Shepparton mayor slams state government for not including it in Commonwealth Games

Shepparton council has slammed the state government for not including it as a Commonwealth Games hub, despite claiming it was behind the proposal.

The Shepparton mayor has slammed the state government for not including it as a Commonwealth Games hub, despite the council being behind the bid six years ago.

Mayor Kim O’Keeffe said Greater Shepparton Council put forward the model for the Commonwealth Games to be held in regional Victoria in 2017, but “everyone thought that was pie in the sky”.

The Herald Sun exclusively revealed on Tuesday regional Victoria would host the Games in four different towns.

Shepparton is set to host sporting and cultural events but Ms O’Keeffe said it was not clear what that meant.

She said she had hoped for more input, “considering it was our idea”.

“They say ‘sporting and cultural events,’ but what does that mean? What should we be doing now?” she said.

“We don’t have a hub or village here and we’re scrambling to understand what kind of infrastructure we’ll need, we’re also still waiting to hear the events to be determined.”

Minister Sport and Major Events Martin Paula said hubs were chosen based on what services were available to support athletes during the Games.

That includes availability of sporting infrastructure, availability of accommodation for spectators and logistics for athletes to get to and from their competitions.

Mr Pakula said he would work closely with the Shepparton to ensure the outcomes for Shepparton are more than just a “candidate’s campaign pitch”.

“A new expression of interest process has been established to capture ideas from local councils, peak bodies, Traditional Owners, cultural organisations and businesses – ensuring every part of Victoria can benefit from the Commonwealth Games," he said.

“Regional Victorian cities and towns that were not selected as a hub will have an opportunity to get involved through hosting lead up events, cultural festival events, and live broadcast sites.”

Ms O’Keeffe said she was grateful for regional Victoria’s long-anticipated hosting of the Commonwealth Games.

“We are just waiting with bated breath,” she said.