The Gold Coast could share the Commonwealth Games with Perth under a bold plan to ensure the 2026 event stays down under.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is continuing his push for the city to take over hosting duties after Victoria’s sensational decision to pull the pin.
Perth Mayor Basil Zemplas has also expressed interest in holding the event.
However, both state governments have ruled out supporting either city stepping in.
Newscorp reports officials from Gold Coast and Perth Councils have held discussions about the possibility of the Commonwealth Games being staged on both sides of the country.
The idea comes after Australia’s richest person Gina Rinehart publicly backed the event to return to the Gold Coast in 2026.
However, she stopped short of offering to help bankroll the Games.
Mayor Tate welcomed Ms Rinehart’s support.
“I know for a fact over the years she has support Swimming Australia and so many other sports in the tune…it’ll be tens and tens of millions of dollars.
“And she does it without anything in the way that she’s just a great Australian. So she feels that having the Commonwealth Games, saved here in Australia is the right thing to do.”
The Mayor has written to Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells but is yet to receive a response.
He says Treasurer Jim Chalmers could make it happen with the stroke of a pen.
“I simply want the Federal Treasurer to redirect the funds they had planned for Vic2026 to us.
“We will take it from there and I’m well advised that if we do manage to save the 2026 games, the Commonwealth Games Federation may reconsider its legal action against the state of Victoria. That alone could save Victorian taxpayers up to $900 million in costs for the contract breach.”
