Future Melbourne: City to attract even more major events
THE man hired to drive the next generation of Victoria’s sports and major events success believes Melbourne will become an even bigger player on the world stage. New stadiums and events are central to the plan.
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THE man hired to drive the next generation of Victoria’s sports and major events success believes Melbourne will become an even bigger player on the world stage.
Visit Victoria major events general manager Damien de Bohun forecast Melbourne would take even greater strides as Australia’s sports, food and culture capital with new infrastructure and events.
“What is clear to me is that Melbourne is growing faster than anywhere else in the country and in the not too distant future will be the biggest city in Australia,’’ he said.
“That means by definition it will be an area of greater interest.
“It will be a city that creates greater interest, with a bigger market with more people.”
Mr de Bohun, who stood down as head of the A-League to shape Melbourne’s major event future said events like the recent Brazil-Argentina soccer series should become the norm.
“Given that major events are such a pivotal part of our society, I think it is going to get bigger, stronger and better,’’ he said.
“And if you look at where we are economically — the visitor economy is going to become a bigger part of what we do.
“All of that says it is going to be on a bigger scale.’’
Mr de Bohun said sporting infrastructure was likely to expand and change with city planners forced to consider what else Melbourne needed to accommodate its growing calendar of major events.
“I think the reality is that we are seeing infrastructure grow further on the back of increased demand,’’ he said.
“It’s not for me to determine exactly what is going where but … it’s absolutely a vibrant city that is on the move and it’s our job to make sure that each and every day there is something exciting to do in Melbourne.
“That’s kind of what it’s about — whether you live here or you’re a visitor.’’
He said it was “not for me to say’’ whether Eddie McGuire’s $1 billion plan to build “Victoria Stadium’’ opposite the MCG should be given the go ahead.
But Melbourne’s world-best sporting precinct with excellent transport links close to the city should not be taken for granted.
“I think the reality is that we have a wonderful sports precinct in that part of the city,’’ he said.
“Where there is space to build additional infrastructure in due course that will take course.
“When the time is right the right plans will start to emerge.’’
He said Melbourne’s major events prowess was already in a “good space’’ but could grow event brighter.
“I think the future will be bigger and better and people like myself and others will have to tackle that issue in the future,’’ he said.
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