Nats claim issues with Comm Games planning

NATIONAL Party MPs were in Bendigo last week to voice issues with the Commonwealth Games and a supposed budget blowout.

Federal Senator Bridget McKenzie said she was concerned the State Government was going to leave local communities paying the bill for the Games.

“We know there have been concerns raised right across the board about the timeframe and the funding envelope for the Commonwealth Games,” she said.

“And we are here today to call on the Andrews Government to make sure in their upcoming May budget that they don’t leave it to the local councils.

“We don’t want the ratepayers of Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, and Latrobe footing the bill for the Commonwealth Games.”

The 2026 Commonwealth Games should be a chance to build local infrastructure in regional communities Ms McKenzie said.

“We want communities like Bendigo to have legacy projects,” she said. “Legacy infrastructure in terms of accommodation.

“We want great sporting venues that are going to serve this community, our state, and our nation going forward far beyond the couple of weeks the games will be hosted here locally.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Commonwealth Games Delivery, Jacinta Allan, said there was no truth of budget concerns or timeframe issues.

“We are making great progress with regional communities on the delivery of the 2026 Commonwealth Games,” she said.

“The Andrews Labor Government has grabbed with both hands the opportunity to have regional Victoria be the home of the Games, unlike the Liberal and Nationals.

“Who instead of delivering regional communities sports, they delivered rorts.”

Ms Allan said the Government is working with communities to produce a Commonwealth Games legacy that will last.

“We want to take an investment approach with our regional communities,” she said. “Which is why we are partnering with councils and communities across the state to host the games.

“This will leave a lasting legacy with $3 billion of ongoing investment into the regional communities to go along with the job opportunities and the chance to showcase regional Vic on the international stage.”