GWS can clean up Victoria's Games mess
Greater Western Sydney (GWS) is a legitimate option to host the Commonwealth Games after Victoria pumped the brakes on the major sporting event.
After cost blowouts led the Victorian Government to abruptly cancel their hosting of the 2026 Games, GWS stands ready to continue its legacy of sporting greatness and deliver when Victoria can’t.
“If Western Sydney is going to save Australia’s sporting reputation after Victoria dropped the ball, we should do it on our turf, and on our terms,” Dialogue CEO, Adam Leto said.
“Sydney Olympic Park was built to host the biggest sporting events in the world and we’ve already got all of the necessary supporting infrastructure in place, across other parts of the region, including Liverpool, Penrith and Bankstown.
“Back in 2017, when we first put our hands up to host the 2026 games, we said that we were a smart choice, given our strong track record when it comes to delivering major events – and our position hasn’t changed.
“Ideally, it would be great if the Games could be pushed back a year to 2027 to allow Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek to be up and running to welcome the world to our region.
“Our new 24/7 airport will be welcoming millions of passengers from late 2026 and supporting infrastructure can transport them through our bustling city centres to experience an event that only Western Sydney can deliver.
The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue urged the NSW Government to bid to host the Games in 2017, and despite a positive response, it is understood an official proposal was not submitted.
“It’s been more than two decades since the Olympic flame went out in Sydney, but all of our venues that were constructed for the Games remain in good condition and still have mainstream use today,” Mr Leto said.
“In Sydney Olympic Park we have Accor Stadium, Qudos Bank Arena and the State’s Sport Centre and Aquatics Centre. The triathlon will have a home at our International Regatta Centre in Penrith Lakes and the Velodrome in Bankstown is geared up for cycling. And who would argue that the Rugby doesn’t deserve to be in our backyard at Commbank and Campbelltown Stadium?
“It’s a no-brainer, and even better, it’s a no-spender”.