Mr Richardson said the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) convention in Geelong over the past two days gave key business representatives from Bendigo the chance to speak with the Premier and Opposition Leader about the economic issues that matter to them.

Mr Richardson, City of Greater Bendigo director of city futures Stan Liacos, Bendigo Business Council president Margaret O’Rourke and chief executive officer Patrick Falconer and Bendigo Advertiser general manager Margot Falconer all presented at the convention. 

Mr Richardson said the convention was the most direct way for state policy makers to understand Bendigo’s business agenda. 

“We had a blistering 10 minutes to present to more than 300 people,” he said. “We talked about the barriers Bendigo faced and the short and long-term infrastructure goals we had for Bendigo.”

Mr Richardson said that in the short term the Bendigo delegates pushed for an upgrade of transport links of the Calder Alternate Highway and continued collaborative funding for Bendigo’s strategy of investing in the arts, cultural attractions and major events. 

“We would also like an upgrade to the Bendigo airport and its adjacent industrial park,” he said.

“In the long term we would like to see a redevelopment of the archaic historic Bendigo Law Courts.”

Mr Richardson praised his fellow delegates for their commitment to the convention. “This convention was the best way to speak to state policy makers in and around government,” he said. 

“We are proud of our wonderful city and hope this convention will provide opportunities and a gateway for Bendigo and the northern part of Victoria to become a region of economic prosperity.”