A sporting chance

THE sporting events keep coming in March.

On the Barwon River you’ll find the three-day Head of School Girls Regatta, while our beloved Geelong Cats will kick off their AFL season at their fully redeveloped home stadium.

One I’m really looking forward to is the annual Ironman 70.3 Geelong, which I’ll be taking part in for the third time.

The triathlon has long been a favourite among athletes, with the stunning multi-loop course showcasing the scenery of the waterfront and the northern Bellarine.

It also balances elite competition with a real community feel, drawing both strong local participation and support along the circuit.

The triathlon is a fantastic annual event, drawing visitors from all over the world.

While we have some very well-organised community level fun runs, Geelong does not currently have a signature long-distance running event that attracts people from far and wide.

There is a lot of potential to expand and lift our profile in this area.

Firstly, a major upgrade of Landy Field will provide some impetus and momentum.

Council has recently committed $5 million in its upcoming budget towards a redevelopment of our regional athletics facility.

We are also seeking a matching $5 million contribution from the Victorian Government, to build a two-storey pavilion and grandstand.

We have applied for the funds via the Government’s Council Support Package, which provides up to $5 million to support regional cities that were due to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Among needed indoor sports centres and investments in social and affordable housing, a major upgrade of Landy Field would provide some consolation from the Government’s failed venture.

I have long been advocating and working with the Landy Field community, Council and other governments to obtain funding for the upgrade, so it’s exciting to consider it could potentially soon come to fruition.

The Landy Field pavilion would include a multipurpose space (gym/ warm-up/ stretch/ group exercise), social/function room, various office and meeting spaces, female friendly change rooms, first aid, kitchen/bar, and kiosk.

The community benefits of this development would be huge.

Nearly 1000 athletes compete at Landy Field each week during the athletics season, with schools and other casual users also training at the facility.

There is a lot of young people coming through the sport, and this will be a great way to support them.

It is an aspirational venue, one where athletes can both dream and prepare for higher honours.

From John Landy himself, to track runner turned Olympic marathoner Lee Troop, to our current stars, Geelong has a rich athletic history.

The achievements of Amali Butcher and Caleb Kilpatrick – who are set to contest the 2024 World Athletics Championships in Peru this August – will inspire more to follow in their wake.

The upgrade will also help Landy Field attract regional and state athletics championships, which will generate a range of social, tourism and economic benefits.

It will also enable us to aspire to wider goals, such as Geelong hosting its own running festival or international standard marathon.

These would be stunning additions to our events calendar, and make this region an even more attractive place to live in and visit.

As always, I am happy to speak to anyone on Council-related matters.

Please feel free to contact me on 0455 532 006 to raise an issue, or reach out via the City’s website at geelongaustralia.com.au, phone (03 5272 5272), email [email protected] or the City app.

Cr Eddy Kontelj

Brownbill Ward, City of Greater Geelong