Geelong could be hosting the Commonwealth Games in just four years’ time if a Victorian bid is successful.
Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed on Wednesday the state government had signed an agreement with the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia to big for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Mr Andrews said if successful, the games would be held across Victoria, with Geelong in a prime position to host events.
“Victoria is Australia’s sporting state, and, if awarded, the 2026 Commonwealth Games would demonstrate to the world a new way to deliver the competition,” he said.
“We would hope to have the majority of events in our regional cities – to display the best of Victoria, create jobs and housing and infrastructure that will deliver for the long term.”
City of Greater Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said Geelong would be well-suited to host events.
“We’re thrilled that the Victorian government is negotiating to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with a plan to host events across regional Victoria,” he said.
“As Victoria’s largest regional city, we’re ready to showcase Geelong and the Bellarine on a global stage. Thousands of athletes and spectators would get to experience the growing buzz about Geelong, including our fabulous food, culture, and beaches.
“Our city boasts some of the best sporting facilities in regional Australia and we’re ready to host everything from rowing to swimming, athletics, cricket, triathlons, road cycling, rugby sevens, and hockey.
“The games attract more than 5000 athletes from more than 70 nations, so the economic benefits for our tourism, events and hospitality industries would be enormous. Geelong already has the majority of the infrastructure in place and hosting the games would benefit our region for decades to come.”
He also said Geelong would be the perfect location for the opening and closing ceremonies.
“GMHBA Stadium at Kardinia Park is an outstanding stadium that can host everything from the world’s biggest bands to major sporting events. If the negotiations are successful, Geelong is a clear choice to host a spectacular opening or closing ceremony,” he said.
The government and Commonwealth Games Australia will now develop Victoria’s 2026 Commonwealth Games submission, which will assess the viability of hosting the event.
The submission will focus on a new way to host the Games, with events held in multiple locations across regional Victoria to showcase the state.
Mr Andrews said a regionally focused Commonwealth Games would expand the capacity of Victoria’s regional cities for major events, tourism, arts, culture and sport.
He also said it would mean new economic opportunities through event infrastructure, as well as create local jobs and housing.
A major cultural festival would accompany the 2026 Commonwealth Games that celebrates the diversity of competing nations.
Victoria previously hosted the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006 and was approached by the Commonwealth Games Federation to consider a bid for the 2026 games, after receiving a lack of interest elsewhere.
The Commonwealth Games Federation will assess the submission before a decision is made to award the games to Victoria.
