Victoria's $200M Payout: Glasgow Poised to Host 2026 Commonwealth Games After Costly Withdrawal
September 2, 2024Commonwealth Games Scotland claims it can host the event for approximately $220 million, utilizing the $200 million in compensation from Victoria without requiring additional funding from the UK government.
The Scottish organization asserts that no financial support will be needed from either the Scottish or UK governments to successfully deliver the Games.
The revised Games are set to feature only 10 sports, a significant reduction from the 18 contested during Glasgow's last hosting in 2014, and will utilize existing venues to keep costs low.
Critics, including Nationals leader David Littleproud, have accused the Victorian government of creating international embarrassment by failing to fulfill its election promise to host the Games.
By using existing sports venues, the organizers aim to minimize costs related to transportation, hiring, and security.
Ian Reid, chair of Commonwealth Games Scotland, believes the event can bring substantial benefits to Scotland and criticized any decision to reject the Victorian funds as 'short-sighted'.
The withdrawal from the Games has already cost Victorian taxpayers over $589 million, with $380 million allocated as compensation to the event's organizers, according to an Auditor-General report.
Victorian taxpayers may end up financing Scotland's hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Games with $200 million in compensation following Victoria's withdrawal.
The Victorian government canceled the Games in July 2023 due to projected costs soaring to at least $6 billion, nearly double the initial estimate.
As a result of Victoria's withdrawal, Commonwealth Games officials are now seeking a new host city, with Glasgow emerging as a leading candidate for the revised event.
The Scottish government has been deliberating on the decision regarding Glasgow's hosting of the 2026 Games since May 2023.
In defending its decision to withdraw, Victoria's Labor government stated that the anticipated expenses were excessive for a 12-day event.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources
The Guardian • Sep 1, 2024
Victorian taxpayers would pay for Scotland’s $220m Commonwealth Games under new proposalThe West Australian • Sep 1, 2024
Victorians could bankroll Scotland's Commonwealth Games