Landy Field expected to receive massive works in 2023 after flooding, wear and tear leaves track near ‘end of life’

After a massive sporting competition being hosted at the venue, Geelong council members will meet with the facility managers to discuss an upgrade in 2023.

Flooding around Geelong as Barwon River peaks. Geelong Athletics facility at Landy Field will need a big clean-up after flood prevention measures failed. Entire facility under due to backed-up drains. Picture: Mark Wilson

GEELONG Athletics officials are hoping a new surface at Landy Field would help lure Commonwealth Games teams to the facility after flooding in October almost wiped out the 2022-23 season.

The surface at Landy Field suffered significant damage in October when the Barwon River burst its banks, putting the athletics calendar at risk of being cancelled during the summer.

Event organiser Anna Devonish said the flooding impacted the surface, but the facility was nearing “end of life” anyway.

“It does need repairs, and needed repairs anyway, that’s what comes with the age of the track,” she said.

The surface at Landy Field suffered significant damage in October when the Barwon River burst its banks, putting the athletics calendar at risk of being cancelled during the summer. Picture: Mark Wilson

“After the floods we were recommended some remedial repairs to the track to just try to extend its life a bit, but it is coming up for renewal and replacement.

“So that will be soon, we’ve flagged that with council and they’re doing a report on how much it would cost them.

“They are discussions that we’re going to have now that we’ve got the event out of the way as part of a whole facility redevelopment plan.”

Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy supported the redevelopment of the facility at the competition launch on Australia Day, with Geelong Athletics officials hopeful the works begin during the winter months.

Devonish said an upgraded facility would allow the city to host international athletic teams ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

“Last Commonwealth Games the Welsh team used us as their training base, and we would very much love to see something like that happen before the Commonwealth Games,” she said.

“We know there are going to be countries that come out and want to set up regional centres for training before heading to Ballarat.

“That would be terrific for the local people, but we’re going to have to have that conversation ahead of the works.”

Originally published as Landy Field expected to receive massive works in 2023 after flooding, wear and tear leaves track near ‘end of life’