Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews told a press conference that the cost of the 2026 Commonwealth Games had ballooned out from A$2.6 billion to at least A$6b. He said it was “not a hard decision” to simply say that A$6 billion was too much and pull the pin on the games – “we’re not doing that”.
I assume there are contractual penalties for cancelling, but I guess this is many billions cheaper than actually hosting the event.
I think this is a wonderful act of civil disobedience. It’s not going to start a war or anything, but times are tough and events like this are just too expensive to host. You don’t HAVE to put up with it. Everyone involved are probably going “you can’t do that!” – but look, Daniel Andrews just did.
More of this kind of thing!
Meanwhile, in Brisbane, everything’s just fine for the 2032 Olympics apparently…
https://mumbrella.com.au/were-fine-queensland-premier-promises-the-commonwealth-games-spectacle-wont-happen-to-the-olympics-794449
Well thank Christ for that. In the Australian State of Victoria we are up to our armpits in debt with infrastructure projects so this folly is one less burden
Andy Street (W Mids mayor) was on the radio this morning very carefully saying that it wasn’t for him to suggest that Birmingham could step in and rerun last year….as there was £800 million of public money behind it, and I guess he wants to see the money first.
But much as we enjoyed Birmingham 2022 in the city, this is perhaps the death throes of an idea that let’s not forget started as ‘The Empire Games’ and seems to be a prize fewer and fewer places wish to win.
I ordinarily avoid offensive comments, but Andy Street, FFS. Mind you, the only man who has seen Michael Fabricant outwith his wig, assuming Flabbyc*nt takes it off before they go to bed…..
Brisbane got the Olympics – competing bidders – nobody.
That’s very Brisbanist of you.
I couldn’t care less about athletics so it would have been an easy decision for me. I wouldn’t have watched it anyway but I guess some will be disappointed which is a shame.
About 20 other sports in the games. But should probably be out out of its misery if it’s going to bankrupt any city that hosts it
I feel the same though I don’t dislike huge sporting events at all. Millions love the things and I’m not one to piss on chips. Have at it.
It’s the bullshit and hyperbole that surrounds them. The 2012 Olympic ‘legacy’ anyone? They would inspire a generation to running, jumping and standing still like no other.
I’m forever ducking javelins and putted shots e’en now…
Given the number of times Ireland won Eurovision in the 1980s and 1990s and then had to host the next year’s contest as a result, we’re expecting an invite to rejoin the Commonwealth any day now
I read today that both “England’s” highest ever transfer fees belong to “Irishmen” Grealish and Rice.
My one experience of the Commonwealth Games was Manchester in 2002. It was fantastic. There was a genuinely lovely atmosphere around the city throughout, we saw some great sport, and it was definitely part of Manchester”s renaissance. But it is increasingly an anachronistic idea partly because, you know, Commonwealth, and partly because right now these grand projects just feel wrong. And I suspect now the Queen has passed away it will be easier for the Commonwealth Games to be stood down once and for all.