Business groups say it would be “fantastic” to have the new GovHub built at the current City of Greater Bendigo council site.
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The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) said having the two levels of government at the same site would allow for more ease of access for local businesses.
“There’s one thing we advocate for and that is more alignment between the different tiers of government,” VCCI Board member David Richardson said.
“That helps reduce red tape. And if we’re reducing red tape, that’s good for business.”
Bendigo city councillors will vote on the location of the proposed GovHub site at Wednesday’s council meeting.
The recommendation is for the hub to be built where the council’s Lyttleton Terrace offices currently stand. The council said it would be willing to give up ownership of the land to proceed with the state government's project. They would lease back office space in the new building.
Bendigo business AFS & Associates Chartered Accountants also welcomed calls for the new GovHub to be built at the current council site.
“To see some development like that in Bendigo and to bring all of those government departments in together will no doubt allow for prosperity in the Bendigo region,” AFS chief executive Kate Mannix said.
“Hopefully what it does is create other opportunities for those departments to come to a regional area rather than being based in metro areas,” she said.
Mr Richardson said more jobs in Bendigo would always be welcomed
“Part of the package the state government announced by funding a Govhub facility is that they would actually relocate some of their newer departments up here and also have some new jobs created,” Mr Richardson said.
“So that’s good news for everyone in Bendigo that we’ll see some more public service jobs coming to the city,” he said.
The comments came as the VCCI honoured AFS & Associates for its 50 years of membership to the Chamber - the longest-standing membership of any business in the Bendigo region.
“AFS is honoured to receive this commendation,” Ms Mannix said. “Our long relationship is testament to VCCI’s support for regional businesses and its respected services.”
Mr Richardson said the VCCI was proud to support businesses like AFS & Associates.
"AFS has played an integral role in Bendigo's thriving professional services sector for many decades, so it is no surprise to see its long association with VCCI," he said.
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Tara Cosoleto
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
