WITH confirmation regional Victoria is set to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the lack of representation within south-west Victoria in hosting duties has drawn the ire of Western Victoria MP, Stuart Grimley.

The Derryn Hinch Justice Party member is urging games organisers and the State Government to share the hosting duties around the state.

Mr Grimley said the decision to stage most major events in Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong and Gippsland was a lost opportunity to put the south-west of the state on the global stage.

“I would have liked to see more regional towns announced for the initial sports,” he said.

“For example, the cycling on the south-west coast, in particular the road cycling would be a perfect fit. The Great Ocean Road and the Otway’s would make a wonderful spectacle for the world to see. 

“Regional Victoria is so much more than Bendigo, Ballarat, and Geelong.

“An opportunity to have world records broken in Horsham, Colac or Warrnambool, may have been missed.

“Not only are these areas missing out on economic benefits, but they could also be missing out on much needed public infrastructure spending.”

With transport and facilities attracting concerns, Mr Grimley said the games offered a viable funding model to upgrade regional infrastructure.

At the top of the list is regional rail, with Grimley hoping organisers re-assess the decision to keep events in regional cities within two hours of Melbourne.

“I don’t want to take away from the incredible news that regional Victoria will be playing a major role in the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“There is a massive opportunity for the government to improve the lives of other regional areas, and I hope they share spending evenly throughout regional Victoria.” 

The MCG will host the opening ceremony, with Shepparton set to host sporting and cultural events alongside Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong and Gippsland.

Echoing Mr Grimley’s concerns was shadow minister for Regional Victoria, Peter Walsh, who said funding must be at the forefront of government planning for the games.

“A regional Commonwealth Games will require upgrades to sporting facilities, but it must also include a program of works on road, rail and to improve access to public transport in the regions,” he said.

“The games will bring in crowds to spend money locally in our retail, accommodation and tourism businesses or to refuel at a sausage sizzle run by the hard-working volunteers of our proud community groups.

“Bringing major events back to our country communities is critical for recovering and rebuilding strong regional economies and generating new careers and job opportunities.”

The initial plan is for Geelong to host aquatics, beach volleyball, gymnastics, hockey, table tennis and triathlon, while the athletics and boxing will be in Ballarat.

Bendigo will host lawn bowls, netball, squash and weightlifting, with Gippsland providing venues for badminton and rugby sevens.