What lessons from decision to abandon Commonwealth Games in Victoria?
The Victorian Government’s decision to cancel the 2026 Regional Victoria Commonwealth Games is disappointing, however PIA welcomes the additional $1 billion Regional Housing Fund to deliver 1300 new social and affordable homes across regional Victoria, as well as the commitment to regional sporting infrastructure.
An additional $1 billion has been allocated to sporting infrastructure and tourism legacy across regional Victoria. PIA Victoria President Gabby McMillan stated that “We recognise the importance of sport and tourism in regional economies and are pleased that funding has been allocated for continued investment in creating healthy and vibrant places”.
PIA made a detailed submission to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Inquiry into hosting the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games, which emphasised the importance of achieving a longterm legacy. We specifically supported leveraging athletes’ accommodation for regional housing needs and demonstrating wider carbon reduction opportunities in infrastructure and construction.
In its decision, the Victorian Government announced that legacy projects will still be delivered in the regional hubs of Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton and Gippsland. PIA supports a wider consultation and a strategic needs-based review of the proposed investments.
PIA supports the investment in housing along with appropriately planned sporting and tourism infrastructure and calls for a strategic review of the legacy projects prior to the commencement of these projects.