Victoria is a step closer to hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games after the state government entered exclusive negotiations with the games' governing body.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Wednesday confirmed the state's bid to be host, saying the games would drive investment in Victoria's infrastructure and tourism sectors.
"This exclusivity speaks to the fact that we're the sporting capital of our nation," Mr Andrews said.
"We have all that is needed to make an event like this a fantastic success for us and everybody right across the Commonwealth."
Mr Andrews noted that if Victoria's bid was successful, the 2026 games would shift away from Melbourne and instead be set in the regions.
"It's something new, it's something unique, it's something very special," he said. "Regional Victoria will be better off for this."
Regional Cities Victoria chair Kim O'Keeffe agreed, saying the regions were primed to host major events.
"The Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006 was a great success," she said.
"A Victorian Commonwealth Games in 2026 that is hosted across the state would truly be an event to remember."
Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy supported the hosting bid but said the Andrews government needed to ensure it was not "flippant" with Victorians' money.
"These things come at taxpayers' cost and we need to manage these things responsibly," Mr Guy said.
Member for Mildura Ali Cupper seized on Mr Andrews comments and wasted no time in lobbying for Mildura to be included in any plans to take the Games to regional Victoria.
“This is an incredible opportunity, and the Sunraysia region stands to benefit hugely from hosting events that will be broadcast on a global scale,” she said.
Ms Cupper said that the Victorian Government’s recent investments in local sporting infrastructure means Mildura is perfectly placed to be a part of the regional Commonwealth Games.
“The Mildura Sporting Precinct would be a perfect location to host sporting events like T20 cricket, rugby sevens, 3x3 basketball, netball, badminton, squash and even judo and wrestling,” she said.
“We also have amazing bowling and aquatic facilities, having just recently hosted the Victorian Long Course Swimming Championships at the Mildura Waves.”
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