The City of Melbourne is committed to creating an environment in which the city’s retail and hospitality sectors can continue to thrive and grow. By building relationships and working closely with city businesses, the City of Melbourne strives to expand on its unique and appealing attributes and offers – ensuring Melbourne is a city of international standing.
The City of Melbourne appreciates that both the retail and hospitality sectors play integral roles in many other industries, such as tourism and events, culture and recreation, and consequently has sought to formalise connections by creating the Melbourne Retail Advisory Board and the Melbourne Hospitality Advisory Board.
Melbourne Retail Advisory Board (MRAB)
The Melbourne Retail Advisory Board (MRAB) was formed in July 2006 to advise the City of Melbourne on ways to ensure the city remains a world-class centre for retail experiences. Members of the MRAB include the representatives of major Bourke Street department stores, CBD shopping centres, small retail business owners, senior Victorian Government representatives and other vital stakeholders.
In 2006, as a joint initiative with the Victorian Government, MRAB and the City of Melbourne, the Melbourne Retail Strategy 2006:2012 was developed. The MRAB vision is that:
'In 2012, Melbourne city will be renowned globally as Australia’s leading retail city with an unrivalled retail landscape acclaimed for its diversity and compelling experiences.'
Melbourne Hospitality Advisory Board (MHAB)
The Melbourne Hospitality Advisory Board (MHAB) was established by the City of Melbourne in 2007 to advise on how the city can maintain a world-class dining experience.
Representatives of leading hospitality groups were invited onto the board to work with hospitality stakeholders and government members to provide advice, guidance and expertise. The MHAB developed a wide ranging strategy – one that is both relevant and useful to Melbourne’s hospitality industry. For the first time (October 2009), the Melbourne Hospitality Strategy 2008–2012 reports against a comprehensive set of objectives.