Are the Commonwealth Games coming to Western Sydney?
We might get an inkling today when the case for Greater Western Sydney hosting the 2026 or 2030 Commonwealth Games will be put to the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
The Premier and her sports minister, Stuart Ayres, will nbe attending the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue’s (WSLD) Out There Summit at the Western Sydney University campus in Parramatta.
Exploring big ideas and projects in the region, this year’s event, with more than 450 registered attendees across government, business, sport, tourism and the arts, is aimed at stimulating debate on the key issues and opportunities in Western Sydney.
WSLD chairman Christopher Brown says that staging the Commonwealth Games in Greater Western Sydney would reflect the region’s confidence, maturity and growth, and firmly cement its arrival on the international stage.
“Western Sydney has a deep, rich sporting culture, and everything in place to make it a success.
“It’s a no-brainer,” Mr Brown said.
“This is the low-cost, low-risk games, and with the vast majority of facilities already in place, the government can focus on spending its dollars on the supporting transport infrastructure.
“We are calling on the premier to establish an exploratory committee and develop a business case for a possible bid for the 2026 or 2030 Games. We don’t think regional Victoria has nearly the appeal that this region presents and would cost taxpayers much more money.”
Existing sporting facilities in Western Sydney include Sydney Olympic Park’s Spotless Stadium (Athletics), ANZ Stadium (opening and closing ceremonies) and Qudos Bank Arena (Indoor Sports), Penrith Lakes (Regatta Centre), Blacktown (Sports Centre), the new Parramatta Stadium (Rugby Sevens), Bankstown (Velodrome), Cecil Park (Target Shooting), Campbelltown Sports Stadium and Western Sydney Parklands (mountain bikes).
Mr Brown said that the Games would ensure existing and proposed infrastructure projects such as Badgerys Creek Airport, Parramatta Light Rail, WestConnex and impending heavy-rail connections such as North-South Rail and West-Metro, were delivered on time.
The urban renewal opportunities for old industrial sites like Camellia and in regional centres such as Blacktown, Liverpool and Campbelltown, were also added benefits.
“Our region is the infrastructure capital of the world, and with all the current, and proposed works in the pipeline, including Badgerys Creek, what better way to set a deadline and ensure these vital projects stay on track,” Mr Brown said.
“The need for a new Athletes’ Village is an opportunity to inject further investment and life, into some of Western Sydney’s urban centres, especially in older public housing communities in places such as Campbelltown and Mt Druitt. This is an exciting prospect, and one that would leave a renewed affordable housing legacy,” Mr Brown said.
