Activating our Yarra

By Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp

As our city’s business and retail landscape rapidly evolves, the role of precinct associations has never been more important.

This month, I’m excited to be meeting with one of Melbourne’s top precinct associations the Yarra River Business Association (YRBA). At the event, I’m keen to hear from members and chat about how we can continue to work together to create the brightest futures for small-to medium-sized businesses located on and along the river.

The City of Melbourne has a long history of supporting the business community and our Precinct Development Program (PDP) has been operating for almost two decades. The program promotes economic prosperity by providing annual financial support to recognise groups that represent businesses in nominated areas of our municipality.

Through the PDP, we have contributed a total of $590,000 to recognised precinct associations for marketing and business development in this financial year alone. In addition to funding, we also connect precincts to a wide range of opportunities for marketing, events, learning and development.

The City of Melbourne carefully investigates all these activities because we know the nature of retail is changing. Now more than ever, proprietors have to be adaptable in the face of changing consumer behaviour, online shopping and consumer expectations of a great shopping experience. The next phase of the program will have an increased focus on opportunities for collaboration.

The YRBA has been a proactive member of the PDP from day one, providing a strong voice for the business community of Southbank and delivering innovation and advocacy on behalf of its constituents. The association also meets opportunities for collaboration with enthusiasm and considered feedback.

We greatly value the YRBA’s fantastic contributions to council’s draft strategies, plans and focus groups, and greatly appreciate the group’s consistent advocacy and support of council initiatives.

I can’t wait to meet more of the people behind Southbank’s vibrant business community at this month’s event. Together, we will discuss ideas for the future, including the importance of the river to the social, recreational and economic life of Melbourne and how it can be both protected and activated to enhance our city.

Looking to the future, I look forward to continuing our work with the YRBA – and all of our precinct associations – to promote prosperity and create great outcomes for Melbourne.

The Lord Mayor Sally Capp will address the YRBA’s networking luncheon at the Cargo Hall at South Wharf on November 15.

Bookings: yarrariver.melbourne/lunch