Games bid still on track
Study to probe likely regional venues
THE ambitious dream to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria remains alive.
A $80,000 feasibility study will be carried out to determine the viability of hosting the Games at a range of regional locations, including in Geelong and the Otways.
Colac Otway Shire has agreed to contribute $3000 towards the study, which will be held to determine if the venture should be pursued.
“Colac Otway is pleased to be a partner in this important first step of the investigation,” Mayor Joe McCracken said.
“There’s no doubt that regional Victoria has an enormous amount to offer, not just in terms of its sporting facilities, but as a great place to visit and explore.”
The council is hopeful that the region will be able to host events such as the road cycling and mountain biking.
“We have world-class mountain-biking trails as well as some of the most picturesque roads in Australia that could host walking, running and cycling events,” Cr McCracken said.
Geelong council, which has its first public meeting with its new councillors on Tuesday, is still to decide if it will help fund the study.
The bid, which is being driven by the Greater Shepparton council, was launched in April.
While Geelong was ident- ified as one of 11 potential host towns and cities, the Geelong council had not been involved in any discussions about the proposal.
However, then chief administrator Kathy Alexander said at the time that Geelong was “happy to be involved”.
“The city supports any initiative to highlight the many benefits of regional Victoria,” Dr Alexander said.
A taskforce has since formed, while the State Government has set up a working group made up of representatives from four different departments.
Major Events Minister John Eren and Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford have been briefed on the project, with the duo calling for the feasibility study.
The State Government will pay $30,000 towards the study.
The Victoria Tourism Industry Council has previously said there would be “huge benefits” if the bid was successful.