Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Cancellation of $6B Regional Victorian Commonwealth Games due to excessive costVictorian Commonwealth Games cancelled due to $6B cost. $2B package to deliver housing, tourism, sporting benefits. Termination of Host Agreement; infrastructure projects continue. By news@gippsland - 18th July 2023 - Back to News With significant planning work and extensive market soundings completed, it is now certain that the cost of hosting the Regional Victorian Commonwealth Games will exceed $6 billion - more than twice the estimated economic benefit the games would bring to our state. In the face of these numbers, the Victorian government has made the decision not to proceed with hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2026. 
Regional Victorian Commonwealth Games cancelled due to excessive $6B cost; Host Agreement terminated by the Victorian government Terminating costly agreementWhen the Commonwealth Games needed a host city to step in at the last minute, we were willing to help - but not at any price, and not without a big lasting benefit for regional Victoria. Now the choice couldn't be clearer - $6 billion is just too much. The government has advised the CGF and Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) that the State will be terminating the Host Agreement. It is our aim to reach a rapid and amicable resolution of all contractual matters, including a reasonable settlement of costs incurred, to allow the CGF the opportunity to seek an alternative host city for 2026. Our outstanding project team - led by Organising Committee Chair Peggy O'Neal, Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games CEO Jeroen Weimar and Office of the Commonwealth Games CEO Allen Garner - have worked tirelessly on a detailed business and cost plan to stage these games across regional Victoria. Decisive regional investmentThanks to the work from the dedicated project teams, we're able to make this decision not to proceed before any major building and supply contracts have been signed, meaning costs incurred to date have been relatively contained. Those costs will be publicly disclosed once negotiations are complete. The main reason we agreed to host the games was to deliver lasting benefits in housing, tourism and sporting infrastructure for regional Victoria. That's why the Victorian government will deliver a comprehensive $2 billion package to ensure regional Victoria still receives all the benefits that would have been facilitated by the games - and more. We know there's no more important issue anywhere in the state right now than housing. Ahead of the Housing Statement to be released later this year - and in addition to our Big Housing Build - we will provide a new $1 billion Regional Housing Fund to deliver more than 1300 new homes across regional Victoria. Enhanced regional infrastructureThe new homes will include a mix of social and affordable housing - and we'll work with councils, regional partnerships and local communities to determine the right mix of stock and locations for each region. Tourism is a vital part of the regional economy. A new $150 million Regional Tourism and Events Fund will ensure our regions have the best of everything on offer with new events, new attractions and more accommodation. Every one of the permanent new and upgraded sporting infrastructure projects planned as part of the games will still proceed - and all will be completed as planned. This includes: - New Aquatic Centre at Armstrong Creek
- 6-court indoor stadium at Waurn Ponds
- Upgrading Eureka Stadium in Ballarat to seat 10,000 spectators
- New community sporting facility at Miners Rest
- Upgrades to Bendigo Stadium,
- BMX trails in Shepparton
- Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park
- Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe and more
Now, instead of building temporary facilities for the games competitions, we'll be able to get on with constructing the final form of these projects and delivering the legacy outcomes - meaning locals will get access to new and upgraded venues sooner than waiting for the games to be completed. Not only will regional Victorians get the benefit of these facilities daily, they also mean more opportunities for large scale events and performances to be held outside of Melbourne. We'll continue to work to ensure local businesses and jobs are at the heart of these investments. Empowering regional sportsWe know community sport is central to life in regional communities. A new $60 million Regional Community Sport Development Fund will deliver new projects - including aquatic centres, indoor stadiums, lighting upgrades and walking and cycling paths - for regional communities across Victoria. There will also be $40 million for an All Abilities Sport Fund to remove the barriers of entry for people with a disability to get involved in sports through grants, scholarships and mentoring. Further detail of the $2 billion regional package will be revealed after consultation with sporting codes, councils, tourism bodies and the community. Affordable regional legacyPremier Daniel Andrews said, "We were pleased to be asked to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games - but not at any price. I think all Victorians would agree that more than $6 billion is just too much. Locals have told us that more places to live and more places to stay across regional Victoria is what really matters - so that's exactly what we'll deliver." Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery Jacinta Allan said, "Whether it's new venues at Armstrong Creek and Waurn Ponds, major upgrades at Eureka Stadium, Bendigo Stadium, Ted Summerton Reserve or many other smaller projects, every one of the permanent new and upgraded sports facilities will be delivered. We know how hard it is to find affordable housing in so many parts of regional Victoria - that's why we'll deliver more than 1300 new homes with a $1 billion Regional Housing Fund." Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy Harriet Shing said, "We'll deliver all the housing, sports infrastructure and tourism legacy benefits for our regions - but without the massive extra cost of hosting the games. Communities are really enthusiastic about the local projects and outcomes they want to see, and we'll be sitting down with councils, regional partnerships and others over the coming weeks to plan the next steps for all of these projects to ensure locals have their say." Pictures from Commonwealth Games Federation Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum. - Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs. - Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia. - Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs. - Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances
The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances. - Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents. - Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation. - Martin Cameron questions Labor government for denying regional crime crisis and the ongoing failures of 'Bail Laws'
The Nationals' Martin Cameron has accused the Allan Labor government of failing Victorians with weak bail laws, after repeat offenders continue to walk free and regional crime remains out of control. - Gippsland to join European Union Program showcasing regional innovation in clean energy, tourism, agriculture and sustainable development
Gippsland has been selected for a European Union research program, showcasing its leadership in clean energy, tourism, and agriculture while promoting international collaboration, innovation, and investment through the IURC initiative. - South Gippsland Seniors Festival offers free and low-cost events to connect, create, and celebrate together
South Gippsland celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with 60+ free and low-cost events across nine towns, inviting over-60s to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy community through sport, arts, learning, and fun. - Darren Chester tears down Albanese government's 'lazy' plan to cut regional speed limits, urges investment in safer roads
Darren Chester has criticised the Albanese government's plan to lower regional speed limits, labelling it "lazy" and urging greater investment in repairing and upgrading unsafe roads to reduce fatalities. - Melina Bath appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, championing regional lifestyles and economic opportunities
Melina Bath has been appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, pledging to champion outdoor access, community wellbeing, and the vital economic and lifestyle benefits outdoor activities bring to regional Victoria. - David Littleproud slams Labor's 2035 emissions reduction target as costly, and damaging to families, jobs, and communities
Nationals leader David Littleproud criticised Labor's 2035 emissions target as reckless and costly, warning it would raise taxes, increase energy bills, hurt regional communities, and threaten jobs, families, and industries. - Lightfoot Wines combines tradition, creativity, and Gippsland flavours with award-winning wines, regional platters, and scenic views
Perched on a limestone bluff above the Mitchell River, Lightfoot Wines blends tradition and innovation, offering tastings, regional platters, and acclaimed wines, cementing its role in Gippsland's food and drink scene. - Drouin Picnic Racing Club receives $13,519 upgrade boost through Allan Labor government's Regional Customer Facilities Program
Drouin Picnic Racing Club will receive $13,519 to upgrade facilities and enhance race day experiences, part of the Allan Labor government's $730,000 investment improving regional racing venues statewide. - Darren Chester welcomes $2.7M investment in cutting-edge MRI technology at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service
A $2.7 million upgrade at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service includes Australia's first MRI unit of its kind, improving diagnosis accuracy, patient comfort, and access to affordable, high-quality local healthcare. - One Gippsland urges stronger climate action and investment to build regional disaster resilience
One Gippsland is calling for urgent government action, investment and policy reform to strengthen disaster resilience, improve planning, and protect coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks and rising economic costs. - Gippsland Water celebrates National Water Week poster winners, honouring young regional artists’ achievements
Gippsland Water announced its National Water Week poster winners, congratulating students for colourful submissions. Four placed in the state competition, with Heyfield Primary School winning $500 for STEM or sustainability projects. - Darren Chester praises TAFE Gippsland and BRHS partnership for training local students to strengthen regional health workforce
Darren Chester praised TAFE Gippsland and BRHS for training local students, highlighting regional partnerships as key to addressing health workforce shortages and encouraging young people to pursue local health careers. - Omeo gains new modular worker accommodation, supporting healthcare staff and strengthening regional community
Omeo District Health's new modular worker accommodation is underway, providing housing for healthcare staff, supporting regional jobs, and helping the town attract and retain doctors, nurses, and essential workers. - Darren Chester honours Gippsland farmers and workers on National Agriculture Day for vital regional contributions
Darren Chester has praised Gippsland’s farmers and agricultural workers on National Agriculture Day, recognising their resilience, vital economic contribution and essential role in sustaining local communities and ensuring ongoing food security.
|
|
