Victoria dumps 2026 Commonwealth Games
The Victorian Government has sensationally announced it’ll no longer host the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to escalating costs, however permanent and upgraded sporting infrastructure projects will still proceed.
Premier Daniel Andrews made the announcement on Tuesday, saying costs have surged to over $6 billion – well beyond the $2.6 billion originally budgeted, and more than twice the estimated economic benefit the Games would bring to the state.
The costs suggested by the Premier far exceed those of previous Commonwealth Games, with the Gold Coast Games in 2018 costing $1.4 billion, and the Birmingham Games in 2022 costing $1.8 billion.
It remains to be seen what the penalty will be for Victoria breaking the contract with the Commonwealth Games Federation, with reports suggesting it could be as much as $250 million, while hundreds of millions have already been spent in preparing for the Games.
Announced in April 2022, the Games were due to be entirely hosted across regional Victoria, with the exception of the opening ceremony which was to be held at the MCG.
There were to be four regional hubs: Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Gippsland, each containing an athletes’ village, while Shepparton was also set to host events.
To alleviate promises made to the regions, the Government has announced a $2 billion package to cover the deficit.
This includes a new Aquatic Centre at Armstrong Creek, a 6-court indoor stadium at Waurn Ponds, upgrading Eureka Stadium in Ballarat to seat 10,000 spectators, a new community sporting facility at Miners Rest, upgrades to Bendigo Stadium, BMX trails in Shepparton, Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park, Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe and more.
The Government has promised these facilities will now be completed sooner and made available to locals earlier than initially planned, while these projects will allow for more large-scale events outside of Melbourne.
The decision to abandon the games marks a major setback for the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA), who must now find an alternative host for the quadrennial event.
According to the Victorian Government, all possible alternatives had been investigated, including hosting the 2026 Games exclusively in Melbourne.
Community sports, which play a central role in the regions, will also see significant investment through a $60 million fund. It will finance aquatic centres, indoor stadiums, lighting upgrades, and walking and cycling paths. A further $40 million will be set aside for all-abilities sport to help those with disabilities.
PERMANENT SPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS FOR 2026
BALLARAT
• Eureka Stadium
A new athletics track, stadium expansion by 5,000 permanent seats, with improved accessibility access.
• Miners Rest
Construct all-new facility, including competition-grade oval and sports pavilion with carparking, amenities and changerooms.
• Ballarat Sports and Events Centre
Updates to the show court and accessibility works.
• Ballarat train station
Passenger lifts on both platforms and a connecting pedestrian overpass.
• Creswick Mountain biking
Delivering 60 kilometres of world-class mountain bike trails.
BENDIGO
• Bendigo Bowls Club
Redevelop five existing bowls and croquet greens, and refurbishment of the existing pavilion.
• Bendigo Showgrounds
Additional exhibition shed.
• Bendigo Stadium
Four additional sports courts.
SHEPPARTON
• BMX facilities
Upgrade facilities to attract more state, national and international competition.
GIPPSLAND
• Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium, Traralgon
Refurbishment of court facilities and other amenity upgrades.
• Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park
Redevelop two pitches and redevelop two pavilions.
• Morwell Gun Club
New shotgun trap shooting range, all equipment required for Air Rifle and Air Pistol, and new security fencing.
• Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe
Refurbish oval and wicket, redevelop and expand terraces, and accessibility upgrades.
GEELONG
• Stead Park, Corio
Upgrade of hockey pavilion, a new pitch and additional permanent seating.
• New Armstrong Creek Aquatics Centre
A civic plaza, an enclosed swimming pool, 4 indoor recreational sports courts and associated car parking.
• New Indoor Sporting Complex at Waurn Ponds
Multipurpose sports centre with 6 courts, with regional level gymnastics and dance studio, associated car parking.
• Banyul-Warri Fields, Torquay
A new training pitch and new seating.
