Council pitches ideas for Commonwealth Games 2026

Published on 22 August 2022

In response to the Victorian Government’s call-out for ideas to complement and support the Commonwealth Games 2026, Macedon Ranges Shire Council has submitted several concepts featuring our iconic landmarks and state-of the-art facilities.

Hanging Rock, with its rich cultural heritage and reputation as a top tourist attraction, was put forward as an ideal location to host events linked to the Commonwealth Games. Another concept focused on the region’s annual Autumn Festival, which promotes local food and drink trails and attracts visitors from far and wide, and could have a more extensive program to complement the Commonwealth Games.

Mayor Cr Jennifer Anderson said autumn is a perfect time to visit the Macedon Ranges with a range of activities on offer. The region would be a vibrant experience for visitors on their trip to watch events at the Games.

“The atmosphere in the Macedon Ranges in Autumn is already amazing with so much natural beauty on display and so many activities taking place. It would be great to showcase this to the world by being part of the Commonwealth Games event program,” she said.

The Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct (MRRSP) was put forward as an ideal venue to host competition, training or sporting demonstrations. With Stage 1 due for completion in 2024 and with its close proximity to metropolitan Melbourne and unique positioning to the regional hubs of the Games, this purpose built site would provide athletes with modern facilities for training and competition with Mount Macedon as a stunning backdrop.

Also submitted was a proposal to have the official road race traverse the Macedon Ranges as part of its route from Gippsland to Bendigo, taking in our scenic landscapes and challenging terrain.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO Bernie O’Sullivan said the ongoing economic benefit for the region associated with being involved in the Commonwealth Games will be significant.

“Local businesses, accommodation providers and tourism operators have been doing it tough over the last couple of years. To have an involvement in the Commonwealth Games that will activate our economy and leave a legacy for the region would be really exciting and make residents proud of our beautiful Shire and provide another way for them to be involved in the Games 2026,” he said.