News

• 2009-09-25 - Convention Centre wins property award

  Melbourne’s new Convention Centre has been honoured with two awards at the recent Australian Property Institute Excellence in Property Awards.

  The impressive new facility won the Investa Environmental Development Award and the prestigious President’s Award.

  The judge’s citation for the Investa Environmental Development Award said that the Centre “demonstrated outstanding leadership in terms of sustainable development, in a project” and sets “a new global benchmark for buildings of its type”.

  The citation for the President’s award said the centre demonstrated world class achievement in its field noting that:

  “The recipient of the President’s Award for 2009 has delivered a project that is an outstanding addition to the built fabric of Melbourne, will generate considerable economic benefit for the State of Victoria, and is genuinely world class for sustainability practice for a project of its type.”
  

• 2009-06-01 - Melbourne's newest icon opens along the Yarra

  Premier John Brumby and Tourism and Major Events Minister Tim Holding joined thousands of Victorians at a family day today for the official opening of the new Melbourne Convention Centre.
  

  “This is a remarkable facility all Victorians can be proud to call their own. It is the world’s most advanced and greenest convention centre and Melbourne’s newest icon,” Mr Brumby said.

  “The Melbourne Convention Centre will help Victoria to become one of the most sought after business tourist destinations in the world.

  “At a time when we are facing major economic and environmental challenges, this landmark infrastructure investment ticks all the right boxes.

  “Our $370 million investment in this project will reap significant benefits including injecting around $200 million a year into our economy and creating 2,500 new jobs here over the operating period. That’s on top of the almost 1,800 jobs created during construction of the centre and commercial precinct.”

  The $1.4 billion development in South Wharf includes the convention centre, a major retail development and the new five-star Hilton Hotel which opened in April.

  The new centre is connected to the existing exhibition space and includes a 5000-seat plenary hall, a 1500-seat Grand Banquet Hall and is the only convention centre in the world to achieve a 6 Star Green Star rating – the highest environmental rating.

  The Convention Centre leads the world in sustainability, as the first large public building of its kind to be awarded a Six Star Green Star rating by the Green Building Council.

  Mr Brumby said there are already 50 international and 190 national conventions, meetings and seminars booked for the new centre bringing an anticipated 250,000 delegates to the city.

  “This world-class centre gives Victoria an international advantage in securing conventions and bringing business tourists to the State,” he said.

  “Convention and business tourist visitors on average spend five times as much as leisure tourists.”

  The first convention will be the 7th International Conference on Geomorphology in the first week in July. The largest conventions or business events booked at the new centre is the 22nd World Diabetes Congress 2013 which is expected to attract around 12,500 delegates.

  Mr Holding said these events are booked years in advance and organisations are lining up to come to Melbourne.

  “The desire to come to Melbourne is not just because of the world-class facilities but also because of our great food and wine, our year-round calendar of major events and the close proximity of our regional destinations like the Great Ocean Road,” Mr Holding said.

   

• 2009-04-03 - Convention Centre Brings Big Business and Jobs to Victoria

  Victoria is set to become one of the most sought after business tourist destinations in the world, when the new Melbourne Convention Centre opens for business in July this year.
  Touring the completed building for the first time, Premier John Brumby said the Convention Centre would inject $197 million a year for the next 25 years into the Victorian economy and create 2500 jobs across the State.

  “This world-class centre gives Victoria an international advantage in securing conventions and bringing business tourists to the State,” Mr Brumby said.

  “Convention and business tourist visitors on average spend five times as much as leisure tourists.

  “We already have 47 international conventions confirmed bringing almost 100,000 delegates to Melbourne and 140 national conventions, meetings and seminars expected to bring more than 150,000 delegates.”

  Mr Brumby said the new Melbourne Convention Centre was a new economic engine for the state and that the timing of its completion couldn’t be better.

  “This facility is a significant asset for our state and one which will help us weather the storm of the global economic slowdown,” Mr Brumby said.

  “The $1.4 billion development created 1280 jobs during construction as well as 500 new jobs for the associated commercial precinct.

  “The project has already delivered an estimated $4 billion in economic benefits for the State.

  “The Centre has also revitalised the whole South Wharf area of the Yarra, sparking the development of the new Hilton Hotel, the South Wharf retail development, the South Wharf sheds development and plans for a new maritime precinct around the Polly Woodside.”

  Roads, Ports and Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas said the Convention Centre was a new architectural icon for Melbourne.

  “The centre features a 5,000 seat Plenary Hall, innovative gala seating system, grand foyer, banquet room and fantastic views of the city, making this a truly world class facility,” Mr Pallas said.

  “The Convention Centre also leads the world in sustainability, as the first large public building of its kind to be awarded a Six Star Green Star rating by the Green Building Council.”

  The building will be subject to a series of tests and commissioning events in the coming months and a public open day.

   

• 2008-09-12 - Sci-fi taking new convention centre out of this world

  Thousands of science fiction fans from all over the earth – and possibly beyond – will converge on the new Melbourne Convention Centre in 2010 for the 68th World Science Fiction Convention.
  Major Projects Minister Theo Theophanous announced today that the annual convention of the World Science Fiction Society, which has affiliations in more than 30 countries, will run for seven days in September 2010.

  “This science fiction event, Aussiecon 4, has universal appeal and we’re expecting more than 3000 fans to converge on our fantastic new convention centre, generating about $18 million in economic benefit for Victoria,” Mr Theophanous said.

  “Melbourne was chosen to host this event because of its world-class Melbourne Convention Centre, which has already attracted 34 international conventions bringing nearly 66,100 delegates to Melbourne and worth more than $350 million to the Victorian economy.”

  Aussiecon 4 will include panel discussions on a variety of science fiction subjects, such as technology of the future, writing, publishing, the philosophical and sociological implications of the genre's works and prestigious Hugo Awards.

  Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre chief executive Leigh Harry said that as most World Science Fiction Conventions were held in North America, it was coup for Melbourne has been chosen as the 2010 venue.

  “The Aussiecon 4 convention is another great opportunity to showcase the new convention centre and the city of Melbourne, with delegates arriving from all over the world and all around Australia to join the conference,” Mr Harry said.

  Mr Theophanous said when complete, the new Melbourne Convention Centre would provide a great boost to the Victorian economy.

  “It is estimated that over 25 years, the convention centre project will boost our economy by $197 million each year and create 2500 jobs,” he said.

  “Some of the conventions already won for the facility include the Parliament of the World's Religions in 2009, the International Botanical Congress in 2011 and the International Congress of Paediatrics in 2013.”

  Construction on the Melbourne Convention Centre is expected to be completed later this year and is on track to open in 2009.

   

• 2008-06-26 - Melbourne's newest deluxe hotel taking shape along the Yarra river

  Spectacular new views of the Yarra River and Melbourne CBD are emerging from the top of the city’s newest deluxe hotel, under construction in Melbourne’s South Wharf district.

  Tourism and Major Events Minister Tim Holding today inspected construction of the new 20-storey Hilton Melbourne South Wharf, which has now reached its full height, within the new Melbourne Convention Centre development.

  Mr Holding said the $1.4 billion re-development at South Wharf would dramatically boost Melbourne as a leading events and business destination.

  “The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure Victoria remains the conference and business events capital of Australia,” Mr Holding said.

  “Most of the new hotel developments in Australia are now happening in Melbourne, driven by the strong growth of our business tourism sector, now worth around $1.2 billion annually and generating 14,000 jobs.

  “Melbourne attracts local, interstate and international visitors because of its first-class infrastructure, facilities and services and its reputation for being the most stylish and sophisticated Australian city.

  “The new Hilton Melbourne South Wharf builds on our existing hotels and other tourism infrastructure which has enabled tourism in Melbourne to remain strong.”

  Construction began on the 396-room Hilton Melbourne South Wharf in May 2006 and is on track to be completed in early 2009. The hotel will include restaurants, bars and a café and will be the equivalent to a five-star hotel.

  Mr Holding said the hotel would provide accommodation and services to specifically complement the new Melbourne Convention Centre.

  “The new world-class Convention Centre will be fully integrated with the existing Melbourne Exhibition Centre and will become Australia’s largest combined convention and exhibition facility,” he said.

  “The Centre has already attracted 25 international conventions which will bring 58,000 delegates with a combined economic impact for Victoria of more than $371 million – before construction has even finished.”

  The Brumby Government has committed $370 million towards the new Melbourne Convention Centre which will be the world’s only convention centre designed to achieve a 6 Star Green Star environmental rating.

  The roof of the 5000-seat plenary hall was completed last month and its flexibility allows it to be transformed into three separate auditoriums. The Centre will also have 32 meeting rooms and a ground floor cocktail space capable of accommodating 8400 people.

  The City of Melbourne is contributing $43 million towards the project which will enable the development of a new footbridge which will for the first time link the Yarra precinct to the Docklands and Federation Square.

  Mr Michael Bourne, General Manager of the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf, said the level of integration with the Convention Centre is the most sophisticated he had encountered.

  “What has been achieved here in Melbourne gives us the best chance to attract as many national and international conventions as possible,” Mr Bourne said.

  Plenary Group Principal, Mr John O’Rourke, said the Company’s investment in the development would expand opportunities for Melbourne businesses to host international delegates, showcasing their skills and products to the rest of the world.

  “All the early planning suggests that our business model will also drive local business events through the new convention centre and hotel facilities, making a strong contribution to the new centre’s ongoing operations,” Mr O’Rourke said.

  The Hilton Melbourne South Wharf and the new Melbourne Convention Centre are due to open for business next year.

  
   

• 2008-06-16 - Victoria to host international nursing conference

  Melbourne has won the right to host the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress, which is expected to attract more than 6000 delegates and inject more than $30 million into the Victorian economy.

  Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the International Council of Nurses 25th Quadrennial Congress will be held at the new Melbourne Convention Centre in Melbourne in 2013. The last time the ICN Congress was held in Australia was in Melbourne in 1960.

  “This conference will tackle key issues in nursing such as the regulation of the profession, the changing role of nursing within the healthcare system and the impact of the evolution of technology on nursing,” Mr Andrews said.

  “The ICN is the global authority on nursing, and the Congress will see nurses from more than 128 countries, including the world’s pre-eminent experts in the nursing field, visit Melbourne to discuss global health policies and the issues faced by the profession.”

  The win was secured by the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) in partnership with the Royal College of Nursing Australia.

  Chief Executive Officer of MCVB, Sandra Chipchase, said winning the event underscored Melbourne’s exceptional bidding strategies.

  “Melbourne’s world-wide reputation for, and expertise in, hosting major medical and science Business Events is growing globally, and MCVB’s bidding expertise positioned Melbourne over rival destinations such as France, Portugal, Vienna, Poland, Ghana and Hong Kong.

  “This convention win will see a huge boost to the Victorian economy, generating over 22,500 room nights for Melbourne, and an economic impact of over $30 million, half of which will be a direct result of delegate spend. Business Event visitors spend between five and six times more than the average visitor, and therefore are a vital visitor group for Victoria.

  Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Chief Executive Leigh Harry welcomed the announcement.

  “The new Convention Centre, which opens next year, will be fully integrated with the existing Melbourne Exhibition Centre and will become Australia’s largest combined convention and exhibition facility - a world-class facility that is helping to position Melbourne as the business events capital of Australia,” he said.

  Rosemary Bryant, Executive Director of the Royal College of Nursing Australia, said the congress would be a great forum for Australian nurses.

  “We are honoured to host our professional colleagues from around the world, and we are delighted that our profession’s global work in benefiting the health of the community through professional excellence in nursing will be highlighted in Melbourne,” she said.

  Already there are 25 major international conventions booked for the new Melbourne Convention Centre, bringing more than 58,000 international business travellers to the city and injecting more than AUD$371 million into Victoria’s economy.

   

• 2008-05-26 - Melbourne wins bid to host global ageing conference

  Melbourne has won the bid to host the 2010 Global Conference of the International Federation of Ageing (IFA), which is expected to attract more than 2,000 delegates from 120 countries.

  Minister for Senior Victorians, Ms Lisa Neville, said today that the right to host the IFA Conference had been secured by the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) in partnership with the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria, which is a member of the IFA.

  “The Brumby Government is taking action for senior Victorians and hosting the IFA Conference provides Australia with an invaluable opportunity to learn from international best-practice on issues of ageing, and to share Victoria’s knowledge and experience in this important area of health and community development,” Ms Neville said.

  “The IFA Global Conference creates a forum for industry professionals and private and public sector decision-makers to develop a worldwide response to issues on ageing.

  “A particularly important component of this conference is the ‘Senior Officials’ Meeting, which, when last held in Copenhagen, saw 115 governments each prepare a paper on ageing issues associated with their country.”

  Ms Sandra Chipchase, Chief Executive Officer of MCVB, said winning the right to host the conference underscores Melbourne’s exceptional bidding strategies and the world-class facilities offered by the new Melbourne Convention Centre.

  “Melbourne’s world-wide reputation for, and expertise in, hosting major health-related international business events is growing. MCVB’s bidding expertise positioned Melbourne over other cities competing to host the Conference, such as Prague and Shizuoka in Japan,” Ms Chipchase said.

  Ms Sue Hendy, Executive Director of COTA Victoria, said the conference agenda and the bid to the International Federation of Ageing had been several years in development.

  “COTA Victoria is honoured to host colleagues such as policy activists, program developers, academics or older people from around the world,” Ms Hendy said.

  “As populations are ageing around the world, it is important that bodies such as COTA join their international counterparts to discuss the needs and interests of older people, and to look at global approaches to policy development to assist our ageing communities live fulfilled and independent lives.”

  The Conference is expected to inject more than $8 million to the Victorian economy based on an estimate of 6000 room nights for Melbourne.

  Conferences such as this are major economic drivers for the city and will help Melbourne maintain our place as Australia’s primary destination for conventions.

   

• 2008-04-08 - Convention centre wins build on Victoria's strengths

  The new Melbourne Convention Centre, taking shape on the banks of the Yarra River, has already won Victorians 23 major opportunities to showcase our strengths in research and innovation to the world.

  Minister for Innovation, Gavin Jennings said the conventions booked for the new centre will create international exposure for Victoria’s strengths including the biotechnology industry and the new Australian Synchrotron.

  “The Brumby Government’s investment in the convention centre is paying dividends because these conferences highlight Victorian research and initiatives. For example, the International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium now secured for 2013 will highlight efforts to tackle climate change,” Mr Jennings said.

  “The 23 conventions now secured for the new centre will bring 50,000 delegates to Melbourne and inject $327 million into the Victorian economy.

  ”The international delegates to these conventions help our economy when they eat at our restaurants and visit our cultural and tourism attractions.”

  The new Melbourne Convention Centre is due to open for business in 2009. It will have a 5000-seat plenary hall, 32 meeting rooms and a ground floor cocktail space capable of accommodating 8400 people. It is the first convention centre in Australia to be awarded a 6-Star Green Star environmental rating.

  The Brumby Government has committed $370 million toward construction of the new Melbourne Convention Centre, part of a development that will create a lively maritime precinct on the banks of the Yarra River.

  The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust and the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau are responsible for winning business events for the new centre.

  The latest international conventions confirmed for the new Melbourne Convention Centre are:
  The Darwin Conference - 1000 delegates.

  • Synchrotron Radiation Instrumentation (SRI09) - 800 delegates 2009
  • International Conference on Coexistence between GM and non-GM based Agricultural Food Chains (GMCC 2009) - 400 delegates 2010
  • Inaugural World Thinking Conference – 2500 delegates 2011
  • Congress of the Asia Pacific Hepato Pancreas Biliary Association (A-PHPBA 2011) - 500 delegates 2013
  • IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS 2013) – 1000 delegates

   

• 2008-03-12 - Major projects drive jobs through Victoria's ingenuity

  The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s new innovative seating system, the first of its kind in Australia, will be manufactured and installed by local Victorian companies, the Minister for Major Projects, Theo Theophanous has announced.

  “This innovative seating system – built right here in Victoria by Victorians – will be capable of converting an empty ballroom into a tiered theatre with 5000 seats in less than 10 minutes,” Mr Theophanous said.

  “The Gala seating system is without question the world’s leading-edge technology. It will allow flexibility in seating configurations and provide the greatest speed and operational efficiency in event change over.

  “For example it will allow the Plenary Hall, which has a maximum capacity of 5000 people, to be subdivided into three smaller plenary configurations of one for 2500 people and two for 1500.

  “It’s a credit to Victorian ingenuity and government policy that they were able to be manufactured right here in our own backyard, in another example of how we are creating more job opportunities for Victorians through the delivery of our major projects across the state.

  “The Victorian Industry Participation Policy (VIPP) provides Victorian companies with the opportunity to participate in major projects and is the reason three Victorian companies – in Wantirna South, Cheltenham and Williamstown – will share contracts worth $15 million to produce the seating system.”

  The firms to win a share of the contract are Metaltec, based in Cheltenham, who will supply the structural and mechanical elements of the seating system; Camatic Seating, based in Wantirna South, who will supply the seating; and Control IT, based in Williamstown, who will supply the electrical and electronic control systems.

  The Brumby Government, the Industry Capability Network, Plenary Group and Multiplex have been working together to maximise the Victorian and Australian contribution to the centre.

  “The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is a place where exciting products and technologies are put on display. It should, and will, be a showcase for Victorian skills and ingenuity,” Mr Theophanous said.

  Multiplex’s Project Engineer, Les Craig, said the seating system meets some unique demands.

  “When folded down as a floor, the system has to be able to withstand 44-tonne trucks driving over it. It requires a specially-designed displacement air-conditioning system,” Mr Craig said.

  It has to be converted into a number of floor finishes, including a dance floor, and ensure that any breakages or spills don’t damage the mechanics, electronics or seats.”

   

• 2008-01-18 - Convention centre makes others green with envy

  Melbourne’s new Convention Centre will be the greenest convention centre in Australia with Premier John Brumby today announcing the project has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star rating by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

  Mr Brumby said the design of the new Melbourne Convention Centre was put through a rigorous process to achieve a 6 Star Green Star rating and has set a new global standard for convention centres.

  “The Convention Centre will not only be a landmark building in Melbourne’s developing landscape, but this new level of sustainability will be a major drawcard for convention organisers in an increasingly environmentally conscious world climate,” Mr Brumby said.

  “This is the first convention centre to achieve a 6 Star Green Star – Convention Centre environmental rating, the highest possible under GBCA’s rating system, and is further evidence of our commitment to construction of ecologically sustainable buildings in Victoria.

  “The new Melbourne Convention Centre’s green credentials are a major selling point for international businesses - many who are keen to show they are taking steps to reduce their environmental footprint on the planet.”

  Mr Brumby said 18 international conventions were booked for the new centre worth more than $293 million to Victoria and this rating will help draw many more business tourists to the State.

  “This is further vindication that this government has wisely invested $370 million to deliver the Victorian people a great long-term public project that will help inject an estimated $197million a year into the state economy and create 2500 jobs over 25 years,” Mr Brumby said.

  Environmental features included in the 6 Star Green Star Convention Centre include:

  • solar panels to deliver all public amenity hot water requirements
  • A black-water recycling plant to recycle waste water to supply toilets, cooling towers and to irrigate landscapes
  • natural light and energy-saving controls on installed lighting
  • lighting fixtures that adjust dependent on the amount of daylight detected in the room
  • many of the building materials are sourced from renewable and sustainable industries

  Major Projects Minister Theo Theophanous said the Convention Centre being developed by private sector partner, Plenary Group and was on track to open in 2009.

  “In a further vote of confidence for the convention centre precinct, the commercial sector has injected another $400 million to the overall project, taking the precinct to a $1.4 billion development, underpinning commercial confidence in the project,” Mr Theophanous said.

  Plenary Group Principal, John O’Rourke said the Public Private Partnership process encouraged long term value for money design initiatives.

  “This is an extraordinary leveraging of the State’s investment in the new Convention Centre and builds on the vision for this to be the region’s leading business tourism destination,” he said
  

   

• 2007-07-25 - Convention centre hits two new highs

  The tallest free standing crane in Australia is now shaping the new Melbourne Convention Centre as the value of international conventions won for the centre hits the $250 million mark.

  Minister for Major Projects, Theo Theophanous, and Minister for Tourism, Tim Holding, today inspected progress of Australia’s largest convention and exhibition building.

  “Anyone looking at the construction site next to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on the banks of the Yarra would notice the 90-metre tall crane now dominating the skyline,” Mr Theophanous said.

  “The crane will lift 52-tonne steel trusses that will give shape to the new centre’s distinctive triangular roof.”

  Mr Theophanous said the construction of the new convention centre was progressing well.

  “A recent analysis by Standard and Poors found the project was on time and on budget,” Mr Theophanous said.

  “You can already see the shape of the large 5000-seat plenary hall, the stage and stage walls.”

  Minister for Tourism, Tim Holding, said conventions were being booked just as quickly.

  “There are now 16 international conventions booked which will bring more than 36,000 delegates to Melbourne and inject more than $250 million into Victoria’s economy,” Mr Holding said.

  The latest wins for the new centre include the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics Conference, expected to draw over 4000 delegates, and the 5th International Congress of the Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control, which will see a further 1000 delegates arriving in Melbourne.

  “Thanks to this new convention centre Melbourne is a key player in the global business of attracting world-class business events,” Mr Holding said.

  Other events confirmed for the new Melbourne Convention Centre are the International Federation of Operational Research Conference in 2011 and the Parliament of the World’s Religions in 2009, which alone will see 10,000 delegates arriving in Melbourne.

  The new Melbourne Convention Centre opens for business in 2009.

  Conventions won for the new Melbourne Convention Centre to date:

  • International Geomorphology Conference, 2009
  • International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists International Conference, 2009
  • Parliament of the World’s Religions, 2009
  • Congress of the International Federation of Municipal Engineers, 2009
  • World Congress of the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy, 2009
  • International Congress for the Chemistry of Crop Protection, 2010
  • Congress of the Federation of Asian and Oceanic Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (Symposium), 2010
  • World Congress of Internal Medicine, 2010
  • International Congress of Applied Psychology, 2010
  • International Congress of Parasitology, 2010
  • International Conference of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2010
  • International Botanical Congress, 2011
  • World Congress on Human Reproduction, 2011
  • International Conference of the International Federation of Operational Research, 2011
  • 5th International Congress of the Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control, 2011
  • International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics General Assembly Conference, 2011

  Total projected delegates: 36,600
  Total projected economic impact: $251,000,000

  Projected economic impact figures as of 11 July 2007. Figures based on National Business Events Survey 2004, adjusted for CPI.
  

• 2006-09-15 - Minister digs construction milestone as Convention Centre booking pass $100 million mark

  Conventions worth more than $100 million are now booked for the 5,000-seat Melbourne Convention Centre, which is currently under construction, Minister for Tourism, John Pandazopoulos said today.

  Mr Pandazopoulos made the announcement today while visiting the site to inspect the start of bulk excavation of the 60,000 square metre basement site.

  The convention centre is the central feature of a $1 billion urban renewal project on Melbourne’s lower Yarra River bank, which includes a five star hotel, an office and residential tower, a riverfront promenade of shops, cafes, bookstores, wine merchants and a homemaker retail complex.

  “This project is huge and so are the economic benefits that it will deliver for to Victoria once the new convention centre opens,” Mr Pandazopolous said.

  “Word is spreading about Melbourne’s world-class convention centre that will boast a raft of features including a 5,000 seat plenary hall, a ball room, 32 meeting rooms and a ground foyer for 8,400 guests.

  “The latest convention to be secured is the International Congress of Parasitology ICOPA XII in 2010. Ten conventions have now been booked bringing more than 19,000 delegates to Victoria with estimated spending on local hotels, restaurants, tourist and cultural attractions of more than $100 million.

  “In addition, Melbourne is currently bidding for 30 international conventions worth almost $500 million.”

  Mr Pandazopoulos said bulk excavations for the centre and hotel will dig a hole three times the width of the MCG and five metres deep by early next year.

  “Construction is proceeding according to schedule and the convention centre project remains on track to open for business in 2009. Significantly, the number of construction jobs on site will grow from 180 by December this year to 760 by June next year and peak at 1,140 in June 2008,” he said.

  The Bracks Government has committed $370 million to construct the new centre as part of a public-private agreement with the Plenary Group. The Melbourne City Council will also invest $43 million.
  Mr Pandazopoulos said the convention centre was part of the largest infrastructure spending program in Victoria’s history.

  Once completed, the convention centre will help generate 2,500 jobs and increase economic activity by $197 million each year over 25 years.

  Dr David Piedrafita, Vice-President of the Australian Society for Parasitology said Melbourne was selected over Mexico, Brazil and Thailand.

  “The convention centre’s proximity to Melbourne’s CBD gave our bid the winning edge. The global scientific community also knows that Melbourne is one of the friendliest cities to visit, easy to get around and very cosmopolitan,” Mr Piedrafita said.

  “Our bid was also helped by the fact that Melbourne has many senior and high profile researchers in the field of parasitology. We lead in malaria research for example and research that will help farmers beat parasites now they are becoming resistant to drench.”

  The Australian Society for Parasitology is the local host for ICOPA XII and will provide a forum for the presentation of international research, discovery and innovation in parasitology.

  Additional conventions also recently confirmed for the new centre include the International Geomorphology Conference and International Federation of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists Congress in 2009 as well as the Congress of the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists in 2010.

  Mr Pandazopoulos said business events provide Victoria an annual $1.2 billion economic boost and Government allocated $8.1 million over two years in the May budget to help build on this success.

  • Conference Delegates
  • 2009 International Geomorphology Conference (IAG) 800
  • 2009 International Federation of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists Congress (IFSCC) 500
  • 2010 International Congress of Parasitology (ICOPA 2010) 2,000
  • 2010 Congress of the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists -FAOBMB (Symposium) 1,500
  • 2010 International Conference of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2,000 
  • 2010 International Congress of Internal Medicine 4,000 
  • 2010 International Congress of Applied Psychology 2,000 
  • 2010 International Congress for the Chemistry of Crop Protection 1,500 
  • 2011 International Botanical Congress 4,000 
  • 2011 14th World Congress on Human Reproduction  1,000