Sir Rols Posted May 7, 2014 Report Share Posted May 7, 2014 Gotta hand it to the Melburnians, they're determined: Lord Mayor Robert Doyle wants us on bench for Olympics, CupLORD Mayor Robert Doyle has called for Melbourne to market itself as the world’s leading stand-in host city for global sports events. Under the ambitious plan, which has the support of major events veteran Ron Walker, Melbourne could become the “Plan B” host city for global events, such as the Olympic Games and the soccer World Cup, when the city originally chosen is struggling to make the grade. Clouds are hanging over the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and there are doubts Rio will be ready for the 2016 Olympics. Cr Doyle said Melbourne could be a ready replacement, and should put the world on notice. “If Rio falls over, we could put our hand up and say we have the facilities and the know-how to put on an Olympic Games,’’ he said. “No other city in the world could do that.’’ IOC vice-president John Coates on Wednesday described Rio’s Games preparations as “the worst I have experienced”. Cr Doyle said Melbourne had the remarkable sports stadiums, transport hubs, restaurants and major events know-how to put on the biggest shows on earth at the drop of a hat. “We don’t need huge infrastructure investment in Melbourne to deliver these world-class events. And if any of those events were held in Melbourne, you wouldn’t be seeing empty stands on TV,’’ he said. “We would fill seats with people in their hundreds of thousands.’’ Pressure is mounting for Qatar to be stripped of the World Cup amid allegations it paid bribes to secure the event from Japan, Australia, Korea and the US. Australia has been touted as a potential replacement. And Rio is in a race against time to ensure its infrastructure is ready for the Olympics. So Cr Doyle said Melbourne should be ready to hijack the events. “What if one of these world events does fall over? What if there is a terrorist attack?’’ Cr Doyle said. “Could we be the fallback host, knowing there is the security, a wonderful event strategy, the ability to mobilise major sporting venues quite quickly? “There may be a time in the future for us to market ourselves overseas that way.’’ Australian Grand Prix chairman Mr Walker backed Cr Doyle’s push, suggesting his F1 staff at Albert Park alone were good enough to organise an Olympics in Melbourne at short notice. “In fact, if you look at the infrastructure that is already there, we could put on an Olympic Games for a fraction of the cost of anybody else,’’ he said. Cr Doyle said Victoria boasted one of the “greatest sporting precincts in the world’’, bounded by the MCG, Melbourne Park and AAMI Park, as well as Etihad Stadium and Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, within walking distance of the CBD. “Try walking from Wimbledon to Wembley and see how you go,’’ he said. “But we can walk from Rod Laver to the MCG easily in a matter of minutes.’’ Herald Sun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheOtherRob Posted May 7, 2014 Report Share Posted May 7, 2014 There are ways to promote your city....this ain't one. Small-time mentality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nacre Posted May 7, 2014 Report Share Posted May 7, 2014 If they have everything ready, why not make a real bid? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexjc Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 Oh Melbourne would if given the chance, but look at what cities are lining up at least until 2032. Also would a cash strapped Federal Government have the stomach for a formal bid in this time. We've discussed elsewhere over the years about a "Back Stop" city that could jump in at reasonable notice like two years out or so. But a good idea if the unthinkable was to happen. Although it would be a very abbreviated games with many non core sports dropped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold Coast Lions Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 Victorians are up themselves again after the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games that really pissed off the rest of Australia with Victorian only stuff for the Melbourne ceremonies in 2006, Melbourne is been there done that, The next Olympics and Paralympics Games in Australia will be in the Western Australian city of Perth, Perth is currently going through an massive re-development right now the biggest in Australia, The new 60-80,000 Seater Stadium in Perth will be done by 2018 it has the support from Athletics Australia to be the next Olympics host city in Australia. Perth Airport is going through massive changes right now and will be fully done by 2024 with an train line to the airport there is now plans for an Opera house in Perth Perth is also the only Australian place in the top 52 best places to visit by the New York Times Perth is ranked number 9, There is an $3 Billion hotel development boom happening in Perth now which is the biggest boom for hotels in Australia since the lead up to the Sydney Olympics in Sydney, I can see Perth getting either the 2032 or 2040 Summer Olympics and Paralympics Games it' an really is in International city which is growing up now. Rio de Janeiro Brazil will put on an great Summer Games in 2016 and 2022 FIFA may be moved from Qatar to the USA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.bernham Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 Victorians are up themselves again after the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games that really pissed off the rest of Australia with Victorian only stuff for the Melbourne ceremonies in 2006, Melbourne is been there done that, The next Olympics and Paralympics Games in Australia will be in the Western Australian city of Perth, Perth is currently going through an massive re-development right now the biggest in Australia, The new 60-80,000 Seater Stadium in Perth will be done by 2018 it has the support from Athletics Australia to be the next Olympics host city in Australia. Perth Airport is going through massive changes right now and will be fully done by 2024 with an train line to the airport there is now plans for an Opera house in Perth Perth is also the only Australian place in the top 52 best places to visit by the New York Times Perth is ranked number 9, There is an $3 Billion hotel development boom happening in Perth now which is the biggest boom for hotels in Australia since the lead up to the Sydney Olympics in Sydney, I can see Perth getting either the 2032 or 2040 Summer Olympics and Paralympics Games it' an really is in International city which is growing up now. Rio de Janeiro Brazil will put on an great Summer Games in 2016 and 2022 FIFA may be moved from Qatar to the USA. Give it up on Perth, I have not met a single American that knows what Perth is. I'm sure they are out their, but Perth is nothing compared to Melbourne or the ever so popular Sydney. Oh Melbourne would if given the chance, but look at what cities are lining up at least until 2032. Also would a cash strapped Federal Government have the stomach for a formal bid in this time. We've discussed elsewhere over the years about a "Back Stop" city that could jump in at reasonable notice like two years out or so. But a good idea if the unthinkable was to happen. Although it would be a very abbreviated games with many non core sports dropped. Seems like Sydney would be the better option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DannyelBrazil Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 Australian humour, love these guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ofan Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 Give it up on Perth, I have not met a single American that knows what Perth is. Mr. Bernham, you are the definition of obnoxious American. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold Coast Lions Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 Give it up on Perth, I have not met a single American that knows what Perth is. I'm sure they are out their, but Perth is nothing compared to Melbourne or the ever so popular Sydney. Seems like Sydney would be the better option. Nearly every American knows where Perth Western Australia is it is where the 1987 Americas Cup was held it's the search base for the missing Malaysian flight, The only Australian place in the top 52 best places to visit by the New York Times we are rank number 9 so in the top 10, Home to the greatest ever tennis player Margaret Smith Court was the gateway to Australia from Europeans come to Perth first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexjc Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 Mr. Bernham, you are the definition of obnoxious American. Dude, he actually has a point...in a non offensive sort of way. Most Americans wouldn't be able to find Perth on a map...They are the centre of the world, globally, culturally, and...the big one...financially, the world still goes to and deferrs to USA for direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quaker2001 Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 Dude, he actually has a point...in a non offensive sort of way. Most Americans wouldn't be able to find Perth on a map...They are the centre of the world, globally, culturally, and...the big one...financially, the world still goes to and deferrs to USA for direction. I couldn't tell you much of anything useful about Perth without looking it up but I could sure as hell point it out on a map. Yea, most Americans couldn't figure out where Perth is, but that's because a lot of Americans are idiots. No need to perpetuate that stereotype though, particular in an internet forum talking about international events Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.bernham Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 Mr. Bernham, you are the definition of obnoxious American. I was not trying to be obnoxious, I know where Perth is, however the vast American public (or the world at large) would have no idea what I was talking about. And while Americans are not the best educated people in the world they are still very important to the IOC (cough*NBC Deal*cough). Not to mention, Perth is no where near the global city that Melbourne and Sydney are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zekekelso Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 Let's face it, a significant number of Americans couldn't tell you which was North Island and which was South Island if you (a) told them they constituted New Zealand and ( pointed to New Zealand on a map. Our world geography skills aren't that great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheOtherRob Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 And here was me thinking we had a new Ozzie member. Only just realised it's Rols in disguise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold Coast Lions Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 I was not trying to be obnoxious, I know where Perth is, however the vast American public (or the world at large) would have no idea what I was talking about. And while Americans are not the best educated people in the world they are still very important to the IOC (cough*NBC Deal*cough). Not to mention, Perth is no where near the global city that Melbourne and Sydney are. The NBC and lots of other American Media has been to Perth lately it's pretty hard to find a media lately Perth is the main hub for the search for the missing Malaysian flight, They would know where Perth is for ages hello we hosted the Americas Cup in 1987 one of the USA most important events it is up there with the Super ball. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zekekelso Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 we hosted the Americas Cup in 1987 one of the USA most important events it is up there with the Super ball. Uh, no. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quaker2001 Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 The NBC and lots of other American Media has been to Perth lately it's pretty hard to find a media lately Perth is the main hub for the search for the missing Malaysian flight, They would know where Perth is for ages hello we hosted the Americas Cup in 1987 one of the USA most important events it is up there with the Super ball. Wow, my head also hurts after reading that last sentence. mr. bernham, you're off the hook.. this is now the most ignorant comment in the thread. GCL, first off, it's Super BOWL. 2nd, you don't honestly think the America's Cup is as big as the Super Bowl, do you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quaker2001 Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 Uh, no. Still have that Billy Madison quote saved somewhere? I think it applies here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krow Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 the problem with a perth olympics is that it's so isolated from anywhere else. you need nearby metropolises to incentivize filling the stands. i don't want to hear any nonsense about being "close to asia" because that support is plainly not going to materialize. are australians going to fly across country to fill seats? are europeans and americans going to want to fly to the middle of nowhere for high prices to attend? maybe europeans, but maybe not. it's just never going happen, perthy. your best bet could be a commonwealth games (small, unimportant) or a few games in an australian WC. the world sea games seems up your alley. a less-important gay games knockoff... alternately, you could grow your metro area by 15 million people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ofan Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 Yeah, what Mr. Bernham said was pretty ignorant. However, he has a point. GCL, stop with the Perth nonsense. It's a pretty insignificant city internationally and no one gives a damn about the Americas Cup except for rich people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.bernham Posted May 8, 2014 Report Share Posted May 8, 2014 What's the Americas Cup? Yeah, what Mr. Bernham said was pretty ignorant. However, he has a point. GCL, stop with the Perth nonsense. It's a pretty insignificant city internationally and no one gives a damn about the Americas Cup except for rich people. Thanks, once again I was not trying to be ignorant simply stating that Perth is not well known Internationally. The NBC and lots of other American Media has been to Perth lately it's pretty hard to find a media lately Perth is the main hub for the search for the missing Malaysian flight, They would know where Perth is for ages hello we hosted the Americas Cup in 1987 one of the USA most important events it is up there with the Super ball. 1. Super Bowl, and the America's cup is nowhere near as important as that event 2. So you are relying on an international tragedy to expand the cities global name? 3. Melbourne hosted the Olympics. Sydney hosted the Olympics (known as the best games ever). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
runningrings Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 I wouldn't really pay much attention to Robert Doyle - he is mayor the City of Melbourne - which is a small municipality that covers the inner city only. He can be somewhat influential - but the real decisions are made by the State Government, which is lead by the Premier - and they have flat out said that an Olympic bid in the next 10 years is not on the radar for Melbourne. As for this "Plan B" rubbish - Melbourne couldn't do it in two years - no city could, including LA or London. I will say though that Melbourne is one of the most capable and as close to ready you can get for any city that has not hosted since 1984. For a city that host not hosted since 1956 - it is up there (if not only behind ) London and Los Angeles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woohooitsme83 Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 The NBC and lots of other American Media has been to Perth lately it's pretty hard to find a media lately Perth is the main hub for the search for the missing Malaysian flight, They would know where Perth is for ages hello we hosted the Americas Cup in 1987 one of the USA most important events it is up there with the Super ball. What? What? What? Never heard of the Americas Cup. IZ IT TERRORIST CONSPIRACY BOMBING TRAP BOOM?!? With a quick Google search, I've discovered that it is something related to yachts (something I've never seen here in Algeria, and probably never will unless your hallucinating in the desert). Never been interested in yachts. Always thought of it as a rich-man event for American things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexjc Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Haaa haa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olympic Fan Darcy Posted May 20, 2014 Report Share Posted May 20, 2014 Mr. Bernham, you are the definition of obnoxious American. As an Australian I agree with Bernham. I live in Australia and majority of people I know cracks jokes about both Tasmania and Perth. I had a family member that had to move to work there for 6 months and came back and described it as "the most boring place". There is nothing to do. And I would bet that people wouldn't know where Perth is. Thought this was funny and also proves my point and Bernhams. This was some News network in America following the search for MH370 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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