Wednesday, 8 March 2023

 Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Water, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy, Minister for Equality) (12:06): I rise today to speak in my role as Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy. The Andrews government is laying the foundation for a lasting legacy of high-quality housing and multipurpose infrastructure for local communities across rural and regional Victoria. I am delighted to inform the house that we have opened the expression-of-interest process for civil construction to partner with us in creating modern, accessible and fit-for-purpose accommodation – accommodation for around 7000 athletes during the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will, as a world first, bring the games to regional and rural communities.

We have a unique opportunity to partner with local businesses and contractors in bringing 2026’s Commonwealth Games to life and to support hundreds of jobs in the process. We will be delivering athletes villages in Morwell, Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong, and we are absolutely determined to create local jobs and opportunities for business as this work continues. We are in the process of delivering more than $3 billion to Victoria’s economy as part of the games. That will create around 7500 jobs during and after the games, and we are committed to working hand in hand with local businesses to deliver these benefits. Interested contractors can register for the process at the Buying for Victoria website, which is buyingfor.vic.gov.au. Expressions of interest are open until 2 pm on Tuesday 28 March. Please share this news far and wide. It is in all of our interests to create and drive jobs across rural and regional Victoria.