Geelong’s involvement in the 2026 Commonwealth Games has become an election battleground, with Victorian Opposition leader Matthew Guy offering an alternate plan to the one presented by Premier Daniel Andrews.
Last week Labor confirmed that Geelong would host the closing ceremony at Kardinia Park and construct an aquatic centre in Armstrong Creek and a gymnastics and weightlifting venue and athletes’ village in Waurn Ponds.
Mr Guy attacked Labor over Melbourne’s hosting of the opening ceremony, saying he would award that event to Geelong as well were he to become Premier.
“There is no better choice to kick off regional Victoria’s Commonwealth Games than in the largest stadium outside of Melbourne,” Mr Guy said.
“If Daniel Andrews doesn’t rethink this decision a Matthew Guy Liberals and Nationals government will relocate the opening ceremony to Geelong.”
In addition to promising a “complete reform” of Geelong’s public transport system and a revitalisation of Little Malop St, the Liberal vision of the Games would also see the gymnastics and weightlifting facility instead be built in Armstrong Creek.
The proposed Armstrong Creek aquatic centre would be scrapped, with the swimming and diving events instead being held at Kardinia Park Aquatic Centre.
Liberal candidate for Bellarine Donnie Grigau said the Kardinia Park Aquatic Centre would receive upgrades that would turn it into a world-class facility and create jobs for the region.
“Our commitment will support many local jobs during and after construction of these facilities and provide real solutions to the lack of options in the area,” Mr Grigau said.
In reply, Labor claimed these changes in plans would not only throw Games preparations into chaos, but would deprive the Greater Geelong community of sporting infrastructure.
“The Geelong Swimming Club has told us that a competition-grade swimming pool in Armstrong Creek is the best thing, not just for the Commonwealth Games, but the needs of swimmers in our region for years to come,” Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said.
“Matthew Guy’s cuts would put that all at risk.”
Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman claimed Mr Guy’s alternate plans didn’t take into consideration the needs of the region.
“Matthew Guy’s Liberals have ignored the needs of the Armstrong Creek community, preparing to cut much-needed facilities – showing they cannot be trusted to deliver the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
