Sporting Upgrades on Track Despite Games Axing

The Games may have been axed but many of the promised upgrades to regional sporting facilities in Victoria are going ahead. 

Among them are upgraded BMX facilities at Shepparton including a new multi-use pavilion, velodrome lighting, track upgrades and broadcasting equipment.

The club is one of 15 sporting infrastructure projects listed under the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.

Shepparton was among a number of regional cities chosen to host events for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the centres putting forward a list of necessary upgrades to infrastructure and sporting facilities ahead of the event.

While some upgrades were begun, the cancellation of the Games last year raised concerns about what would or would not proceed.

Shepparton hosts the AusCycling BMX Racing National Championship and was earmarked to host the BMX events for the Games. 

Victorian minister for tourism, sports and major events Steve Dimopoulos said it was important to invest in local communities. 

“An investment in a local sporting club is also an investment in a local community—it will strengthen the local economy, support jobs and showcase the best of the region,” Dimopoulos said.

“Best-in-class sporting venues shouldn’t be confined to capital cities.”

Ar Ballarat, another former venue slates for the Games, Eureka Stadium, is also to be upgraded under the program.

Dimopoulos revealed theBallarat Sports Package that will bring 5000 new seats to the Eureka Stadium Precinct as well as a new running track and imoroivements to accessibility in the precinct. 

Works will begin later this year and the expression of interest campaign for the head contractor has opened. 

A new community sports facility has also been announced for Miners Rest with an oval, a sports pavilion, amenities, car parking and change rooms.

As well, the Ballarat Sports Events Centre will have its courts upgraded along with its broadcasting and lighting facilities, and its accessibility improved. 

Accessibility at venues was a key concern for the regional centres in the lead up to the Games. 

Other facilities being built or upgraded as part of the program include: the Armstrong Creek Aquatic and Sports Centre; an expansion of Banyul-Warri Fields; the Bendigo Bowls Club and the Bendigo Croquet Club; Bendigo Stadium; Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium; Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park; Stead Park; Ted Summerton Reserve; and, the Waurn Ponds Sporting Complex.