Kim O’KEEFFE (Shepparton) (09:51): Olympic cycling gold medallist and world champion Brett Lancaster works alongside Leigh Egan, a world-champion BMX competitor and sporting hall of fame recipient at Leigh’s bike store in Shepparton. They both live and breathe cycling and know firsthand the dedication and commitment it takes to get to their elite level of sport. They were both ecstatic to have the Commonwealth Games BMX to be held in Shepparton. Brett said that they had a false sense of hope and have now had the rug pulled from under them following the announcement of the cancellation of the 2026 regional Commonwealth Games. Many in my community are shocked and disappointed. It is unbelievable to think we were told that this was happening and now it is cancelled.
This will have a significant economic impact on our local businesses, who were depending on the economic opportunity the games would bring. The regional games model was born in Shepparton in 2017 and would have given regional Victoria the opportunity to be showcased on the world stage. We have hosted a number of international sporting events and have seen firsthand the incredible opportunity international exposure brings. In fact we had a $400 million investment following the exposure from an international beach volleyball event. The economic opportunity and exposure is significant. There was great excitement about hosting the BMX at the Commonwealth Games, which has now been taken away with no warning. Once again regional Victoria is let down.