A project and event management expert has tempered the possibility that the Gold Coast could step in to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games abandoned by Victoria.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the state had withdrawn as host because of a massive cost blowout.
The Gold Coast has sporting infrastructure in place to reprise its successful 2018 Commonwealth Games but project and event management expert Dr Mike Raybould of Bond University said accommodation could be a sticking point - even if Queensland and federal government support was forthcoming.
“While we have the sport facilities from 2018 - and some might need a refurb - the big problem would be accommodation for athletes and team officials,” Dr Raybould said.
“The Games Village at Southport was sold off and, like most accommodation on the GC, is full to bursting.
“So we would need a new Games Village or possibly satellite villages for 20,000 people in less than three years.”
The Victoria Commonwealth Games had been scheduled for March 17-29 in Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Gippsland and Shepparton.
But Mr Andrews said the budgeted cost of $2.6 billion to stage the Games could now be as high as $7 billion 'and that does not represent value for money, that is all costs and no benefit'.
The Gold Coast is scheduled to host events during the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.