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Commonwealth Games Australia Seeks Alternatives as Gold Coast Bows Out of 2026 Bid
Reasons behind Gold Coast’s withdrawal from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, as Mayor Tom Tate cites a lack of support from the state.
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Gold Coast has officially withdrawn its bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games (CWG) due to insufficient support from the state and federal governments. The city initially proposed a “scaled-down” $700 million event after Victoria backed out earlier this year, citing substantial cost overruns.
Despite Mayor Tom Tate’s efforts to salvage the bid, he acknowledged the inability to secure funding from government entities. In a statement, Mayor Tate expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from locals, sports administrators, businesses, and athletes since the announcement in July. However, the lack of backing from the state and federal levels forced the decision to withdraw.
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In response, Craig Phillips, CEO of Commonwealth Games Australia, emphasized the organization’s commitment to finding alternative solutions to support athletes. While Mayor Tate remains a strong advocate for the Commonwealth Games, recognizing their transformative potential for a city, the focus in Queensland is now on the upcoming Brisbane 2032 opportunity.
The uncertainty surrounding the Commonwealth Games’ future emerged following Victoria’s withdrawal, leaving the event without a host for the second consecutive edition. This echoes the situation in 2022 when Durban in South Africa lost hosting rights due to financial issues, leading Birmingham in England to step in at short notice.
-IANS
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