Gippsland › Latest news › Melina Bath MP
Commonwealth Games inquiry hearing into Andrews Labor government poor planning and broken promises causes shock and disappointment among Gippslanders
The Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 Commonwealth Games Bid held a public hearing in the Latrobe Valley. Witnesses highlighted the state government's , with lingering uncertainty over funding and legacy projects.
The Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 Commonwealth Games Bid today held a public hearing in the Latrobe Valley. Gippsland sporting organisations and accommodation businesses provided compelling testimony.
Witnesses at the parliamentary hearing emphasised the state government's inadequate planning and unfulfilled commitments, leaving locals shocked and disappointed, with funding uncertainties
Witnesses included:
- Katie Reardon, Farnham Court Motel, Morwell
- Adam Glass General Manager Silverwater Resort San Remo
- Ken Balcombe, Morwell Gun Club
- Garry Silvester, Latrobe Valley Badminton
- Tony Salvatore Falcons 2000 Soccer Club
- Latrobe City Council CEO, Steven Piasante
Serving on the Committee Inquiry, The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath asked questions on the impacts of the Games cancellation.
Local frustration amplified
Listening to locals disappointment and frustration Ms Bath said the hearing highlighted the state government's appalling planning and consultation. "Witnesses spoke of the uncertainty around promised legacy projects and the need for concrete timelines for sports infrastructure and affordable housing."
Ms Bath said the hearing was vital for locals to give their uncensored perspective and echo community expectations following the cancellation. "What I heard was an overwhelming sense of shock and disappointment at the lost opportunity to showcase our region, stimulate jobs, the economy and civic pride."
"Given the social and economic challenges facing Latrobe Valley, it was critical for members of parliament to listen and understand the implications of broken promises. Businesses expressed their anger at the state government for having wasted their valuable time and money, raising expectations and trashing Victoria's international reputation," Ms Bath said.
Commonwealth games fallout
Ms Bath continued, "Farnham Court Motel owner Katie Reardon signed an agreement to host Team England just 24 hours prior to the cancellation announcement, she described the decision as "cruel" and said it left her feeling physically sick."
"It's eight months since the Games were cancelled, and Latrobe Valley organisations are still in the dark about funding, with scant details on the delivery of promised legacy projects. No wonder the debacle was labelled "cruel."
"The state government built expectations, sporting organisations rallied, small businesses ramped up and planned and then the rug was pulled out from underneath them. The abandonment of the Commonwealth Games was shocking, but our region deserves its fair share of funding, and I thank those who came forward to present their compelling case," Ms Bath said.
Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: support@gippsland.com
![](http://global.gippsland.com/myrp/images/new.gif)
Darren Chester promotes Mobile Service Centres that offer essential government services like Centrelink and Medicare across Gippsland
![](http://global.gippsland.com/myrp/images/new.gif)
Gippsland Water adds customer care pop-ups for in-person payment support in Sale, Drouin, Warragul for July and Moe in August 2024
![](http://global.gippsland.com/myrp/images/new.gif)
Latrobe River Bridge at Tyers had completion delayed to August 2024 frustrating residents with safety concerns
![](http://global.gippsland.com/myrp/images/new.gif)
Baw Baw Shire attends 2024 Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly in Canberra advocating peri urban areas
Enjoy free chicken parma while listening to inspiring story of Warren Davies South Gippsland Farmer on 22 July 2024 at Mirboo North Hotel
Join Latrobe City Council and Planet Ark for National Tree Day 2024 at W H Burrage Reserve in Newborough on 28 July 2024
Latrobe City Council requests Planning Panel for Amendment C144 for Traralgon West Precinct on 9 September 2024
Latrobe Valley clubs excelled at 2024 Community Clubs Victoria awards with Morwell and Moe clubs earning top honours
Warragul Leisure Centre $11M expansion of community sports facilities opens 28 July 2024