Long-awaited Landy Field upgrade one step closer after Geelong council prioritises project for government funding

City Hall voted unanimously on Tuesday night to press ahead with an upgrade of Landy Field, with the mayor adamant the project can no longer be “kicked down the road”.

Landy Field flooded extensively in October 2022, resulting in significant clean-up works. Picture: Mark Wilson.

A complete overhaul of Landy Field is one step closer after Geelong council said the project could no longer be “kicked down the road” because maintaining the site’s international accreditation was dependant on modernising its facilities.

Councillors voted unanimously on Tuesday night to nominate the project for $5m of state government funding via the Council Support Package that is assisting areas that were to act as hubs during the now cancelled 2026 Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria.

The vote also means City Hall will allocate $5m in its own budget for the upgrade, which Mayor Trent Sullivan said had long been a priority.

“It’s absolutely imperative that we do get this sorted, that we do work with the state government to get the funding sorted,” he said.

“It cannot simply kicked down the road, it’s far too important for our community and that this project is once and for funded and finalised.”

The project was put on hold last year amid a budget squeeze.

Brownbill Ward councillor Eddy Kontelj put forward the motion and said the facility was the only internationally recognised venue of its kind in western Victoria.

“I couldn’t be more supportive of us going forward with this (funding) submission,” he said.

Earlier: $10m Landy Field upgrade no longer a false start

Geelong council wants to use $5m compensation from the state government for the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games to modernise Landy Field, with City Hall to commit $5m towards the project also.

Councillors will vote at their first meeting for the year on Tuesday to nominate the project for funding under the government’s Council Support Package (CSP).

The package, overseen by Regional Development Victoria, is providing $5m each to Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Latrobe councils, and $3m to Shepparton council.

The council areas were to act as hubs during 2026 Commonwealth Games, which state Labor canned last year over what it said were significant cost blowouts.

In announcing the cancellation, then premier Daniel Andrews said a $2bn package – of which the CSP forms part of – would ensure regional Victoria still received the benefits brought about by the event.

Having placed the Landy Field upgrade on hold last year amid a budget squeeze of its own, City Hall would commit $5m next financial year to the project should councillors give it the tick of approval.

Together, the $10m would be enough to implement a staged upgrade that was developed by Otium Planning Group and presented to council in April 2022.

Landy Field, which flooded extensively in October 2022, has long been the premier athletics venue in the region, but its ageing infrastructure desperately needs attention.

The initial focus of the upgrade would be a $4.5m overhaul of the pavilion, providing not only new seating but consolidated offices, a gym and change rooms, community and meeting rooms, as well as a canteen and uniform store.

Other works outlined in the redevelopment plan include a renewal of the athletics track, relocating the long and triple jump pits and runway away from the running track, a new warm-up track, refurbished public toilets and improved disability access.

Landy Field was more like a pool following floods in 2022. Picture: David Smith.

“The city has consulted sporting clubs, players and participants, schools, club committees, community members and key stakeholders during the preparation of planning documents required for the development of the Landy Field master plan and pavilion,” council documents state.

CSP funding can be used for projects, infrastructure or activations that deliver legacy outcomes that would have been generated through hosting of the Commonwealth Games.

“The fund seeks to support projects that can generate outputs and outcomes that will deliver lasting economic, social, environmental, and sporting and/or wellbeing benefits for regional Victorians,” guiding documents state.

Co-contributions are not required, however funding may form part of larger projects, as is the case with Landy Field.

Geelong council must submit its proposal by February 25.

Originally published as Long-awaited Landy Field upgrade one step closer after Geelong council prioritises project for government funding