John Landy Athletics Field will get a $10 million overhaul of its pavilion after the Victorian government announced it would match the council’s $5 million commitment to the project.
The City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) applied for $5 million through the government’s Council Support Package, which was established to provide infrastructure funds to regional cities previously slated to host the now-cancelled 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The redevelopment will include the construction of a new two-storey pavilion, grandstand and other facility improvements.
State Member for Geelong Christine Couzens announced the funding application’s success on Friday, June 14.
“The State Government is proud to invest $5 million to enable Landy Field to remain a premier regional athletics track in Victoria,” Ms Couzens said.
“This athletic field is iconic in Geelong, and this funding will enable athletes, little athletic participants and their families, to have the facilities they deserve into the future.”
Mayor Trent Sullivan expressed his appreciation for the state government’s investment in the sporting facility.
“Today’s news from the government is certainly welcomed and, combined with the Council’s matching funding, secures Landy Field’s future as a high quality regional and state level athletics centre,” Mayor Sullivan said.
“The project will mean athletes using Landy Field will have access to a modern, fit-for-purpose pavilion, while spectators will be able to watch in the comfort of a brand new grandstand.
“With athletics about to be in the spotlight via the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, it’s a hugely exciting time for the sport in Geelong.”
CoGG has already set in motion its Landy Field track renewal project worth $1.5 million, which will see the track resurfaced and the hammer and discus cage relocated.
The long overdue resurfacing, necessary for the track to retain its World Athletics Class 2 accreditation, began earlier this month and is expected to be completed toward the end of the year.
