Our members and readers will be aware of Committee’s Vision 2050 project. We held a very successful member forum recently, bringing together government and industry as we continue to articulate the kind of regional community we aspire to be.
Keynote presentations were given by the Minister of Planning and Transport, the Hon Sonya Kilkenny, and the newly appointed Commissioner for Economic Growth and Better Regulation, Katrina McKenzie.
The Minister spoke to the importance of Plan Victoria as a dynamic strategy that will continue to evolve in collaboration with communities. Whilst housing targets are a feature of the Plan, the Minister noted that Ballarat and our region needs more homes of all kinds, and these need to be accompanied with the services that build thriving communities. Plan Victoria also recognises the importance of the provision for industrial land and more green spaces for communities.
Katrina McKenzie spoke of the need for Victoria to be competitive with other markets and identified the government’s key economic growth strategy, Victoria – Open for Business. This strategy addresses industry’s priorities for backing business, cutting red tape, building new skills and underpinning a strong Victoria with strong regions.
A highlight of the day was the provocation provided by Malkah Lara Muckenschnabl, an emerging leader and facilitator with a passion for shaping the future of industries and workforces as a vehicle for regional prosperity. Malkah spoke of revolutionising recruitment practices to ensure they can bridge the gaps that limit new talent coming to regional areas.
Malkah’s presentation challenged us all to consider the opportunities of intergenerational leadership as we look to envision and deliver a future that is both prosperous and inclusive.
The outcomes of the forum will be shared with members and Committee for Ballarat will continue to develop its Vision 2050 for release in early 2026.
The Vision 2050 survey remains open and we encourage all readers, members, non-members, young and old to have your say.