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.<\/p>\n
The 2023\/24 Federal Budget earmarked $3.4 billion over a decade for the 2032 Olympics in Queensland, but nothing for Victoria 2026.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Nearly $300 million worth of infrastructure will be built in Geelong alone.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Speaking in Geelong last week, Mr Andrews said he had raised the funding issue with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.<\/p>\n
“We’re confident there’ll be a partnership there.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“We will be seeking confirmation from the federal government about its expected future contribution to this major event.”<\/p>\n
Shadow Minister for the Commonwealth Games David Southwick said state Labor needed to deliver the Commonwealth Games funding it had promised.<\/p>\n
“This is a once in a generation opportunity to showcase the very best of regional Victoria on the world stage.<\/p>\n
“Unlike what the Premier says, time is ticking.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n