Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Mark Stone AM praised the strong turnout from members and guests who included representatives from the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce, the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, Victorian Chamber alliance partners and local government leaders.

Mr Stone said the 2017 Victoria Summit recommendations were developed by business for business and focus on the actions need to overcome Victoria’s energy challenges, accelerate small business and jobs growth, strengthen Victoria’s liveability and meet the diverse needs of Victoria’s growing regions.

Speaking at the Summit, Mr Stone said the day represented the culmination of many months work for the Victorian Chamber.

“The Victorian Chamber team has been out on the road for much of the past nine months, hosting 12 workshops and 3 forums, from Warrnambool to Mildura; and from Wodonga to Traralgon.

“More than 700 people participated in these events and we would like to acknowledge each and every one of them for taking time away from their own businesses to share their experiences and views,” he said.

A highlight of the Summit were keynote addresses from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Guy.

Premier Andrews used the Victoria Summit to announce that by the time the Metro Tunnel is completed in 2026, construction work will be well underway on an airport rail link, a priority infrastructure project for the Victorian Chamber.

Commending the Victorian Chamber for its willingness to engage with the Andrews Government, the Premier said; “It’s always an open dialogue. It’s a frank exchange of views. So many of the things we have done in these last three years have come from the relationship – the partnership that we have with the Chamber”.

Mark Stone said whichever party wins the election in 2018, they can take practical steps to increase our competitiveness and make Victorian businesses even more successful. That is why we are asking all parties to carefully consider our recommendations, which are practical and achievable.

Explore the Victoria Summit 2017 recommendations here.