The Minster for the Commonwealth Games, Mr Justin Madden, has announced the courses for the Marathon, Triathlon, Cycling Road Race, Cycling Time Trial and 20km and 50km Race Walks Road Events around many of Melbourne's iconic landmarks, boulevards and vistas.
Mr Madden said the courses would bring elite sport to the doorstep of many local communities.
"These events will be held in and around Melbourne and will highlight some of the city's most famous landmarks, the places that help make Melbourne one of the world's most liveable cities," Mr Madden said.
"The Road Events are free except for the start and finish of the Marathon which takes place inside the MCG, and will offer the chance for Victorians to see some of the world's sporting greats in action, vying for gold."
Mr Madden said the courses for each event had been based on the two main objectives of providing a competitive challenging and technically compliant field of play, and the ability to showcase Melbourne's famous landmarks.
"Event courses will take in Melbourne landmarks such as the Botanic Gardens, the Yarra River, St Kilda Foreshore and Alexandra Gardens."
"There will be close to 1 billion people watching, and Victoria will benefit through lasting tourism opportunities with images set to be beamed across the globe."
Mr Madden said the metropolitan municipalities of Port Phillip, Stonnington, Bayside, Melbourne and Kingston would host Games Road Events in March 2006.
"Residents will have the opportunity to see some of the most action packed and emotion fuelled sporting events on their doorstep, events which have traditionally provided us with some of Australia's most lasting sporting memories," Mr Madden said.
"Who can forget Robert De Castella's marathon gold victory at the 1982 Brisbane Games, or Jane Saville's disqualification in Sydney just metres from potential glory."
Race Events will stretch from the Docklands to Carlton, the CBD to Albert Park and from St Kilda to Mentone.
Mr Madden thanked authorities such as Victoria Police, Vic Roads and local Councils for cooperation and enthusiasm in planning and helping to deliver the events.
"The five local Councils covering the routes have been very supportive and I thank them for their co-operation and enthusiasm," Mr Madden said.
"The Councils have approved the routes and the Bracks Government is working with authorities on local traffic management and other strategies.
"We will continue to work cooperatively with local and state authorities to ensure there is minimal disruption to local residents and businesses."
Businesses are also set to benefit from increased visitor numbers as a result of spectators and tourists.
"Now is the time for businesses to think about the ways they can make the most of the Games," Mr Madden said.
The government will assist businesses plan with a series of forums in August and September that will outline arrangements and additional information on Road Events.
"Later this year, we will also conduct a series of Business Ready forums that will provide businesses with the information they need to about the Games to make the most of the opportunities," Mr Madden said.
An information booklet has been distributed to local residents and businesses residing on or near the courses
Last Modified on 24/01/2006 16:45