Gina Rinehart unmasked as key backer in Gold Coast's bid to host ...

Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has emerged as a key backer in Gold Coast’s bid to salvage the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

But it appears the sporting benefactor will not bankroll the project and is instead leaning on her existing contacts to support the 2018 host city.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Gina Rinehart jumps into Commonwealth Games rescue mission.

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The 2026 event remains on the backburner several weeks after Victoria scrapped plans to host it as a regional event, citing multibillion-dollar cost blowouts.

The Commonwealth Games as a whole were put in even greater doubt when the Canadian province of Alberta last week came to a similar conclusion and cancelled its bid for 2030 hosting rights.

Gina Rinehart with Kyle Chalmers after the recent swimming world championships. Credit: Instagram

Now Rinehart, who personally funds several of Australia’s top swimmers among other athletes, is supporting outspoken Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate’s plan to get his city back up to scratch over the next three years.

“Having seen the joy that athletes and their families experienced when competing in front of a home crowd for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Mrs Rinehart would certainly welcome the 2026 event to again be held in Australia, especially at the Gold Coast, where it was run so successfully before,” her spokesman told News Corp.

Rinehart’s spokesman called on the federal government to upgrade Gold Coast’s swimming pool for use at both the 2026 Commonwealth Games and 2032 Olympics.

Swimming Queensland, Volleyball Australia and Artistic Swimming Australia have reportedly joined the latest charge.

“Her statement sends a clear message: we must show what we are capable of as a country,” Tate said of Rinehart.

“The Aussie athletes deserve it, as does every young kid who dreams of representing their country ... the momentum behind a 2026 Gold Coast Games is growing.”

Olympian Matt Shirvington said on Sunrise “any support is welcomed at this point”.

Gold Coast has re-emerged as a possible white knight after hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2018. Credit: AAP

State governments beyond Victoria have all declined to contribute to hosting the Commonwealth Games, with Queensland pressing ahead on planning for the 2032 Olympics.

It is unclear exactly how Tate, who claims an approximate $1 billion price tag could work for the Gold Coast, expects to cover the cost without significant financial support from the federal government.

“Remember, I’m not asking for more money,” Tate said in July.

“I’m just asking for the money to be re-provisioned that they were going to spend in 2026. Instead of spending it in Victoria, spend it here in south-east Queensland.”

The request was quickly denied.

“I can imagine a Commonwealth Games would be pretty great at the Gold Coast, certainly the weather would be warmer than Melbourne, it’s a little piece of paradise,” federal minister Jason Clare told Sunrise.

“Where our focus is is the money we are investing to get Brisbane ready for the Olympic Games in 2032.”

Rinehart recently attended the swimming world championships in Japan in support of the athletes she funds, including Kyle Chalmers.

“My fourth World Championships was extra special, I got to share my special moments with my Mum and Mrs Rinehart,” he wrote.

“The first time my Mum has seen me race live at a World Championships! These are memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.”

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