The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with delivering two new major sporting venues in Geelong for the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Commonwealth Games Darren Cheeseman visited the site of the future Armstrong Creek Aquatics venue today, ahead of the start of geotechnical investigations.
Machinery will be on site from mid-May until late June including excavators, small vehicles and other drills, with a team of experts including Geelong-based contractors drilling boreholes and excavating test pits.
With a $292 million investment from the Labor Government, the new multi-sport venues will support growing local communities in and around Armstrong Creek and Waurn Ponds following the Commonwealth Games.
During the Commonwealth Games, the new Aquatics venue on Barwarre Road will include competition, warm up and diving pools, and will be converted after the closing ceremony to sports courts, a community pool and open space.
The Aquatics venue on Barwarre Road will boast a competition, warm up and a diving pool during the Games, and will feature multi-sport courts, a community pool and green open space after medals are won.
The Artistic Gymnastics, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting venue on Baanip Boulevard at the Waurn Ponds Station precinct will become seven multi-sport courts, a dance studio and a regional-level gymnastics centre after the Games.
It is estimated the Games will contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria's economy, creating more than 7500 jobs before, during and after the Games.
Once the Expression of Interest processes open in May 2023, interested parties will be able to register via the Buying for Victoria website buyingfor.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery Jacinta Allan
"Geotech works are an exciting first step in building two world-class sporting venues in Geelong ready to host some of the world's best athletes, delivering jobs and place to create memories that last for generations."
As stated by the Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy Harriet Shing
"The 2026 Games is about sport and much more - it's about pride of place, creating jobs in Geelong, driving economic growth and leaving an enduring legacy of accessible, inclusive and fit-for-purpose housing and community infrastructure"
As stated by the Parliamentary Secretary for the Commonwealth Games Darren Cheeseman
"Victoria 2026 will put Geelong on the world stage and leave a legacy of two fantastic community sporting venues across Armstrong Creek, made possible thanks to the expertise of local businesses."
