Statement regarding Commonwealth Games announcement

18 July 2023 2:17pm

Mayor Cr Des Hudson at the media conference in front of a lectern at the town hall

Media statement from City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson

The decision from the State Government not to proceed with hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2026 is disappointing for the City of Ballarat.

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 5,000 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
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.