Key documents outlining projects and initiatives that will support Greater Bendigo as it continues to grow and prepares to host the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games will be considered at the September Council meeting.
The City of Greater Bendigo investment prospectus – Priority projects for government investment has been updated to guide advocacy efforts in the lead up to the November State election and next year’s State and Federal budgets.
The prospectus is divided into sections – Commonwealth Games; Arts and culture; Tourism and event infrastructure; A thriving regional economy; Connected Greater Bendigo; Regional projects; Healthy communities and environments; and Policy support.
It includes Council’s number one project, the Bendigo Art Gallery expansion, development of the Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct, investment in circular economy infrastructure to divert waste from landfill, planning and investment in road infrastructure, a Low Line shared trail along Bendigo Creek, a focus on regional projects like KerangLink and policy support, including the return of State Government fee or levy collections to the region.
The goals referenced in the Commonwealth Games section are the same goals in the legacy document also before Council. There are also some overlapping projects between the documents, such as the Bendigo Low Line and other tracks and trails and Bendigo Art Gallery expansion.
The Let the Games Begin – City of Greater Bendigo Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games legacy document represents Council’s strategic approach to securing a positive legacy from hosting the Games.
The display of leadership and inclusion shown in the closing ceremony of the recent Birmingham Games, featuring Traditional Owners from the four Victoria 2026 host cities, is a critical reference point for the legacy document and a key focus for Council is that the Games help to further reconciliation but also to heal Country.
Other areas where Council sees an opportunity for a positive legacy includes across the themes of Our community; Climate and environment; Culture, creativity and culinary; Jobs and the regional economy; and Infrastructure.
Outcomes include genuine First Nations engagement, incentives to support and encourage volunteering, running an inclusive event for athletes, spectators and the community, zero waste and carbon-positive Games, securing a ‘tentative listing’ to support the Central Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid, investment in destination marketing, more train services and new stations, improved access to rural and regional sports facilities, and refurbishment for rural swimming pools.
The document will continue to be updated as planning progresses but it is based on what is known today.
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