The news that the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games has been cancelled has been met with disappointment.
This decision comes as a great blow to our community, which was eagerly anticipating the opportunity to showcase our region’s capabilities, culture and hospitality on an international stage.
Latrobe City had been actively preparing for the Commonwealth Games, investing time, resources and effort to ensure the successful hosting of this prestigious event.
Hosting the games brought the promise of substantial economic benefits for local businesses and tourism, infrastructure improvement, social and affordable housing and a sense of community pride to our region.
While this news is disappointing for our community, we acknowledge the Government’s announcement of a $2 billion package to ensure regional Victoria receives lasting benefits.
This includes a continued commitment to upgrading sporting infrastructure at host venues Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe, Gippsland Regional Sport and Entertainment Park in Morwell and the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium in Traralgon.
It is vital that we maintain the momentum and enthusiasm that has been generated within our community and capitalise on the Government’s investment to deliver lasting benefits in housing, tourism and sporting infrastructure for regional Victoria. Council will identify and explore opportunities to host major sporting events and initiatives that contribute to the wellbeing, growth and development of our community leveraging support from the Regional Tourism and Events Fund to achieve this.
We recognise and appreciate the extensive planning undertaken by the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Council staff and other stakeholders. Their commitment and enthusiasm were testament to the potential positive impact the Commonwealth Games would have had on Latrobe City, Gippsland and the wider Victorian community.
We will continue to work with Government to ensure that this commitment to regional development is delivered, and that the best outcomes are afforded to our community.
