THE 2030 Greater Victoria Commonwealth Games Bid, known as the ‘People’s Games,’ is one step closer with the GVCG Taskforce having recently begun looking at having a prefeasibility study undertaken and looking at realistic potential bid dates.
With 2030 being the centenary of the first ever Commonwealth Games which was held in Canada, it is believed that Canada has already expressed its eagerness to host at this time, it was therefore suggested that pending the outcome of the prefeasibility scope, that 2034 could be more realistic for a Greater Victoria bid.
The prefeasibility study is being financed by several Victorian regional councils and the State Government. The level of council contribution to the prefeasibility study was determined via population base. The Victorian councils are contributing $50,000, with the State Government investing $30,000.
A procurement panel is also currently working on the quotation process to appoint a consultant to undertake the prefeasibility study, with the procurement panel being close to finalising the required documentation and timelines. Once finalised several consultants will be asked to provide a quote to undertake the prefeasibility and the procurement panel will determine the awarding of the contract.
Based on the advice the prefeasibility scope is updated, and once signed off, expressions of interest (EOI) can be distributed, which is hoped to take place in the next two weeks.
The prefeasibility study will explore regional Victoria’s current and future capacity meet Commonwealth Games requirements in terms of ceremonies, competition and training venues, aquatic centre, athlete’s village, media centre, accommodation and transport.
2030 Bid Taskforce member and Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe said, “There has been much work undertaken behind the scenes, and the Taskforce is excited that we are now in a position to undertake a prefeasibility study to determine the merit of the proposed regional model.
“Thanks to the State Government and financial contributions from several regional councils, we now have the funds for a consultant to be appointed to undertake the study. We’re aiming to appoint the consultant within the next month, with the feasibility study report due to be completed by December. The prefeasibility will determine the next steps of the project.
“The Greater Victoria Commonwealth Games bid project has provided an opportunity for many regional councils to work together for a common cause, and despite the outcome of the bid project, it will be exciting to see what other opportunities may transpire that will be of benefit to regional Victoria. We are excited to be involved in this once in a lifetime initiative as we continue to look for opportunities that highlight the Greater Shepparton region and our can do attitude.”
