General News
21 July, 2023
Cancellation shatters dreams
Warracknabeal locals have reacted angrily to the fallout following the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games, which were to take part in regional Victoria in 2026. While Premier Daniel Andrews has attempted to reassure regional hubs - and the wider...
Warracknabeal locals have reacted angrily to the fallout following the cancellation of the Commonwealth Games, which were to take part in regional Victoria in 2026.
While Premier Daniel Andrews has attempted to reassure regional hubs - and the wider community hoping to benefit from tourism and visitor spin-offs - that they will still benefit from Games-related infrastructure promises - few in our community shared that view.
“I think it’s disgraceful,” David Trippett told the Warracknabeal Herald.
“I mean, if you bid for the Games you come through, if you promise and deliver it. It’s just not on. It’s un-Australian.”
The Games were cancelled in a bombshell announcement on Tuesday, with shockwaves felt throughout the state and beyond.
Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong were the key regional cities to host elements of the 12-day worldwide event, and regions such as the Wimmera were confident of attracting tourism reviews from interstate and international visitors.
Despite the shock U-turn, Mr Andrews said: “Every one of the permanent new and upgraded sporting infrastructure projects planned as part of the Games will still proceed – and all will be completed as planned.”
He also has pledged a new $1 billion Regional Housing Fund to deliver more than 1300 new homes across regional Victoria, and a $150 million Regional Tourism and Events Fund to “ensure our regions have the best of everything on offer with new events, new attractions and more accommodation”.
But many of our locals are skeptical - and say any new funds going to the regions should instead go towards desperately needed housing, health services and the NDIS.
"If Dan does as he's promised and spends the money in the regional areas; he said he was going to be providing housing," said John Hand.
"Health care. Health care is a huge issue here," said Susan Holland.
And the bulk of community sympathy, of course, was directed to the athletes who will miss out - in particular the youngsters whose dreams have been shattered.
"Not good," said Shani Rose.
"Our Australian athletes will be missing a lot of opportunities."