“What’s become clear is that the cost of hosting these games in 2026 is not the $2.6bn which was budgeted and allocated,” he said. Andrews said the government would still build the sporting facilities it had promised regional communities, including the proposed upgrade to Ballarat’s stadium. Andrews said he would not take money from other parts of the budget, such as health to deliver the Games. Asked if there would be costs associated with cancelling the games, Andrews said it was the subject of negotiations with the governing body. There will also be 1,300 new “social and affordable” homes built across regional Victoria, he said.

Source: The Guardian July 18, 2023 07:18 UTC