created;
* Mayor Tate backs presentation to councillors, led by City CEO Tim Baker together with strategic advisor and Games Federation;
* Key decision time will be General Assembly of the Commonwealth Games Federation meeting in mid-November.
WHAT GOLDCOASTBULLETIN.COM.AU READERS ARE SAYING
“Give it up Tom it’s all over” - Paul
“So after the Comm Games, you move homeless people into the village, then move out the homeless people in 2032 and put Olympiansin the homeless people’s new houses during the Olympics? I mean, really?” - Jonathon
“Of course the Comm games bosses want us to have it - no one else worldwide wants it and the whole concept is on its kneesnow and considered no longer relevant to most and is dying a slow death. Sorry but if the Comm Games were at the bottom ofmy garden I’d still get up a close the curtains!” - Wayne
“Victoria’s international sporting reputation is now in tatters, and the whole future of the Commonwealth Games is now atrisk. Hence, I am hopeful that the Gold Coast can successfully step in and restore Australia’s international reputation asa great sport loving country.” - John
“3x3 Basketball would be great fun.” - Brendan
“Our Mayor is to be commended on his drive for us to host the COM GAMES, we are the obvious choice with all the facilitieshere and in good shape - what a negative and shortsighted bunch we have in our parliament.” - Shane O’Connor OAM
“Does the deal include an overdue upgrade of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre?” - M
“The scaled down version Tate is proposing is not a Commonwealth Games - it’s Tom’s Games and of course the blokes who metwith him from the Games Federation want the GC to host it.” - Richard
“Tom needs to send Anna a paper napkin outlining the business case.” - Vicpt
“If Tom works hard and gets this over the line, Palaszczuk will suddenly appoint herself Miniter for the Commonwealth Games.She will never miss out on red carpet possibilities and the possibility of rubbing shoulders with celebrities.” Boswoz
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