Cancellation of 2026 Commonwealth Games

While we are disappointed in today's announcement, we understand the financial pressures that all levels of government are facing and the difficult decisions that need to be made. Councils entered into this arrangement with the State Government in good faith, and have invested time, resources and funds to help deliver a successful Games. This is a very disappointing result, as Geelong and the other regional host cities had been promised a huge amount of tourism, economic, social, and sporting benefits would flow from hosting the Games.

More than 7500 jobs were expected to be created before, during and after the Games, and more than 1200 goods and services procurement opportunities were also on the agenda. We especially feel for the significant number of Geelong-based government employees who had been working on this event, towards the 2026 deadline.

The legacy outcomes that the Games were to deliver to the Geelong community were vital in addressing our region's growing need for social and affordable housing, and our sporting facilities. We welcome the Government's announcement that this vital infrastructure will still be prioritised, and we're eagerly awaiting the details of exactly what they will fund and deliver. While disappointed, we will continue to work with the Government and local MPs to ensure that the best possible outcomes are achieved for our community.