Temporary zip line along the Yarra River being considered once COVID restrictions ease in Melbourne

The City of Melbourne is planning to deliver an exciting line up of events and initiatives to entice people back to the city and boost the local economy as soon as COVID restrictions allow, with conversations continuing on a temporary zip line to be installed along the Yarra River, just in time for summer.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the City of Melbourne is backing the events sector, with funding and support through the Event Partnership Program.

Lord Mayor Capp advises "we're contributing more than $2.5 million in funding, and an additional $300,000 in in-kind support, for around 60 events in 2022.

"We expect these events will attract up to five million people in total, which will deliver significant benefits to Melbourne's small business owners.

"Once we reach the 80% vaccination target, there will be no stopping Melbourne from returning to its rightful title as the events capital of Australia.

"We know Melburnians love their events, they love to participate, so we know they will welcome these events and more with open arms."

City Activation portfolio lead, Councillor Roshena Campbell, said the upcoming calendar of events will help to drive foot traffic and spending in the city adding "before COVID-19, the events sector contributed around $12 billion to Victoria's economy each year, so we know how important they are to our city's recovery in the longer term.”

Victorians can look forward to a number of events funded by the City of Melbourne, including The Lume, the Melbourne Italian Festa and the Royal Croquet Club.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said a number of other initiatives are also being considered which can be rolled out quickly when lockdown lifts, to support business owners and a swift bounce back, adding "we know Melbourne businesses have been doing it tough, which is why we're committed to doing whatever we can to entice people back to the city safely, as soon as it's safe to do so."

Highlights from the 2022 Event Partnership Program include:

• The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

• The NGV Kids' Summer Festival

• The Not-so-silent Cinema

• Basketball activities for all age groups in Fed Square, run by the National Basketball League.

Melbourne Music Week is also back in December, showcasing some of the best local artists and live music venues.

Planning is also underway for an expanded Christmas Festival in the lead up to New Year's Eve celebrations.