Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said he is extremely disappointed following the announcement that the 2026 Commonwealth Games will not proceed as a regional Victoria model.
Greater Shepparton had been announced to host a suite of cycling events, including both the men's and women's road race time trials, as well as the BMX Racing competition, which was set to be a major drawcard for the region.
"Disappointed is an understatement. The Greater Shepparton region had already began gearing up for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and we were extremely excited to have been announced as one of the five host cities," Cr Sali said.
"The regional Victoria model was set to bring thousands of athletes, visitors and spectators to Greater Shepparton and provide a positive boost to the region's economy, which would last long after the games were over. It was this Commonwealth Games legacy which our region was most excited for, and this is what we will now turn our efforts to."
The Victorian Government have acknowledged that the funding allocated for upgrades to the Shepparton BMX track will still go ahead, which Cr Sali said would help the region attract more state, national and international sporting competitions.
"This funding for upgrades to the Shepparton BMX track is a great result. The Victorian Government also announced our region will shared in the $150 million Regional Tourism and Events Fund which will offer new events, attractions and more accommodation in Greater Shepparton," he said.
"Conversations will now take place in the coming weeks and months, with our expectation for further funding to be allocated towards the Shepparton Sports and Events Stadium upgrade. This upgrade is high on the priority list and a major project which we will continue advocating for.
"We will also continue to push for the State Government's contribution to Stage One of the Goulburn Valley Highway Shepparton Bypass which is an extremely important piece of infrastructure, not just for our region for but all of regional Victoria. We will continue these conversations to ensure Greater Shepparton can get the most out of the $2 billion regional package announced by the State Government."
