The Victorian government will set aside about $ 260 million in an effort to revitalize the Melbourne business district.
Acting Premiere James Merlino on Sunday announced an increase boost to dining and food, arts and culture in downtown areas hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
Allocation To Outdoor Dining
Mr Merlino has confirmed that $ 107.4 million will be allocated to expand the outdoor restaurant in the CBD.
Another $ 8.4 million will be spent on restaurant vouchers for people to use in good restaurants and cafes.
The vouchers will work as a rebate of 20 per cent capped at $100.
‘We’re Backing The Buzz’
“Life is back to the CBD and we ensure that recovery continues with the support for all of the things that Victorians and visitors love about Melbourne,” Mr Merlino said.
“We’re backing the buzz of our cafes, restaurants and bars – and the people who make their living from them.”
More than $ 200 million will be invested by the city of Melbourne and the national government to create a Melbourne City Rehabilitation Fund, with the aim of rehabilitating downtown areas that have been neglected over the past 12 months.
Job Saving
Melbourne City Mayor Sally Capp said it would help save thousands of jobs.
“We know that we still have a long way to go to support the economic recovery of our city and that is why this joint fund is very important for local businesses and workers,” he said.
The Victorian government is also pledging an additional $55 million in a “Visit Victoria” marketing campaign to draw people in from interstate and New Zealand.
