A feasibility study will investigate Ballarat’s sport infrastructure, accommodation and transport connections ahead of a possible Victorian bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
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The bid announced earlier this year by Greater Shepparton City Council would see the games hosted across the state’s major regional towns.
It includes a yet-to-be-funded study to determine the suitability of the proposed host cities.
Ballarat has been nominated to host badminton and netball events.
A Ballarat City Council report presented in its agenda for an ordinary meeting on Wednesday night said the study would be need to be funded by the state government.
Council will also vote on a motion to continue representing the city on the games’ taskforce.
Other cities potentially involved include Geelong, Bendigo, Warrnambool, Wodonga, Mildura, Swan Hill and Traralgon.
A feasibility study would also identify what infrastructure upgrades are needed to allow events to be hosted in Ballarat.
The planned sports and events centre at Eureka Stadium would need more funding than what is currently promised to have the capacity for big national and international events.
Wendouree Indoor Sports Group representative Peter Eddy said an extra $10 million in cash was required.
“Because the current funding is at $14 million for community courts, it does not give the showcourt capacity or seating required for an international event,” he said.
“We are currently waiting on a federal government decision for an application for $10 million in the next round of the building better futures fund.
“If we were successful, then that would fund the full project.
“We need an internationally competitive showcourt in Ballarat, to retain the national championship events we are already getting.”
Basketball games were played at the Miner Dome during the 2006 Melbourne games.
Mr Eddy said a Commonwealth games bid would also have to examine security upgrades required at events hosted in Ballarat.
“I wonder how they will address some of the issues like security and all the infrastructure that goes with the Commonwealth games,” he said.
“With the 2006 Commonwealth games, the Miner Dome was shut for nearly a month in the lead up.
“But it is an exciting opportunity for regional Victoria.”
