South Australian Government ends plans for 2026 Commonwealth Games hosting

Citing a lack of key sporting infrastructure needed and expert advice which revealed the event would not provide an economic benefit for the economy, the South Australian Government has advised that it will not progress with a bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Reports had indicated that providing the necessary new and upgraded infrastructure needed to host the Game would cost in excess of $3.5 billion.

In a statement, the South Australian Government advised that it “has consistently said (we) would not progress with a bid which did not provide a benefit to taxpayers and will instead push forward with the State Sporting Infrastructure Plan, which will identify key investment areas needed for South Australian facilities.”

Explaining that the South Australian Government would only commit to a high-class Commonwealth Games, which would promote a positive legacy for the state’s tourism and trade future, South Australian Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Corey Wingard commented “we have always said there was a mountain of work that needed to be done to get SA ready for the type of games we would want to hold by 2026.

“Although we won’t be bidding for 2026, we have embarked on the State Sporting Infrastructure Plan which will provide the path forward to ensuring we have the best facilities to attract big events to the state in the future.

“Unfortunately, the cost to the taxpayer was too high to bring the Games to South Australia by 2026, but we remain open to potential bids in 2030 and 2034 as key initiatives from the State Sporting Infrastructure Plan are rolled out.”

Minister Wingard said the Plan, due by the end of the year, is focusing on participation, inclusiveness and accessibility, and will have a strong focus on multipurpose facilities, adding “we want to develop facilities that fill current gaps, are accessible, and encourage all South Australians to live an active and healthy lifestyle.”

Image: The Adelaide Oval would have been a centrepiece of a South Australian hosted Commonwealth Games.