More than $260 million in economic stimulus will be tipped into's Melbourne's coronavirus-affected CBD, including a dining voucher scheme.
The state government said on Sunday that it would add $100 million to the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund, a sum matched by the City of Melbourne.
Acting Premier James Merlino said the funding would go towards small-scale infrastructure in the CBD and support for events and hospitality spaces.
Additionally, Mr Merlino said the state government and City of Melbourne would chip in for an $8.4 million CBD dining voucher scheme in the upcoming Victorian state budget, scheduled for May 20.
Unlike the equivalent NSW scheme which is built on the scanning of QR code vouchers, Lord Mayor Sally Capp said Victorians would be able to apply for rebates from the City of Melbourne on hospitality spending.
The rebates would provide for 20 per cent of the patron's costs.
Mr Merlino said a quarter of Victoria's economic activity occurred in Melbourne's CBD, which has been hit by coronavirus lockdowns and border closures.
"Our cafes, bars, restaurants are the heartbeat of our city," he told reporters.
Victoria would also spend an additional $55 million on its "Visit Victoria" tourism campaign, currently aimed at Australians and New Zealanders.
Meanwhile, the government on Sunday also announced it would invest $22.5 million into Indigenous-led land and fire management practices.
Australian Associated Press
