Regional Victoria Living Expo to entice treechange

Wednesday, 9 November 2011

Victoria’s first ever Regional Victoria Living Expo will be held in Melbourne during April 2012 in a bid to entice Melburnians to move to the regions, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan announced today.

At Parliament House to launch the annual event, Mr Ryan said the expo would be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 27 to 29 April and highlight the many benefits of living in regional and rural Victoria.

“The Regional Victoria Living Expo will showcase the best our regions have to offer, with information on everything from careers to education, housing, businesses, sport and lifestyle opportunities, relocation services and much more,” Mr Ryan said.

“All that represents the best of regional and rural Victoria will be under the one roof with each of Victoria’s 48 regional councils providing advice, resources and answering questions from those interested in making the tree change.”

Mr Ryan said $3 million would be spent over four years to deliver on the Government’s important commitment.

“The expo will feature up to 130 exhibitors who are ready and willing to discuss the unique lifestyle benefits of a particular region,” Mr Ryan said.

“Many Melburnians have considered a move to regional Victoria whether it be for family or business reasons and this may be the very boost they need to make the change.”

Minister for Regional Cities Denis Napthine, who joined Mr Ryan for today’s announcement and the celebration of Regional Cities Week, said regional Victoria had very strong growth prospects with the population expected to almost double by 2056.

“Regional cities are a fantastic base for establishing business operations with access to health care, transport networks and education as well as better lifestyle opportunities,” Dr Napthine said.

“All Victorians who visit the expo will see that our state’s regional and rural areas provide numerous advantages in terms of livability, jobs, education and business viability.

“The Government is committed to ensuring Victoria’s regional and rural areas are an ideal alternative to metropolitan centres.”

Visit here to find out more about the Regional Victoria Living Expo