The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) welcomes the $225 million redevelopment of Etihad Stadium that will transform it into a multi-purpose entertainment and business events precinct, further cementing Melbourne’s status as the most liveable and visitable city in Australia.
"The redevelopment of Etihad Stadium has been a long-standing priority of VTIC and a core recommendation in our recent State Budget submission," she said.
"This announcement, along with Federal Government’s support to deliver on the long-awaited Melbourne Airport rail link, is an indication that the voice of the industry is being heard.
"It reaffirms VTIC’s position on the need for additional infrastructure funding, which is a key platform in our 2018 State Election campaign launched today," Ms Mariani said.
Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium and surrounding precinct is one of the most enviable locations in Melbourne, centrally located between the CBD and the Docklands waterfront.
"We are excited that a new hotel, ballroom and retail complex will redefine the Etihad precinct as a 365 day a year destination. This will have major impact on our business events attraction capability globally as we will be able to offer an unrivalled experience of sport, entertainment and business.
"Strong investment in infrastructure improvements is essential as Victoria is currently ranked fourth behind NSW, QLD and WA, with only 14 per cent of the $38 billion tourism infrastructure pipeline.
"This is simply not good enough and we need further investment to ensure that Victoria remains the first choice sporting, leisure, business and event destination in Australia with important economic benefits flowing into regional Victoria."
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