Mitchell Shire Council has expressed its desire for an opportunity to take part in the international sporting event, which will see athletes from 72 nations and territories converge on Melbourne to compete in the games.
“Mitchell Shire Council is excited about the prospect of the 2026 Commonwealth Games being hosted in Victoria,” Mayor Bill Chisholm said.
Cr Chisholm said the prospect of the Games being competed in the regions offered them a unique opportunity to showcase their towns.
“There is a potential social and economic opportunity for local businesses and the community and chance to demonstrate the tourist potential of regional Victoria on a large scale,” Cr Chisholm said.
“Our proximity to Melbourne and the world-class sports facilities in Nagambie and Shepparton in particular present a fantastic opportunity.”
Greater Shepparton City Council and Strathbogie Shire Council have recently both outlined events that could be held in their region, with the latter promoting the Nagambie Lakes Regatta Centre as a potential host for rowing events.
Greater Shepparton City Council highlighted Victoria Park Lake as a potential suitor for the beach volleyball events after the lake hosted the 2017 and 2018 Beach Volleyball World Tour events.
Government investment for infrastructure before the Games would also be welcomed by Mitchell Shire.
“We would welcome the opportunity for government investment towards new or upgraded infrastructure and facilities to accommodate competition and training for an international sporting event of this scale,” Cr Chisholm said.
The Commonwealth Games were last held in Melbourne in 2006, with Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, Traralgon and Lysterfield Park all hosting events.
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