A new Victorian Chamber survey has revealed most businesses are increasingly concerned about the impact of energy prices and want Government support on long-term solutions to reach a net-zero economy.

There goes summer for another year. Not quite the warm weather we had hoped for, but we look ahead to what autumn brings, particularly with the Moomba Festival, AFL Season, Grand Prix, and the highly anticipated opening of “& Juliet” not far away.

In a major $2.35 billion energy announcement on Tuesday, Victoria was chosen as preferred location for the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) project – a collaboration involving the Japanese, Australian and Victorian Governments.

Today we celebrate International Women’s Day, a global event that recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, raises awareness about discrimination and drives gender parity.

I hope you all made the most of the long weekend and those who opened or worked did a roaring trade, the weather was certainly in full cooperation!

The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has reported an increase in renewable investments but not enough to reach renewable energy targets.

EV Index is a new resource for businesses, policy makers, private owners and anyone wanting more information about the transition of Australia’s vehicle fleet.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) can start with as little as $5 or five minutes of someone’s time and contribution towards a good cause. But the flow-on effects for an individual and business can be long-lasting.

How good is it to have the AFL back? Four action packed days and evenings resulted in some nail-biting results for round one, and I have to say, the ladder is looking spectacular to this Essendon supporter!

A report from independent advisory body Infrastructure Victoria (IV) highlights more choice and housing diversity is needed as Victoria’s population grows.

Having come straight from the Albert Park track this morning from the Victorian Chamber and Keolis Downer Grand Prix™ Breakfast, I can tell you that Melbourne is certainly in for a treat this weekend!

For the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It’s an expectation from clients, partners and attendees. That’s why it has embarked on its own journey towards net-zero.

According to ZEN Energy CEO Anthony Garnaut, while Victoria is not the sunniest place in Australia, “it's a lot sunnier than Germany”, meaning the cost of solar even in Melbourne is a lot cheaper than building a solar farm in the sunniest part of Germany. 

We saw Melbourne at its best over the weekend as we played host to a Melbourne-record Formula One crowd of more than 440,000 people at Albert Park.

The shift to a net-zero economy will require a collective effort but is a challenge Victoria can rise to with the right mindset and the right actions, enabling government and industry to work together to reach our emission targets and seize the economic opportunities for Victoria.

I hope you all had a wonderful and safe long weekend. It was certainly great to have a break, and hopefully some of you can enjoy extra time with your children as we enter school holidays.