Newcastle bid for Commonwealth Games 

Labor councillor Nuatali Nelmes has lodged a notice of motion that the city begins the preliminary process for a bid she said could be the catalyst for a significant investment in infrastructure.

‘‘It’s ambitious, but if the state government backed us and the federal government backed us, then it’s achievable,’’ she  said.

‘‘Gold Coast’s successful bid to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games is proof that a large regional area like Newcastle and the Hunter could deliver as a venue for a large international event.’’

Newcastle has hosted about 20,000 athletes for the 2001 Australian Masters Games and will welcome another 1700 for the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Regional Games in December next year.

The city is bidding to host the 2022 International Exposition.

But the Commonwealth Games, featuring some of the world’s best athletes, would be on another scale.

Hosting such a large event would require a significant upgrade of the city’s sporting facilities and supporting infrastructure, such as hotels and transport links.

Cr Nelmes said the required upgrades were very closely aligned with the vision for Newcastle in the city’s 2030 plan.

‘‘If we’re going to try and get the sort of state and federal funding for Newcastle that we think we deserve, then the simplest way to do it is to host an international event on this scale,’’ she  said.

‘‘Having a shared goal, where Novocastrians can work together to achieve city-wide improvements, like hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, could be the shared vision that brings our city together.’’

The motion asks for councillors to support the bid in principle. 

It also suggests contacting government agencies, local stakeholders and the Australian Commonwealth Games Association for support.