Northern Metropolitan Region
Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (12:39): My question is directed to the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events in the other place. My electorate, the Northern Metropolitan Region, is proud to once again hold the 2024 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. It has evolved into Australia’s largest event of its kind, featuring in fact over 400 events across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Not only does the festival showcase our rich culinary history but also significant local and international attention is highlighted on it. Can I just say: given its prominence, could the minister provide detailed insights into the benefits of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in what it brings to my region and of course to Victoria?
I am particularly interested in terms of tourism revenue, job creation and the promotion of local businesses. I am keen to understand these impacts and how I can continue to appreciate the festival’s role in bolstering our state.