Games cancellation ‘a disaster’ say Coalition

CONCERNED representatives from the National and Liberal parties came to Bendigo last week to discuss the impact scrapping the Commonwealth games will have in the town.

Deputy-leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, David Southwick, said the group had met at the Bendigo Showgrounds to speak with community members who were disappointed at the cancellation.

“Our international reputation has been tarnished, people are left wondering what’s going to happen next and there is more uncertainty than we had before,” said Mr Southwick.

“The Andrews Labor Government needs to come clean and say exactly what is going to be delivered for Bendigo.”

Since State Government leaders cancelled the games some community members have voiced concerns planned developments in the region will not go ahead.

Northen Victoria upper house MP Wendy Lovell said she was worried plans for social housing would not be completed as expected and wanted more clarity on how promised funds would be spent.

“We don’t know what is to come from that yet and certainly that’s something we’ll be really pressing for answers on, where that accommodation is going and is it going to the areas in greatest need,” she said.

There was additional concern that Bendigo and surrounding towns will miss out on benefits from tourism boosts to the region.

“This is a real missed opportunity for regional Victoria,” said Ms Lovell.

“We had the chance to have the eyes sporting world and the eyes of the 56 countries of the commonwealth, 2.5 billion people, focused on regional Victoria for 12 whole days.

“Any tourism package that the Government delivers now cannot deliver.”