The Mayor’s hopes of the Gold Coast rescuing the 2026 Commonwealth Games are still alive, with Australia’s richest person now backing the idea of a coast-to-coast event.
Billionaire mining magnate Gina Rinehart has thrown her support behind the city co-hosting the 2026 sporting spectacle with Perth.
Both Mayors have declared their willingness to step in and save the event, following Victoria’s shock decision to pull out, leaving organisers scrambling to find a new host.
It’s understood Australia has been given three months to lock in a city before losing the opportunity altogether.
Rinehart, along with Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate and Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, have penned a new letter to the Prime Minister this week, seeking his support.
According to The Australian, the plan would see the Gold Coast host half of the sports, including aquatic events, for the first week.
The remaining sports, including track and field, would then be hosted in Perth in the second week.
Rinhart says the bold coast-to-coast bid is the perfect opportunity to “rescue Australia’s reputation”.
“We believe that a coast-to-coast Games presents a special opportunity to showcase Australia and provides an excellent background for you to invite those heads of the Commonwealth you may wish to have further discussions with, and/or entertain,” the letter says.
“A background where Australia pulls well above its weight, and shines!”.
It comes after the Queensland Government ruled out supporting another Gold Coast alone event, declaring their priority is on the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
