The 2023-24 Federal Budget will allocate $314 million towards a new energy program aimed at lowering business power bills and emissions.

On Tuesday, we reflected on the sacrifice that generations of Australians and New Zealanders have made to protect our way of life. Hundreds of Anzac Day commemorations took place across the State to honour the Anzac spirit; it felt to me as if that spirit was particularly prominent this year, perhaps it was heightened among Victorians because of the war in Ukraine and global instability.

Melbourne Chamber member Port of Melbourne (PoM) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will lead to the development of greener shipping solutions and export opportunities for Victoria.

Melbourne has been chosen to host the inaugural Asia Pacific (APAC) Offshore Wind and Green Hydrogen Summit from 29-31 August.

It certainly feels like the year continues to accelerate, and I hope you are doing what you need to ensure your business is in good shape.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

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!