Two NSW Mayors call for Commonwealth Games to be held in Western Sydney

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun and Mayor of Hawkesbury City Sarah McMahon are calling on the NSW and Federal Governments to fund the Commonwealth Games in Western Sydney.

Mayor Mannoun says the Commonwealth Games should be held in Western Sydney so that residents can reap the financial investment and infrastructure benefits that accompany large events.

Citing potential costs of $7 billion, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced earlier this week that the state will relinquish its hosting rights for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Having bid, and subsequently planned, for the Games to be a "predominantly regional" event using existing infrastructure, the Victorian Government has seen costs rise beyond its initial projected budget of $2.6 billion.

Mayor Mannoun noted "the people here deserve the $3 billion investment in funds and what better way to celebrate the new Western Sydney Airport than by hosting the Commonwealth Games in an economic powerhouse.

"We have been disadvantaged by a lack of road, rail, and sporting infrastructure. The Commonwealth Games would help us catch up given we are well behind due to rapid population growth.

"I'd love to see the state and federal governments step up and support our people," he said. "As well as jobs and infrastructure it would give residents a lift and inspire a new generation of athletes.

"We have a global airport and we are building a new global city. Everyone would benefit from a Western Sydney Commonwealth Games brand.

"It will inspire communities; it will inspire the kids and it give the government the opportunity to give something important to our residents.

"This is a great excuse for the governments to start spending money out here and making sure that Western Sydney isn't just seen as a place of full of factories and freight trucks – but rather, as a place of innovation, a place of sport, a place of hopes, and a place of dreams.

“Victoria has dropped the ball – they're making Australia look bad, and southwest and western Sydney residents deserve this score."

Mayor Mannoun returned to Council in 2021 after previously serving as Mayor of Liverpool from 2012 to 2016. He has lived in the Liverpool area since immigrating from the United States when he was ten years old. In his current term Mayor Mannoun has a bold vision to implement several key projects including: constructing new swimming pools in Carnes Hill and Chipping Norton/Moorebank, introducing 500 new car parking spots, upgrading Kurrajong Road, and an increased focus on keeping streets clean and safe.

Hawkesbury City Councillor Sarah McMahon was elected as the new Mayor of Hawkesbury City in August 2022.

Image: Ned Mannoun and Sarah McMahon front the press in their call for a Western Sydney Commonwealth Games