Victoria confirms run for 2026 Commonwealth Games

Regional Victoria will be the focus of a bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, premier Daniel Andrews says.

Mark Knowles, flag bearer of Australia arrives with the Australia team during the Opening Ceremony for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Regional Victoria will be the focus of a bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Daniel Andrews has confirmed.

The Victorian Premier announced on Wednesday morning that his government had signed a heads of agreement with the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia to enter exclusive negotiations to bring the games to the state.

Mr Andrews said the government and Commonwealth Games Australia would over the next two months develop Victoria’s 2026 Commonwealth Games submission, which will assess the viability of hosting the event.

“The submission will focus on a new way to host the games, showing how events could be held in multiple locations across regional Victoria to showcase the best of what the state has to offer and ensure a uniquely Victorian experience for the athletes and spectators,” Mr Andrews said.

“Victoria will work to deliver a world-class Commonwealth Games across Victoria that leaves a legacy for the state.

“A regionally focused Commonwealth Games would expand the capacity of Victorian regional cities for major events, tourism, arts, culture and sport. Not only would the events mean new economic opportunities through event infrastructure – it would deliver the double benefit of creating local jobs and housing.

“The Games would also drive participation in sports at both a community and professional level, throughout the state.”

Mr Andrews said the Games would be accompanied by a major cultural festival, celebrating the heritage of competing nations.

The Commonwealth Games Federation will assess the submission prior to any decision being made to award the Games to Victoria.