Colac Otway backs Commonwealth Games study

THE Colac Otway Shire is financially supporting a study into the 2030 Commonwealth Games being held across regional Victoria, but the City of Greater Geelong is yet to commit.

In April, the Greater Shepparton City Council announced it was leading the “Greater Victoria” bid, which would see the Games hosted by 11 cities in regional Victoria, including Geelong.

The initial proposal for the bid suggests road cycling would be held in Warrnambool and Port Campbell, hockey at the Geelong Stead Park Hockey Centre, the men’s and women’s rugby 7s at Simonds Stadium, and gymnastics at the yet-to-be-confirmed-or-built Geelong Convention Centre.

Greater Shepparton is co-ordinating an $80,000 pre-feasibility study for the bid, with the state government contributing $30,000 and the rest to come from rural and regional councils.

The Colac Otway Shire announced last month that it would contribute $3,000 to the study, and shire mayor Joe McCracken said the prospect of the 2030 Commonwealth Games being held across Victoria presented some tremendous opportunities for Colac Otway.

“We have world-class mountain biking trails as well as some of the most picturesque roads in Australia that could host walking, running and cycling events.

“Hosting the Commonwealth Games across regional Victoria would present significant economic and social opportunities, and Council believes our contribution to the pre-feasibility study is an important first step.”

A City of Greater Geelong spokesperson said the city was “considering its contribution” towards the pre-feasibility study.