Plan Melbourne To Drive Visitor Economy

Published on : Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Plan Melbourne lays out a pathway to manage a growing population and drive sustainable economic growth, with key roles for tourism and transport, according to peak national industry body Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).
The Victorian Government has today released Plan Melbourne, its blueprint for Melbourne’s future housing, employment and transport needs.
TTF Chief Executive Ken Morrison said the plan is a comprehensive, strategic approach which recognises the importance of the visitor economy.
“Plan Melbourne identifies key factors which must be managed carefully to allow Melbourne to continue to grow while also maintaining its world-leading liveability rating,” Mr Morrison said.
“The plan supports strong integrated land use and transport planning, further building the case for the unfunded cross-city Melbourne Metro project.
“Plan Melbourne recognises the vital role of the visitor economy in the city’s future, a welcome step forward.
“Tourism uses will now be considered in planning decisions, including short-term accommodation and in the development or renewal of state sporting, cultural and heritage sites.
“Tourism’s contribution to the Victorian economy is noted in the plan, with the state government acknowledging the sector is worth $15.9 billion to the Victorian economy, provides 204,000 jobs and is the state’s second largest export.
“Tourism is a key economic development strategy for Victoria and Australia and including tourism in broader government decision-making is critical to ensuring it continues to provide job and business opportunities in the future.
“The inclusion of a location for a possible third airport also shows the Victorian government’s understanding of the value of tourism and its potential for the state, and we would urge the government to secure the site to protect it for the future.
“We welcome the release of Plan Melbourne and its recognition of the important role tourism, transport and aviation will play in the future of the city and the state of Victoria.”