Despite loud calls from the Committee for Ballarat, Commerce Ballarat and Council, it appears an events train platform at Mars Stadium for the 2026 Commonwealth Games is not on the government’s agenda.
Around 30,000 people a day are expected at the athletics, which will primarily be held at Mars Stadium, with a government spokesperson indicating park and ride and shuttle busses as preferred options.
They’ve also pointed to the $50 million access upgrade at the main Ballarat station, but refused to even reference an events platform.
Committee for Ballarat Chief Michael Poulton says its a no-brainer to increase access at the location.
“There is a railway line 100 metres from Mars Stadium, it runs parallel, it’s straight, it’s right there.
It makes a lot of sense to have an events platform there that on game days – AFL matches, Commonwealth Games, everything else that’s going to go on at Mars Stadium – people can use that as a stepping off or getting on point.” Poulton said.
