Could, and should, Perth host the 2026 Commonwealth Games?
Gold Coast Commonwealth Games chairman Peter Beattie has urged Perth to bid for the Games with Perth Stadium as the centrepiece.
The West Australian Government has now commissioned an audit to determine what infrastructure upgrades would be needed.
But will it happen?
When would Perth host the Games?
2026. Birmingham in the UK will host 2022 after Durban pulled out because of the cost. Other cities that are considering bidding for 2026 include Auckland in New Zealand and Edmonton in Canada.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) will confirm the host city in September next year.
Even if Perth finds the funds to mount a bid, it is no guarantee to win.
Do we have the infrastructure?
Kind of.
Some off the shine will have come off Perth Stadium by then, but there is no doubt in 2026 it will still be a terrific venue that could more than meet the requirements.
The stadium has been built so it could host major events like a Commonwealth Games or Athletics meet in the future.
Challenge Stadium could host gymnastics, weightlifting or netball. The State Basketball Centre could also be used.
The outdoor pool at Challenge has hosted two world swimming championships.
A left field option for swimming could be Perth Arena. Rod Laver Arena was used for the World Swimming Championships in 2007, although that would be a big logistical exercise.
The cycling velodrome in Midvale would need a facelift and some attention, but has also been used for a Cycling World Championships back in 1997.
An athletes' village would need to be constructed, but if done right, could be repurposed as affordable or student housing later on.
Transport infrastructure would also need to be upgraded, but this could be an opportunity to get some cash from the Federal Government to help future-proof Perth's public transport network.
Does anyone care?
Many say they don't and believe the Games are an outdated symbol of British colonialism
There have been some real highlights in the swimming this Games, with Ariarne Titmus, Mitch Larkin, and the Campbell sisters. The cycling has been world-class, particularly with the men breaking the team's pursuit world record, but many events elsewhere have been lopsided.
Perhaps most importantly though, it has dominated the TV ratings.
The evening and night sessions on host broadcaster Channel Seven's main channel have been the most watched programs on TV every night since the event started.
How much will it cost?
Plenty. The Gold Coast Games have been estimated to cost around $2 billion to put on.
But an event with 71 competing nations and more than 6,600 athletes alongside support staff will have a large economic impact on a city. How much, though, is up for debate.
Griffith University predicted the Games would create up to 30,000 jobs, with $2 billion injected into the Queensland economy.
Will it actually happen?
The McGowan Government keeps saying it is broke, so it would seem unlikely.
But Queensland has its own debt problems, and it saw merit in hosting the Games this year.
The only way it would work would be to use existing infrastructure and to get significant help from the Federal Government.
Even then, getting the Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles to give up Perth Stadium for a significant period, like the Suns have this year, would be problematic.
The other major obstacle is Adelaide's intention to bid for 2030 Games. The CGF is unlikely to endorse two bids from Australia within that period.
WA Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said as much when speaking to ABC Perth.
"I think the speculation surrounding the Commonwealth Games is perhaps a little overheated," he said.
"For us to go out and bid on something of that nature I don't think is a reality."
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