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Labor missing on con games promisesOne year after the Commonwealth Games' cancellation cost taxpayers $600 million, promised Latrobe Valley projects remain unfulfilled. Nationals' Melina Bath criticised the Allan Labor government for lack of transparency and accountability. By news@gippsland - 17th July 2024 - Back to News Thursday, 18 July marks a year since the shock cancellation of the Commonwealth Games yet legacy projects promised for the Latrobe Valley are no closer to materialising. The game's cancellation cost Victorian taxpayers $600 million. The Nationals' Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath criticised the Allan Labor government for "leaving communities in the dark." 
Nationals' Melina Bath criticised the Allan government's transparency from the games cancellation, while Martin Cameron demanded swift action and accountability Labor's transparency lackingMs Bath said, "One year on from the games cancellation, Labor's lack of transparency on the promised legacy projects is deeply troubling. Gippslanders were promised sporting and housing legacy projects, but without any details or delivery timeframes locals are justified in thinking this is another con job." "On 18 July 2023, Labor committed to 'sit down with councils and communities to plan the next steps', it's 12 months later and the state government's silence is deafening. The Latrobe Valley desperately needs social and affordable housing as well as private development - I have written to the Minister for Housing demanding an update," Ms Bath said. Labor lacks accountabilityMember for Morwell, Martin Cameron, said it was incumbent on Labor to take swift action and deliver the promised legacy projects. "There is a complete lack of accountability and regard for the reputational damage caused to our region, as well as lost opportunities for athletes, tourism, businesses, and civic pride. The Allan Labor government is good at making promises but even better at breaking them; our community deserves answers and action." A member of the Upper House Select Inquiry into 2026 Commonwealth Games Bid, Ms Bath said the Committee was preparing to reset after release of the Interim report in April. "Upcoming hearings will be crucial for obtaining answers regarding promised housing, sporting, and community infrastructure projects in Latrobe Valley and Gippsland," she said. "Labor's blatant secrecy is unacceptable - government Ministers and agencies claiming immunity and refusing to cooperate with the Inquiry is a slap in the face to regional Victorians. Labor can't manage money, can't manage the Commonwealth Games and Victorians are paying the price," said Ms Bath. The interim report can be found at Parliament of Victoria website. Pictures from Martin Cameron MP website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL. - Melina Bath urges Allan government to prioritise urgent upgrades for Gippsland schools in poor condition
Melina Bath urges Allan Government to urgently upgrade Gippsland schools, highlighting 2025 report revealing many in poor condition, with ageing infrastructure and maintenance deficits impacting students’ education. - 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. - 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. - Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement. - Latrobe City Council endorses priority advocacy projects to shape 2026–27 Federal Budget submission delegation
Latrobe City Council has endorsed priority advocacy projects to shape its 2026/27 Federal Budget submission, seeking targeted national investment to drive economic transition, infrastructure delivery, job creation and long-term regional growth. - Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release
The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families. - Latrobe City Council announces '2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens' photography and video winners
Latrobe City Council congratulates winners of the 2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local photography and videography with category prizes and an overall winner highlighted across Council platforms. - Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia. - Danny O'Brien warns faulty firefighting vehicles are leaving local CFA Brigades under pressure ahead of bushfire season
Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season. - Melina Bath urges Allan government to end delays and deliver the long-promised Cape to Cape Plan
Pressure is growing on the Allan government to end years of delays and release the Cape to Cape Resilience Plan, ensuring urgent coastal protection and reflecting community feedback for Inverloch. - Gippslanders sound alarm over digital ID rollout, quiet steps toward a nationwide control system
Australians voice growing concern over the creeping rollout of Digital ID, warning it's becoming mandatory despite government claims of voluntariness, sparking fears of surveillance, control, and loss of personal freedom. - Latrobe City Council invites residents to participate in 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey by phone on 16 February and 27 March 2026
Latrobe City Council’s annual Community Satisfaction Survey will contact 400 households by phone, gathering confidential feedback to improve services and council performance across the city. - South Gippsland Shire Council wishes everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year and other council updates
South Gippsland Shire Council wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, highlights skatepark opening, Australia Day awards, community programs, seasonal bin changes, and upcoming events. - Tim Bull says East Gippsland faces a housing crisis, with social homes declining despite population growth
Victoria’s social housing crisis deepens as Labor policies drive rental providers away, reducing stock. Tim Bull warns record waiting lists and rising homelessness demand urgent government action. - Melina Bath said CFA volunteers face risks due to aging equipment and $55M funding shortfall since 2020
The CFA faces a $50 million deficit as volunteers fight fires with aging equipment, with funding lagging inflation despite Allan Labor’s claims, exposing ongoing crisis and growing pressure on brigades. - Latrobe City invites local artists to join new Public Art Artist Register for murals and creative city projects until 10 February 2026
Latrobe City Council invites local artists to join its Public Art Artist Register, offering paid mural opportunities, enhancing public spaces, supporting tourism, and connecting artists with future creative projects. - South Gippsland immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings. - Latrobe City Australia Day Awards 2026 honoured locals’ achievements, service, and community leadership
Latrobe City celebrated the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising locals’ dedication, leadership, and community contributions across service, events, youth, senior, and citizen categories. - Melina Bath urges Allan government to urgently address hazardous roadside vegetation threatening eastern Victoria communities
Nationals’ Melina Bath warns eastern Victoria communities face bushfire risks from overgrown roadside vegetation, urging Allan Government to implement slashing, controlled burning, and weed management to improve public safety. - Latrobe City Council elects Sharon Gibson as Mayor and Dale Harriman as Deputy Mayor for 2025 - 26
Latrobe City Council has elected Sharon Gibson as Mayor and Dale Harriman as Deputy Mayor for 2025 - 26, pledging to diversify the economy, support local industries, and create jobs for the community. - Martin Cameron says Yallourn job cuts devastate workers and mark first blow in Power Station closure
Up to 40 Yallourn Power Station jobs will be cut by 2025, sparking concern from Martin Cameron over Labor's failure to support the Latrobe Valley through the energy transition. - Latrobe Regional Gallery launches Autumn 2026 season, featuring five exhibitions exploring migration, heritage and environment
Latrobe Regional Gallery’s Autumn 2026 season opens 7 February, featuring five exhibitions exploring migration, heritage, identity, environment, and connections to place, including works by Lucy Hersey and Janina Green. - Latrobe City allocates $7.3M surplus to key community infrastructure and improvement projects
Latrobe City Council's $7.3 million surplus will fund key community projects, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance, with $3.4 million reserved to leverage future State and Federal funding partnerships. - Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase. - Latrobe City to celebrate Australia Day with free events, pools, citizenship ceremony, and community awards
Latrobe City will celebrate Australia Day with free community events, pool access, citizenship ceremonies, and awards recognising outstanding volunteers, fostering connection, fun, and community spirit across multiple towns. - Melina Bath says Indigenous burning and broad-scale fuel reduction are vital for proactive bushfire prevention
Victoria’s fire season begins amid total bans, with experts warning mismanaged forests and inadequate fuel reduction under Labor leave communities exposed to devastating megafires. - Martin Cameron demands action as data reveals dangerous one-star safety ratings on Latrobe Valley roads
Nationals MP Martin Cameron has condemned the poor safety of Latrobe Valley roads, after state data revealed many key routes rated one or two stars, demanding urgent government action. - Danny O’Brien said poor dental health is tied to cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications and mental health impacts
Gippslanders now face almost two-year waits for public dental care, with Danny O’Brien blaming a decade of Labor for doubled delays, escalating health risks and under-resourced regional clinics. - Melina Bath denounces Allan government’s $13M machete amnesty as wasteful, ineffective stunt
Melina Bath slammed the Allan government’s $13 million machete amnesty as wasteful, ineffective, and politically motivated, criticising costly bins, media stunts, and lack of real impact on knife crime. - Latrobe City Council enhances Seymour Street Car Park safety, lighting, access, and parking experience
Latrobe City Council upgrades Seymour Street Car Park with improved lighting, safety measures, CCTV, and future real-time signage, ensuring accessible, secure all-day parking and enhanced confidence for CBD workers and visitors. - Latrobe City invites community feedback on draft Streetscape Strategy to enhance town centres until 20 October 2025
Latrobe City Council has released its draft Streetscape Strategy for public feedback, aiming to enhance town aesthetics, accessibility, and sustainability through improved design, maintenance, and consistent public amenities. - Latrobe City Council launches Action Plan to simplify fees, processes, and communications for easier local businesses to grow
Latrobe City Council’s new Action Plan simplifies fees, processes, and communications, making it easier for local businesses to operate, improve coordination, and support small businesses while driving economic growth. - Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall with family fun, interactive learning and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital
Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall on 23 October, featuring fun activities, entertainment, local services, and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital promoting children's health, learning, and community connection. - Latrobe City invites photographers and videographers to capture the region’s beauty in the ‘Latrobe Through Your Lens’ until 15 December 2025
Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences. - Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience. - Latrobe City invites community to celebrate International Rose Garden Festival Morwell with lights, music and fun on 7-8 November 2025
Latrobe City Council invites everyone to the free International Rose Garden Festival Morwell, 7-8 November 2025, featuring night lights, live music, workshops, market stalls, performers, and over 4,000 blooming roses. - Latrobe Regional Gallery Mainstreet Cafe fosters skill development, employment, and community engagement for all abilities
Latrobe Regional Gallery welcomes Mainstreet Cafe, an all-abilities social enterprise providing inclusive hospitality training, employment opportunities, and community engagement, fostering skills development and pathways for people of all abilities. - Latrobe City invites community input to shape the 2026/27 budget and future priorities, submit feedback by 17 November 2025
Latrobe City Council is seeking community input to help shape the 2026/27 Budget. Share your priorities via council's Have Your Say platform by 5pm, Monday 17 November 2025. - Latrobe City Council develops community outreach program to boost CBD safety and reduce anti-social behaviour locally
Latrobe City Council will develop a $30,000 community outreach program to support vulnerable individuals, reduce anti-social behaviour, and improve safety in CBDs and transport hubs across the municipality. - Latrobe City Council's Councillor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 regional agenda
Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 agenda, advocating sustainable growth, investment, and workforce opportunities for regional Victoria’s cities and surrounding communities. - Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes. - Latrobe City Council launches 'Kindness is key' campaign to empower students and tackle bullying together
Latrobe City Council launched the Kindness is Key: Stop Bullying campaign, co-designed with students to promote kindness, upstander training, and community action against bullying across local schools. - Latrobe City Council extends partnership with Tennis Australia to host 2027-2031 junior championships
Latrobe City Council will host the 2027–2031 AGL Loy Yang Traralgon Junior International, showcasing elite under-18 tennis, supporting the community, and strengthening the region’s reputation for world-class sporting events. - Latrobe City outdoor pools set to reopen for summer with weather-based opening days ahead
Latrobe City’s outdoor pools reopen 29 November, operating on days forecast at 25 degrees celsius. Moe and Yallourn North offer family-friendly facilities, with Yallourn North free. Council highlights community enjoyment and water-safety benefits. - Latrobe unites to tackle gambling harm during awareness week: 'Set Before You Bet' 2025
Latrobe City Council is urging residents to take part in Gambling Harm Awareness Week (27 Oct - 2 Nov) and "Set before you bet" by learning to recognise signs and reduce gambling harm. - Melina Bath thanks community for support, generosity, and resilience during festive season and year’s end
Marking the festive season, I thank eastern Victoria’s community for generosity, resilience, and support, celebrating local businesses, families, and volunteers while wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and prosperous 2026. - Melina Bath blames Allan government as Victoria's public housing waitlist surges amid worsening housing crisis
Victoria's housing crisis deepens as public housing waitlists surge past 60,000. Melina Bath blames the Allan government's inaction, rising taxes, and mismanagement for worsening homelessness and unaffordable rents across the state. - Two weeks left to join Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland Calendar Competition celebrating iconic Gippsland
Two weeks remain to enter Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland calendar competition, celebrating Gippsland's landscapes and talent. Entries close October 3, with winners featured among 30,000 distributed calendars showcasing 'Iconic Gippsland'. - Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability.
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