Australia loses out in bid to host crucial climate conference

Adelaide will not play host to next year's COP climate summit, with the federal government unable to overcome its stalemate with rival bidder Turkey.

Australian officials have conceded to 9News that COP31 next year will simply not happen in the South Australian capital. 

9News understands negotiations are continuing to give some role to Pacific nations, but that Turkey will emerge as the host.

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The conference would have seen up to 50,000 delegates descend on Adelaide for two weeks of meetings and seminars.

Both the federal and state governments have already committed millions of dollars preparing for the event to come to South Australia, with a specialist police squad formed to prepare security measures.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said this afternoon that Australia will still be involved regardless of where the event lands.

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"We are trying to get the best outcome here for the planet and for the global economy and regardless of where it is held, we will continue to play a leadership role in that," he said.

COP31 was predicted to cost Australia more than $1 billion, but would have brought South Australia close to half of that in economic revenue.

It's unclear whether the millions already spent can be used for another major event in Adelaide.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.