No federal funding yet for Victoria 2026

THERE is no federal money yet for the Victorian 2026 Commonwealth Games but Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says a funding arrangement will eventually be struck.

The 2023/24 Federal Budget earmarked $3.4 billion over a decade for the 2032 Olympics in Queensland, but nothing for Victoria 2026.

Geelong is one of four regional Victorian hubs that will host the Games, which have an expected overall price tag of about $2.6 billion.

Nearly $300 million worth of infrastructure will be built in Geelong alone.

The Victorian government has factored the full $2.6 billion cost into its own budgets but is widely expected to want a 50:50 funding split with the federal government.

Speaking in Geelong last week, Mr Andrews said he had raised the funding issue with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“We’re confident there’ll be a partnership there.

“We’ll continue working hard. It’s not the last budget. It’s not like the Commonwealth Games is happening, you know, next week or next year, even – we do have time and we’re very confident that we’ll have a partner.”

City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said securing funding for Victoria 2026 was one of the city’s advocacy priorities ahead of the federal budget’s release.

“Given the significant international exposure and benefit to the national economy, we believe that all three levels of government need to invest in the Commonwealth Games.

“Council has allocated $7.62 million in its proposed four-year budget cycle to help contribute to the development of major competition venues in Geelong.

“We will be seeking confirmation from the federal government about its expected future contribution to this major event.”

Shadow Minister for the Commonwealth Games David Southwick said state Labor needed to deliver the Commonwealth Games funding it had promised.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to showcase the very best of regional Victoria on the world stage.

“Unlike what the Premier says, time is ticking.”