Business Events Geelong

Thursday, 28 October 2010

Australia’s foremost national Forum on Regional Development will be held in Geelong in 2011.

The Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia (SEGRA) National Conference is an annual event that focuses on key issues confronting regional Australia.  The conference showcases innovative policy, actions and decisions affecting regional Australia.

Cr Rod Macdonald, said the successful SEGRA bid was testament to Geelong’s capacity to adapt and respond to the ongoing challenges of regional economic development. The inaugural SEGRA conference was held in Geelong and Lorne some 14 years ago and it is therefore a privilege for the city to be recognised again as a leader in regional development.

“Since the first conference here there has been a significant policy shift to supporting development growth, and jobs in regional Australia and I look forward to all delegates being able to tell the story of the implementation of this policy shift at Geelong in 2011.” said Cr Macdonald.

“In addition to profiling the Geelong region to delegates the conference offers an excellent opportunity to showcase the success of the Region’s economic development strategies and its capacity to create economic opportunities,” Cr Macdonald said. “Delegates will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Victorian Government’s ”Ready for Tomorrow blueprint.”

“SEGRA was held in Townsville this year, and attracted over 70 speakers and 250 delegates from all levels of Government, including the new Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, The Hon. Simon Crean MP, policy advisers, industry players, academics and practitioners”.

“Success in hosting this important National Conference offers a great opportunity to showcase the  Geelong region’s economic and regional development initiatives to those who attend SEGRA, and also importantly to the national media which now closely monitor and report on this prestigious conference,” Ms Charters said.

“SEGRA is widely recognised as Australia’s most credible, independent voice on issues affecting regional Australia,” Ms Charters said.

“Staging SEGRA in the Geelong Region also provides a real opportunity for the community in this Region to actively participate in the wide range of SEGRA events,” Cr Macdonald said.