Call for Commonwealth Games events in Bass Coast

The newly endorsed Liberal Party candidate for the state seat of Bass, Aaron Brown, has called on the state government to include Phillip Island and Wonthaggi as hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Mr Brown said he was surprised that Bass Coast was excluded when the state government announced the locations in regional Victoria which would be hosting the Games.

“Hopefully it was an oversight and not a deliberate exclusion. Bass Coast should definitely be included in hosting the Commonwealth Games,” Mr Brown said.

“The world-renowned Phillip Island Grand Prix Motor Racing Circuit could host many sports played by Commonwealth Games competitors, with minimal financial outlay. It is one of the largest and best sporting venues in Australia.

“Not only does it have several kilometres of the finest grade road surface, it also has the required infrastructure to host one hundred thousand spectators.

“There are very few places in regional Victoria which have a facility to host dinners and functions for one thousand people but this motor circuit does, so major events and functions can readily be held there.

“Phillip Island also has the associated infrastructure, including car parking, already in place.”

Mr Brown said the government plans to build athletes villages at various regional locations to house athletes, and if built on Phillip Island could provide a huge benefit for tourism after the games.

“Post the Commonwealth Games, such a facility on Phillip Island would need staff 24 hours every day of the year, and many of these would be young people.

“We need quality employment opportunities in Bass Coast and such a facility would provide just that.”

Mr Brown said Wonthaggi should also host some of the Games’ events.

He said many of its recreational facilities are in need of upgrading and this is a once in a generation opportunity to do this.

“The government should seize the opportunity to invest in this fast growing community, delivering facilities that will be put to good use post the Commonwealth Games,” Mr Brown said.

Presently, most of the Commonwealth Games events are scheduled to be held to the west and north of Melbourne.

“Why should residents in Bass Coast and this side of Melbourne have to travel long distances, when some of the events could be held locally,” Mr Brown said.

“My proposal would give the entire South Gippsland, Bass Coast region and Phillip Island an enormous economic boost, not only pre and during the Commonwealth Games, but on-going, post the games.

“I call on the government to support this vibrant and deserving part of regional Victoria by having our communities share in the hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

“Hopefully our exclusion will be reviewed and overturned,” Mr Brown concluded.