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The state was also expecting to receive some support from councils based in the regional hubs that were due to host Games events,estimating that between $15 million and $100 million would come from local government.
The document,written at the start of 2022,was drafted before the election of the Albanese government and no public commitment of funding had been made from either Labor or the Coalition before its cancellation.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
Discussions of a federal contribution ramped up after the Commonwealth pledged $3.4 billion for the Brisbane Olympics in 2032,but no money was put aside in this year’s budget for the Victorian event.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said in March that the Commonwealth had not yet received a “detailed ask” but flagged an interest in “legacy” projects such as social housing.
Andrews said on Sunday that as early tender work started to come back to the government this year,it became clear costs were soaring.
“We tested all those assumptions,we looked at different ways in which we might deliver the Games,we looked at different ways in which we might reduce the costs,” he said.
“You can make these Games cheaper,but as they become cheaper,you get less benefit.”
The premier said it was too early to say what the cost of redundancies,incomplete work and other charges would be on top of the $380 million compensation payout,but it would all be contained within the original $2.6 billion.
“We’ve been able to close this out and settle it. It’s done and dusted,” he said.
Other parts in the business case show the government expected almost all transport to Games venues to happen by public transport and that athletes and other important staff could travel to events with dedicated lanes for cars.
The Ballarat saleyards where an Athletes Village was expected to be built.Credit:Jason South
The cost of transport for the whole event was expected to have been $110 million,but by July 2023,this had soared to $306 million.
Between $45 million and $60 million would have been needed to buy carbon credits to offset emissions and keep the event carbon-neutral.
The Victorian Auditor-General’s Office and a parliamentary inquiry are investigating the Games’ cancellation.
Shadow Treasurer Brad Rowswell said the figures in the government’s business case showed there needed to be an “immediate update to the budget with an independent oversight mechanism”.
Shadow treasurer Brad Rowswell with Opposition Leader John Pesutto.Credit:Gus McCubbing
“They’ve stuffed up the budget when it comes to the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
“I have zero confidence in them getting the budget estimates on other major projects and other things around the state right.
“That’s why we’re asking for immediate,independent oversight through that process”
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