Disappointment at Victorian Government's failure to fund MCEC expansion

Widely expected funding for the much needed expansion of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) was not forthcoming in last week's Victorian budget.

While the Victorian Government did earmarked an additional $25.7 million over four years to market and develop Melbourne as a key destination for business events, MCEC will not directly benefit.

Following record, and near capacity performance in 2013, funding for a proposed 12,500 metre2 expansion of MCEC's exhibition facilities had been expected.

The facility, which is benefitting from the redevelopment of the former Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre is currently turning away about 20% of its potential business.

Both the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) and pro development lobby group Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) have welcomed the additional funds for marketing. However, both bodies suggested that the lack of funding to expand MCEC's exhibition space is a missed opportunity.

VTIC Chief Executive Dianne Smith stated that failure to fund MCEC's expansion “will have flow-on affects to the $16 billion Victorian tourism and events industries.

“MCEC is an outstanding facility for conventions and exhibitions, and contributes approximately $212 million each year to Victoria’s economy.”

“The venue is currently being forced to turn away business due to a lack of exhibition space. The State Government has missed an important opportunity to invest in Victoria’s future through funding the extension of this important Melbourne venue.”

TTF also expressed disappointment at the funding omission, with Chief Executive Ken Morrison saying the decline in Victoria’s manufacturing sector meant that “now is the right time to be committing additional funding to tourism as a growth industry.”

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24th March 2013 - MCEC CELEBRATES AT THE 2012 VICTORIAN MEA AWARDS