The Mayor’s dream of the Gold Coast hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games is officially over.
Tom Tate has confirmed the city has pulled the pin and will no longer push to stage the sporting spectacle on our shores.
Mayor Tate blamed a lack of support from the State and Federal Governments as the reason for abandoning the coast’s ambitious bid.
“We did our best and that’s all people can expect,” he said.
“Since announcing in July that the coast was prepared to host the 2026 games, I have been overwhelmed by support from locals, sports administrators, businesses and athletes, all wanting to see the event saved.
“We also received fantastic support from great Australians like Gina Reinhardt, Gerry Harvey and Katie Page.
“Yet we couldn’t generate support from the state or federal governments”.
It comes just a week after the Mayors of both the Gold Coast and Perth declared they would be open to co-hosting the event.
Mayor Tate admitted he was disappointed, admitting the coast-to-coast games would have saved Australia’s reputation after Victoria sensationally pulled out in July, citing “cost blowouts”.
“In simple terms, it seems our Games’ vision doesn’t align with the vision of the state or federal governments,” he said.
“From the outset, I knew our bid was audacious but I also knew it would have come at no cost to ratepayers.
“Despite not finding support at a state or federal level, our city’s reputation as a place where we have-a-crack has been reinforced across the Commonwealth.
“Sadly, at the same time, our country’s reputation as a place that reneges on a global sports contract remains in tatters.”
The Mayor said he will now pen a letter to the new Commonwealth Games Federation president, advising him of the city’s position.
“As such, I will today write to Chris Jenkins, OBE, advising that our city is moving forward and seeking other major sports and festival events,” Mayor Tate said.
“I wish the federation success in finding a host for the 2026/27 games.”
