The South Australian Government has committed $8.3 million in the 2025-2026 state budget to preparations for Adelaide to host COP31 in November next year, should Australia’s bid to host be successful.
The funds will be spent on tasks including security, transport and infrastructure planning for the event, which will see tens of thousands of world leaders, dignitaries and other delegates converge on Adelaide.
The state government has already undertaken a feasibility study to ensure the city has the capability and capacity to host the event.
The estimated value of COP31 to South Australia has been put at $511.6 million, with economic impacts on tourism, trade and investment and the Adelaide and South Australian brands globally.
“[COP31] will be bigger than Gather Round, LIV Golf, the Festival and Fringe all together,” said South Australia’s Premier, Peter Malinauskas.
“To deliver it will take a monumental logistical and planning effort. We are already well advanced, but it is vital that we accelerate that effort and that is exactly what the state budget will do.
“South Australia already has an enviable record for hosting big events, but COP31 presents an opportunity to firmly cement our state on the global stage, grow our economy and promote our already world leading position in the decarbonisation of industry and electricity.”
Currently, South Australia runs off 75 per cent renewable energy, with the goal of being at 100 per cent net renewable by 2027.
During the federal election campaign in April, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese publicly put his support behind Adelaide as the host, should Australia’s joint bid with the Pacific, win COP31 hosting rights.
Turkey is the only other contender in the race to host the gathering, but the lead time to deliver what will be a complex event is shortening by the day.
“If Australia is selected, Adelaide needs to be ready to host the world’s environmental leaders,” said South Australia’s treasurer, Stephen Mullighan.
“COP is more than just a climate conference, it’s an economic catalyst and an opportunity to unlock future investment in our state.
“Hosting COP would be a chance to promote SA on a global scale unlike anything we’ve ever experienced.”
With South Australia’s budget set to be announced tomorrow, another business events slice has already been revealed, with Business Events Adelaide receiving over $10 million to attract business events to Adelaide.
