- Published:
- Sunday 10 January 2016
World attention will turn to Melbourne once more when the major events capital hosts the Australian Open.
Minister for Employment Jacinta Allan today joined event organisers at Birrarung Marr, where the Australian Open Festival is taking shape. Some of Melbourne’s top culinary institutions are set to serve up a treat to spectators. The free, family-friendly Festival will run every day and night of the first Grand Slam of 2016.
The Australian Open attracts visitors from across the world, which means more jobs and growth for Victoria. A Deloitte Access Economics report found the 2014 grand slam was worth $245.5 million to the state and created 1400 jobs for Victoria.
The Australian Open is the largest annual event in the southern hemisphere, and it’s played at one of the world’s best sporting precincts. The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with updating Rod Laver Arena, to ensure the Australian Open remains in Victoria.
Once the Australian Open champions are crowned for 2016, construction will start on the $338 million second stage of the Melbourne Park upgrade, which includes the refurbishment of Rod Laver. The multi-million dollar project will help drive the Victorian economy and will create 1300 jobs during construction.
Plans include a state-of-the-art new entrance, top quality eateries and amenities for guests, and a more efficient loading bay to allow shows to bump in and out faster – and that means more of the world’s biggest acts, and more often.
Melbourne does the big sporting events best, and there’s no bigger date on the calendar than the Australian Open. The 2015 tournament provided record economic benefits to Victoria as nearly 120,000 visitors flocked here from all over Australia and the world. Some 700,000 fans are expected through the gates from January 18.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment Jacinta Allan
“There’s no bigger event than the Australian Open. It draws thousands of spectators from all over the world to Melbourne, and that means more jobs and more business for our bars, hotels and restaurants.”
“We’ve got the best major events, but we don’t take that for granted. We’re building a bigger and better Melbourne Park to keep the Australian Open where it belongs, in Victoria, the sporting capital.”
“The Labor Government’s 2015-16 Victorian Budget includes an $80 million boost to the major events war chest, so that Victoria can continue to secure the best events.”