3 minute read
The South Australian government has dropped plans for Adelaide to bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Commonwealth Games officials have questioned South Australia's decision to dump its bid to host the 2026 event, arguing Adelaide would have been highly favoured.
The state government on Thursday said it would not proceed with a bid because of a lack of key sporting infrastructure and the estimated $3.5 billion total cost outlined in an independent report.
But Commonwealth Games Australia chief executive Craig Phillips said Adelaide had a very strong case and "every indication was that a bid from Adelaide would have a high chance of success".
Mr Phillips said he had not seen the financial analysis prepared for the government, but believed it included the construction of a new multi-purpose arena, something not directly related to the games.
"This project would have enhanced the games offering but the investment required to build this infrastructure for future use should be the subject of a separate business case and not seen as a games cost," he said.
Announcing SA's decision to withdraw, Sports Minister Corey Wingard said the games would not provide enough of a boost to the local economy.
The analysis suggested a return of about $1.2 billion.
"Although we won't be bidding for 2026, we have embarked on the State Sporting Infrastructure Plan which will provide the path forward to ensuring we have the best facilities to attract big events to the state in the future," Mr Wingard said.
"Unfortunately, the cost to the taxpayer was too high to bring the Games to South Australia by 2026, but we remain open to potential bids in 2030 and 2034 as key initiatives from the State Sporting Infrastructure Plan are rolled out."
Mr Phillips said Commonwealth Games Australia respected the SA's government's decision but was disappointed it was not given an opportunity to address the government's concerns.
"Adelaide presented a very compelling option as a games host," he said.
"It's the perfect location and much of the facilities and infrastructure required to host the games are already in place."
"Commonwealth Games Australia wants to see the games return to Australia, and as we witnessed most recently in both Melbourne and the Gold Coast, the games provide a great legacy for communities," he said.
"Having a home games is also important for our athletes and our member sports as it drives a significant increase in interest and awareness for our sports and athletes."
Adelaide is the only mainland Australian capital not to have hosted the Commonwealth Games, which will be next staged in Birmingham, England in 2022.