Game on for regional infrastructure

FOLLOWING the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the State Government has reiterated a two-billion-dollar commitment to development projects in regional Victoria to fulfill legacy promises.

“We’ll deliver all the housing, sports infrastructure and tourism legacy benefits for our regions, but without the massive extra cost of hosting the Games,” said Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy, Harriet Shing.

The State Government cited the decision to cancel the games as being due to operational costs reaching twice what was initially budgeted for.

Along with sporting and mixed use facility works, funding allocations were recently announced for housing and tourism infrastructure with the aim of creating lasting benefit for regional Victorians.

With housing a concern in the regions, $1 billion will be spent on permanent social housing across the state.

“The Bendigo community has told us that more places to live and more places to stay across regional Victoria is what really matters, so that’s exactly what we’ll deliver,” said Premier Daniel Andrews.

For Bendigo this means a mix of social and affordable housing will be built in consultation with local stakeholders to determine where these facilities are most needed.

Meanwhile, planned upgrades to Red Energy Area, the redevelopment of Bendigo Bowls Club, and the construction of an additional exhibition shed at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds will still go ahead.

However, there is no timeline on when the works will be complete, or which agency will be undertaking them.

In addition to the infrastructure development projects, $150 million has been allocated to promoting tourism in regional Victoria.