Gold Coast Council abandons notion to host 2026 Commonwealth Games

Citing lack of support from the Federal and Queensland Governments, the City of Gold Coast has scrapped plans to step in to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate confirmed the city would no longer pursue its $700 million bid to host a "streamlined" 2026 Games, announced after the Victorian Government pulled out of its planned hosting.

In a statement released last night, Mayor Tate advised "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."

Mayor Tate said he knew the bid was ambitious but that it could not proceed with support from all levels of government.

With the UK Government telling the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) that it will not step in to rescue the event the Games - as it did with the 2022 Games, Perth remains the only possibility for the event to proceed.

Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) Chief Executive, Craig Phillips said Mayor Tate had been “an enthusiastic advocate” for the Commonwealth Games, noting “but we understand the need of the Queensland Government to focus their efforts on the enormous opportunity that is Brisbane 2032.

“CGA, alongside our colleagues at the Commonwealth Games Federation, are working tirelessly to find an alternative solution for the athletes of Australia and the Pacific and conversations continue on four continents including here at home.”

It is unlikely that Perth will look to solely host the event, which had been considered as part of shared hosting with the Gold Coast, backed by Lord Mayor of Perth Mayor Basil Zempilas and leading mining magnate Gina Rinehart, the Executive Chairman of Hancock Prospecting.

Phillips said while he hadn’t entirely given up on Australia hosting the Games, the CGF should “seriously consider” other offers.

He noted “it’s our preference to host here and we will keep going while we think we have got options to explore.

“But if they have a better option, then they should seriously consider it.”