Hopes summit will pave the way for CBD revitalisation
FIRST with NEIL MITCHELL
A summit this Friday could pave the way for workers to return to Melbourne’s ailing CBD.
The meeting will involve business leaders, retailers, unions and government bureaucrats.
Victorian head of the Australian Industry Group, Tim Piper, says he’s “delighted the government is actually giving us the opportunity to talk to them”.
Mr Piper doesn’t expect Daniel Andrews or any state government ministers to attend the meeting, but says it’s a step in the right direction.
“I imagine we’ll have the most senior bureaucrats from the department there. Hopefully we’ll also have people from the Department of Health there so we can talk about the need to get rid of masks,” he told Neil Mitchell.
Without swift change, Mr Piper says Victoria is “just not going to have a CBD”.
“Whatever people might think, the Victorian economy is based around the CBD being so vibrant,” he said.
Neil Mitchell said the meeting is a vital step.
“If we’re ever going to get back to normal, the new normal, we at least need a roadmap,” he said.
“It doesn’t mean they’ll (the state government) listen, but it’s a sign they’re willing to consult for a change.”
Press PLAY below to hear what Tim Piper hopes will come from the meeting