Rotary Melbourne's Peter Berg attended the first of two sessions on the City of Melbourne Economy Summit which was held on the morning of Wednesday 6th December 24. Invitees to the summit, which included a representative from Rotary Melbourne, were from local Melbourne businesses, Government and Not-for-Profits.
The purpose behind the summit was to have input from participants that will inform and guide future City of Melbourne decision making in conjunction with the newly established City Economy Advisory Committee and look to shape the city’s future by stimulating and driving long-term economic growth, social cohesion and environmental resilience.
Nicholas Reece, (Acting) Lord Mayor, prior to the workshopping of ideas from attendees spoke of some of the future opportunities and challenges facing the city. He emphasised that the history from past serious economic recessions has shown that Melbournians are resilient and up to the challenge to rebound from the tough times which the city has recently experienced with the Covid lock-down years. Immigrant arrivals to the city this year and next year are at record levels and that presents both opportunities and challenges.
Summit participants were grouped into tables that covered a number of issues with both short and long-term challenges facing the city’s economy which were designated as Return of Office Workers; Safety; Cleanliness; Transport and City Accessibility; Events and Activators; Building and Road Works and Innovation. Top of the list of challenges from a survey sent prior to the summit is the return of office workers.
Attendees were asked individually to identify the City’s current strengths and weaknesses and the opportunities that lie ahead. Collectively the audience responded that the city’s foremost strengths are Diversity, People, Culture and Food. The biggest weaknesses identified were Cleanliness, Travel and Housing. The more important opportunities that present for the future were seen to be Events, Innovation and Change.
Each workshop group summarised their findings on the short and long-term challenges which will be collated in focussing on planning for a future liveable, sustainable city environment for businesses and residents.
Thank you Peter Berg for this informative report.
