Surprise over games cancellation

MEMBERS of the Ballarat community have expressed shock and disappointment over the announcement that the 2026 Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria have been cancelled.

Daniel Andrews made the announcement last week, saying the games had become too expensive.

VOGA Cycle Club have been campaigning for mountain bike trails in Creswick for a decade, and president David Tannard said it is a relief the trails will still be built.

“We were disappointed it was cancelled as it would have brought different people to Creswick and showcased Creswick,” he said.

“But the Creswick trails are already being built, so we are missing out on exposure but we’re not missing out on the trails.”

The Hammon Park Trailhead, which is part of this project, was opened earlier this year and Mr Tannard said the trails will still get good use.

“I’ve seen some of the trails and they look sensational so they will get well used,” he said. “They will be the only large-scale mountain bike trails in this area.”

Both Anne Alexander, the chair of Commerce Ballarat and George Fong, the chair of the Committee for Ballarat, said they were surprised by the decision.

“I think it’s fair to say it was quite unexpected, took us by surprise and there is quite a lot to digest,” said Mr Fong.

Ms Alexander agreed but did say if the games were going to cost $7 billion it was the right decision.

“It seems quite crazy to spend $7 billion on twelve days of sport,” she said.

Many of the legacy aspects of the games, such as upgrades to Ballarat Station and Eureka Stadium will still be going ahead.

“It was comforting that the Premier did confirm Ballarat would still get the infrastructure build and the legacy investments into venues,” said Ms Alexander.

However, there are concerns with how this will affect the visitor economy, with tourists not coming to the region for the games.

“The one that no one’s really talked about yet that we are concerned about is the visitor economy benefit because now that’s at risk,” said Ms Alexander.

“From our business community, lots of resources have already spent in preparing whether that be through building permits or looking at expansions and renovations.”

Mr Fong echoed similar worries but is hopeful the State Government will provide a solution.

“There have been indications from the Government that there will be marketing that will be put together to improve the way we advertise the region,” he said.

“That is something that we will keep pressure up on.”

Mr Fong also expressed concern with the logistics of constructing some of the infrastructure.

“Some of the debate that will continue will be around the athletes’ village in terms of the legacy if it will continue on,” he said. “We need them to flesh it what it will look like.”

He would also like to see improvements to transport in the region.

“The Commonwealth games helped ensure we improved the transport infrastructure around the stadium and behind it,” he said. “That could use some review as well.”