City of Gold Coast says its joint bid to seek the 2026 Commonwealth Games with Perth has been dropped because it’s been unable to get support from the state and federal governments.

Gold Coast made the audacious announcement in July that it was prepared to host the Games after Victoria said it couldn’t afford to hold the event as planned and dumped its plans mid-course.

Mining magnate Gina Rinehart later backed a two-city bid with the Gold Coast and Perth.

But on Sunday Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said attempts to get the ball rolling for a dual Gold Coast-Perth Commonwealth Games had run out of steam.

“We couldn’t generate support from the state or federal governments,” Mayor Tate said. 

“As such, I will tomorrow write to the new Commonwealth Games Federation president, Chris Jenkins, advising that our city is moving forward and seeking other major sports and festival events,” he said in a statement.

“In simple terms, it seems our Games’ vision doesn’t align with the vision of the state or federal governments.”

It seems our Games’ vision doesn’t align with the vision of the state or federal governments.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate

He said the joint proposal with Perth would have saved the nation’s ‘tarnished reputation’, boosted the national economy and provided a pathway to other international competitions including the 2032 Olympics which will be held in Queensland.

A spokeswoman told Government News City of Perth had no comment.

The 2018 Commonwealth Games were held Brisbane.

Inquiry into Victorian bid continues

Meanwhile, consultancy firms that contributed to the business case for Victoria’s bid will be grilled at a public hearing in Melbourne on Tuesday December 5.

Representatives from Ernst and Young, DHW Ludus and MI Associates are scheduled to appear before the Upper House’s ongoing inquiry into the bid.

The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR), including Secretary Tim Ada have also been recalled to appear before the Committee to discuss the ongoing costs related to the Games and other matters.  

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