City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Craig Fletcher and CEO, Anthony Schinck today took part in the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) conference in Creswick.

As leaders of the Central Highlands Mayor and CEOs forum, they met with, and heard from, key stakeholders from around the region to discuss the challenges facing the region.

Ballarat Mayor Cr Craig Fletcher said the conference provided a forum to not only talk about these issues but to begin working towards a solution.

“Changing demographics, growing populations and changing industry sectors across both the state and the country will cause significant issues for regions that are not ready to meet those challenges head on”.

“It was pleasing to see the conference being held in the Central Highlands region. As a regional leader and services hub for the Central Highlands, it seems fitting to have had the conference held here”.

Peter Walsh MP provided the keynote address at the conference.

“Central Highlands Mayors and CEOS are continuing to work closely with the government into the future to ensure the best possible economic outcomes for the residents of Ballarat and the broader region”.

The Committee for Economic Development Australia is a member based organisation that provides thought leadership and policy perspectives on the economic and social issues affecting Australia.