Commonwealth Games spending to deliver long-awaited infrastructure upgrades in Ballarat
Long-awaited accessibility upgrades to Ballarat’s historic train station have been confirmed among a suite of Commonwealth Games announcements from the Victorian government.
Key points:
The Victorian government has committed $50m for passenger lifts at Ballarat train station
It has also committed up to $150m to increase capacity at Eureka Stadium
The Commonwealth Games village will be built on former saleyards in Ballarat
With 178 weeks to go before the Games, Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan today visited the city to commit $50 million to passenger lifts on both platforms of the station, along with a connecting pedestrian overpass.
“We want it to be finished before March 2026, but announcing it today means we can get cracking on the work,” she said during a press conference at Eureka Stadium.
Deborah Verdon from Grampians Disability Advocacy said she was “thrilled” and “gobsmacked” by the funding commitment for the station.
“The surprise has been because there has been so little feedback of late, so little communication … we interpreted that as a negative,” she said.
“But I’m thrilled … four and a half years ago we started this campaign.
“I couldn’t be more impressed with the size of the announcement as well.”
Ms Verdon said the new lifts and overpass were “not the entire suite” of accessibility needs at the station, but the amenities would cover their primary concerns.
“The other accessibility parts we were interested in was to do with the raising of platforms so those with wheelchair needs can reach the train without getting a temporary ramp,” she said.
“The other part is lighting, which is terrible for vision-impaired … they really need to do a lighting audit.”
Up to $150m for stadium
The funding for the station is separate from the $2.6 billion the government has allocated to prepare the state for the Games, which will be anchored at four regional hubs in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Gippsland.
From that dedicated Games funding, Ms Allan said up to $150 million would be spent on boosting seating capacity and accessibility at Eureka Stadium in Ballarat.
Some 18,000 temporary seats would be added to the venue for the Games, while an extra 5,000 seats would remain permanent.
The stadium is to be the stage for athletics and para-athletics events.
Marathon location confirmed
Along with athletics and boxing, Ms Allan confirmed the marathon would be held in Ballarat.
Mountain biking would be held on 60 kilometres of trails in the nearby town of Creswick.
Former Commonwealth Games marathon gold medallist Steve Moneghetti said he was “delighted” that his hometown had secured the marathon event.
“It will be a fantastic way to showcase our city, and a fantastic experience for the athletes participating in the marathon event,” he said.
Village to built at saleyards
Ms Allan confirmed that Ballarat’s former saleyards would be the location of the city’s Games village.
Once built, the site would be home to about 1,800 athletes and officials during the Games, with plans to allow it to benefit the community long after the 12-day event.
“We’ll be looking at what will be the future use of that village and looking at how that can incorporate social and affordable housing,” Ms Allan said.
City of Ballarat Mayor Daniel Moloney said the village would give the empty precinct “life” and purpose.
“This is going to be a catalyst, not only for the Games, but for great things to follow in the years to come,” he said.
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