Prime location: If BMX action was to be included in a potential Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2026, City of Greater Shepparton would be a strong contender to host the event.
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Rodney Braithwaite
Melbourne has emerged as a likely host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, and the possibility of events filtering out to regional areas has councils excited.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O’Keeffe cited the work Greater Shepparton City Council has done surrounding a Regional Cities Victoria model as a solid framework for the Goulburn Valley to be involved in hosting duties in 2026.
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“It is great to hear the news about the prospect of the 2026 Commonwealth Games being hosted in Victoria,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
“We have been working on a regional cities model for a number of years with a pre-feasibility study completed in 2020, which was contributed to by the state government and several regional councils.
“Regional cities are well placed to support such an event with the potential to create significant economic and social opportunities for local businesses and the community.”
Greater Shepparton has an extensive and successful track record in hosting national or international events, with the local council always keen to add more strings to its events bow.
“The regional model is a good one with great facilities and infrastructure already available,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
“Shepparton has a proven track record of hosting successful large-scale international events such as the 2020 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup.
“Shepparton’s Victoria Park Lake also hosted the 2017 and 2018 World Tour Beach Volleyball events along with several international standard triathlons, with the ability to host bigger events in the future.
“While we are fortunate to have some world class infrastructure in our region, we also welcome investment towards new and updated facilities.
“We understand that this is a big expenditure for the state and we look forward to working closely with the government to make this happen.
“It would be a fantastic legacy for regional cities.’’
While BMX events are not currently part of the Commonwealth Games, they have been included at the Olympic level since 2008.
Shepparton also has a pair of premium undercover lawn bowls facilities at Shepparton Park and East Shepparton and plenty of experience under its belt in hosting huge events in the sport like the Victorian Open.
Great track record: Greater Shepparton has hosted plenty of huge lawn bowls events and has the ability to secure more if the opportunity arises.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Neighbouring Strathbogie Shire Council would also love to see Commonwealth Games action featured in its area if the chance arose.
“The Nagambie Lakes Regatta Centre is without a doubt the best place to host the Melbourne Commonwealth Games rowing,” Mayor Laura Binks said.
“It is Victoria's premier 2km eight-lane rowing and boating venue and Nagambie is situated just 90 minutes from Melbourne.
“We recently hosted the Australian rowing team as they prepared for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, so we’re well versed in hosting the world’s best rowing athletes in Nagambie.”
Cr Binks also said upgrades to the Nagambie rowing facilities would be crucial in any potential bid.
Perfect spot: Nagambie could host international rowing events if Melbourne secures the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
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Contributed
“One of Strathbogie Shire Council’s key advocacy projects at present is the Lake Nagambie rowing course deepening,” she said.
“This project will dredge 2km of the rowing course to a consistent 3m depth to allow the hosting of national and international events.
“We are also seeking a peninsula extension through the construction of a 300m boardwalk.
“This would create a starting point to enable a 100m course, provide wave and wind protection and significantly enhance the spectator experience.
“We look forward to working with government to fund these important projects so we’re ready to host international athletes in 2026, or earlier.”
