Plans for a new, state-of-the-art, convention centre in Sydney are now a possibility, confirming the request by VECCI in our Pre-Budget Submission for the need to expand the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

The NSW Opposition Leader, Barry O'Farrell MP, has initiated plans for a new convention centre in Sydney, highlighting Victoria's need for further infrastructure investment. Without added investment in Victoria's infrastructure, in particular the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Melbourne stands to lose some of our most popular tourism events.

“There is no doubt about it, states like New South Wales and Queensland are looking at our events calendar with envy and are considering which events they would like to cherry pick for their own economic benefit, " says Victoria Events Industry Council (VEIC) Chair, Mr Peter Jones.

The events industry is a valuable sector for Victoria and VECCI believes it is important that we continue to build and improve events infrastructure in order to retain key business, cultural and sporting events, as well as bid for new ones.

For further information about the VEIC, please visit www.veic.org.au