The Gold Coast has pulled out from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games after it failed to gain enough support from the state and federal governments.
In a statement on Sunday night, Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate said the city would not continue with its $700 million bid to host a “streamlined” Games.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The National Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:
“We did our best and that’s all people can expect. Sadly, at the same time, our country’s reputation as a place that reneges on a global sports contract remains in tatters,” Mr Tate said.
“In simple terms, it seems our Games’ vision doesn’t align with the vision of the state or federal governments.”
The Gold Coast has proposed a dual Games with Perth, which Mr Tate said would have “delivered billions into the national economy and given athletes, and para-athletes, a clear pathway towards other international competitions including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics and then on to the 2032 Games in Queensland”.
Mr Tate also said hosting the Games had received overwhelming support from locals, sports administrators, businesses, and athletes “all wanting to see the event saved”.
He will now write to Commonwealth Games Federation president Chris Jenkins on Monday to advise of the decision.
The city will now look to seek other major sports and festival events to host, he said.