The state government is under pressure to make good on promises made to Geelong when Victoria was still hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The government pledged to honour games commitments made to Geelong after tearing up the games contract.
That included a housing development at the proposed site of the Athletes Village and sporting infrastructure – including upgrades to hockey facilities and indoor basketball an upgrade facilities
The Waurn Ponds Athletes Village was to be converted into 400 new and affordable homes, just south of Waurn Ponds Railway station, making it mpore attractive to families and commuters.
However, 6-months out from when the games were supposed to get underway, the Committee For Geelong says there’s been very little progress.
Chief Executive Officer Michael Johnson said it’s a very slow rollout.
“There’s some work happening on those sporting projects, but moving very slowly,” he said.
“What is most concerning is the lack of urgency in terms of the roll out of the Games Village site.”
In all 400 social and affordable houses were promised as a ‘Games Legacy’.
The Waurn Ponds site chose for its proximity to Waurn Ponds Railway Station, making the site more attractive to families and commuters.
Johnson expects the project will eventually be delivered, but is urging the State Government to pick up the pace.
“What we’d be asking for, particularly in relation to the Village site, would be to continue to see move with more pace, more urgency to see those homes delivered, taking some of that pressure off the housing market in Geelong.”
