The Victorian Government’s decision not to proceed with hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games in regional areas was met with disappointment in many of the areas that had been earmarked to host events.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said he was extremely disappointed following the announcement.
Latrobe and Ballarat, while still disappointed, were quick to see the bright side.
“This decision comes as a great blow to our community, which was eagerly anticipating the opportunity to showcase our region’s capabilities, culture and hospitality on an international stage,” Latrobe City Council said in a statement at the time of the announcement.
“Latrobe City had been actively preparing for the Commonwealth Games, investing time, resources and effort to ensure the successful hosting of this prestigious event.
“Hosting the games brought the promise of substantial economic benefits for local businesses and tourism, infrastructure improvement, social and affordable housing and a sense of community pride to our region.
“While this news is disappointing for our community, we acknowledge the government’s announcement of a $2 billion package to ensure regional Victoria receives lasting benefits.”
The Ballarat statement also focussed on the $2billion package to be shared across regional Victoria.
“The decision from the State Government not to proceed with hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2026 is disappointing for the City of Ballarat,” the statement read.
“However, despite the announcement, we are committed to ensuring the State Government delivers on what they have committed to the community and remain optimistic about the legacy items that have been promised.
“We are reassured by the promise of a $2 billion package to be shared across regional Victoria to deliver lasting sporting and housing infrastructure.
“For Ballarat, this will mean we will continue to advocate for: A 5000 seat upgrade at Mars Stadium, the train station upgrade that includes DDA access at Ballarat Station (as costed in the recent State Budget papers at $49.181 million), Upgrades at Ballarat Sports Events Centre, The Creswick mountain biking project, base infrastructure work at Saleyards site (including removal of King’s caveat, decontamination of the site and delivery of services), a permanent athletics track in the Major Events Precinct and Sharing in a new $1 billion regional housing fund (mix of social and affordable housing).
“We look forward to continuing to work with the government to ensure they honour the legacy projects that will provide benefits across tourism, sporting infrastructure and social housing.”
Greater Shepparton had been announced to host a suite of cycling events, including both the men’s and women’s road race time trials, as well as the BMX Racing competition, which was set to be a major drawcard for the region.
“Disappointed is an understatement. The Greater Shepparton region had already began gearing up for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and we were extremely excited to have been announced as one of the five host cities,” Cr Sali said.
“The regional Victoria model was set to bring thousands of athletes, visitors and spectators to Greater Shepparton and provide a positive boost to the region’s economy, which would last long after the games were over. It was this Commonwealth Games legacy which our region was most excited for, and this is what we will now turn our efforts to.”
The Victorian Government has acknowledged that the funding allocated for upgrades to the Shepparton BMX track will still go ahead, which Cr Sali said would help the region attract more state, national and international sporting competitions.
“This funding for upgrades to the Shepparton BMX track is a great result. The Victorian Government also announced our region will shared in the $150 million Regional Tourism and Events Fund which will offer new events, attractions and more accommodation in Greater Shepparton,” he said.
“Conversations will now take place in the coming weeks and months, with our expectation for further funding to be allocated towards the Shepparton Sports and Events Stadium upgrade. This upgrade is high on the priority list and a major project which we will continue advocating for.
“We will also continue to push for the State Government’s contribution to Stage One of the Goulburn Valley Highway Shepparton Bypass which is an extremely important piece of infrastructure, not just for our region for but all of regional Victoria. We will continue these conversations to ensure Greater Shepparton can get the most out of the $2 billion regional package announced by the State Government.”
