The Games are gone, but the momentum must go on: G21 Geelong Region Alliance
G21 Geelong Region Alliance
G21 is the formal alliance of government, business & community organisations across the wider Geelong region.
G21’s thoughts are with the athletes, sporting organisations, businesses and all involved in the immense effort already committed to planning Victoria’s 2026 regional Commonwealth Games.
The news comes as a shock to our community which had been looking forward to the opportunity to put an international spotlight on #Geelong and the G21 region.
“An enormous amount of time, effort and money has been invested in and around Geelong for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, and this momentum must not be lost. We must refocus our energy on delivering the housing, transport and sporting infrastructure so desperately needed by our rapidly growing communities,” said G21 CEO Giulia Baggio.
“G21 welcomes the Victorian Government’s promise of a $2 billion-dollar regional infrastructure package, although it’s no substitute for the huge economic and social uplift the Games would have provided.
“The repurposed investment in sporting facilities, tourism and affordable and social housing must be securely tied to the Geelong region and delivered without delay.?We want to see these projects listed in the Budget forward estimates and construction timelines honoured. The Victorian Government needs to keep the foot to the pedal and deliver for our communities.
“In particular, the G21-Geelong region urgently needs a large proportion of the promised $1 billion social and affordable housing fund. The lack of housing has caused a chronic shortage of workers, and this is holding back our economic development at a time when Geelong should be booming,” said Ms Baggio.
The lost opportunity to showcase the region’s cultural heritage is another blow.
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The Games promised to be a transformative event for the Geelong region’s cultural identity, promoting First Nations’ culture and providing opportunity for locals and visitors from around the world to fully immerse themselves in the history and storytelling of the Wadawurrung traditional owners.?
Media contact:
Kate Coghlan
0411 557 664