Economists Meet in Ballarat to Tackle Key Economic Questions

Media Release Thursday, 10 August 2017 Economists meet in Ballarat to Tackle Key Economic Questions What: NEDC2017 - National Economic Development Conference When: 10-12 October 2017 Where: Ballarat, Victoria Who: Economic Development Australia, Michael Langley, Phil Ruthven AM, Stephen Yarwood, Jude Munro

World-leading economists, planners, and those committed to leadership and good governance will be in Ballarat Victoria, in October for a high profile economic development conference focussing on how local governments can maximise opportunity in a rapidly changing economic environment. The conference will explore the themes ‘Productivity and Its Importance to Prosperity’ and ‘Bold and Brave - risk taking and tackling new initiatives in innovative and revolutionary ways’. Delegates will discuss planning for population growth and diversification; finding innovative solutions to sustainable employment growth, and creating a framework for local governments to adopt approaches, processes and procedures that encourage communities to flourish. The National Economic Development Conference is Economic Development Australia’s major annual event; in its 10th year national and international experts will focus on how local government can be innovative; embracing, exploiting and adapting to the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The conference is expected to draw more than 200 economic development practitioners to engage with world-renowned leaders including the Minneapolis Saint Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership CEO Michael Langley, IBISWorld founder and director Phil Ruthven AM, city2050 founder Stephen Yarwood and Victorian Planning Authority inaugural chair Jude Munro. Ballarat is one of Australia’s fastest growing and most liveable regional cities; committed to building an increasingly diversified and fast-growing economy to create jobs to meet projected demand. Mayor of Ballarat, Cr Samantha McIntosh promised delegates a rewarding experience from both a business and social perspective. “ You will have the opportunity to hear from some of the nation’s best economic development practitioners, to share insights and experiences, and to discover more about key economic development projects the City of Ballarat is undertaking” Economic Development Australia chair Mark Holdsworth said the conference would discuss topics important to business and to the future of the country For more information and to register, visit www.necd2017.com.au ENDS Media contact: Justine Linley: City of Ballarat CEO