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Andrews Labor government mismanagement of major projects raises red flags to regional Victoria when hosting 2026 Commonwealth Games

Long-term strategic planning of a 2026 Commonwealth Games will be crucial if regional Victoria is to reap the full benefit of infrastructure upgrades and promotional activities that the event will require.

By news@gippsland - 12th April 2022 - Back to News

Country communities were a driving force behind the games bid and it's crucial this ground work is used as a foundation for planning going forward. Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Regional Victoria Peter Walsh commended the efforts of country communities, but raised red flags at state Labor's ability to actually secure the long-term benefits.

Event operators face significant uncertainty and often have been excluded from critical financial support without a new path forward, many events in Victoria will be forever lost

Reverse to Labor's cuts

Mr Walsh said, "Bringing the Commonwealth Games to regional Victoria will give our kids a chance to see their sporting heroes in action to inspire the next generation of home-grown local athletes. Two years of pandemic have battered our regional economies, with the return of major events and tourism a crucial part of recovering and rebuilding."

"The state Labor government's shameful legacy of waste and mismanaged major projects raises red flags that regional Victoria risks missing out on key benefits of hosting a global sporting event. A regional Commonwealth Games will require upgrades to sporting facilities, but it must also include a program of works on road, rail and to improve access to public transport in the regions."

"A reverse to Labor's cuts on roads asset maintenance - which totaled $191 million last year alone - will be needed to ensure athletes, support staff and crowds can safely and smoothly travel around the state." Mr Walsh continued.

Regional hubs to be established

While the opening ceremony will be held at Melbourne's MCG, regional hubs will be established at:

• Geelong
• Ballarat
• Bendigo
• Gippsland region

Mr Walsh said communities, like Shepparton, have put in a power of work to secure a role in the games and must not be overlooked. "The Games will bring in crowds to spend money locally in our retail, accommodation and tourism businesses or to refuel at a sausage sizzle run by the hard-working volunteers of our proud community groups."

A future Victorian Liberal Nationals government will create a designated task force within government to oversee, support and be a strong advocate for the events sector

Bringing major events back

Mr Walsh said, "Bringing major events back to our country communities is critical for recovering and rebuilding strong regional economies and generating new careers and job opportunities. And while the Commonwealth Games will deliver a major economic boost down the track, we can't forget that immediate, targeted assistance is still needed to recover and rebuild." Mr Walsh concluded.

The Victorian Liberals and Nationals have announced a comprehensive plan for the future, including a $300 million local events recovery plan to jumpstart our iconic events sector and revitalise local communities.

Pictures from Commonwealth Games Australia Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth thanks community members, reflects on achievements and highlights upcoming projects in final annual mayoral column
  East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth thanks residents for their contributions, highlights upcoming projects and community celebrations, and encourages feedback on the Bairnsdale 2050 Strategy before concluding her annual mayoral column.
• Gippsland commuters stranded after V/Line services end early, prompting calls for reliable regional rail services
  Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.
• Councils begin planning for renewable energy growth across Wellington and South Gippsland communities
  Wellington and South Gippsland councils have begun a major renewable energy planning project, backed by $4.7 million, to prepare communities for future growth through housing, infrastructure, employment, services and economic development.
• Working together to secure East Gippsland's water future through integrated water management
  East Gippsland CMA and regional partners are collaborating through Integrated Water Management to address climate, flooding, population growth, stormwater, recycled water and wetland protection challenges while planning sustainable projects.
• Gippsland Water invests $3.4M renewing ageing water and sewer infrastructure across regional communities
  Gippsland Water invested $3.4 million renewing ageing water and sewer assets, replacing 3.9 kilometres of water mains and relining 6.2 kilometres of sewer mains across Gippsland.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Darren Chester and Matt Canavan to tour Gippsland industries, meeting local employers and workers across seven regional towns
  Nationals Leader Matt Canavan will tour Gippsland for two days, visiting major energy, forestry, manufacturing and agricultural businesses to discuss regional jobs, investment and industry challenges.
• Baw Baw Council awards $137,000 in community grants to 35 local groups supporting events, programs, equipment and community projects across the shire
  Baw Baw Shire Council has conditionally awarded more than $137,000 to 35 community groups through its first 2026/27 grants round, supporting local events, projects, equipment and initiatives across the Shire.
• Martin Cameron slams fresh Bank Street traffic light delays as environmental studies push project back again
  The Nationals have criticised the Victorian government after environmental studies and cultural heritage approvals were blamed for fresh delays to long-promised traffic lights at Traralgon Bank Street intersection, despite years of funding.
• Darren Chester met Latrobe Health Assembly representatives to discuss tackling youth food insecurity, poor nutrition and regional health priorities
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester is exploring funding for a Latrobe Valley initiative involving local health and education organisations to provide free healthy meals twice weekly, addressing student hunger, poor nutrition and wellbeing.
• Latrobe City Councillors recognised for years of dedicated service and commitment to local communities and regional leadership
  Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson received the Mayor Emeritus Award, while councillors Dale Harriman and Darren Howe marked 15 and 10 years of service. Council also secured adoption of five regional policy motions.
• East Gippsland planning roadshow brings expert advice to Mallacoota residents, improving access to local services
  East Gippsland Shire Council's Planning Roadshow will visit Mallacoota on August 17, offering residents face-to-face planning advice, permit guidance and access to the new AI-powered myLot planning tool.
• Danny O'Brien calls for urgent action on ongoing Gippsland power outages impacting residents, businesses and critical services
  The Nationals' Danny O'Brien is calling on the Victorian government to demand answers from electricity providers over repeated Gippsland outages disrupting residents, businesses and critical medical equipment.