Nick Somes, CEO of ecoDynamics Group, attended Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria’s fifth Horticultural Showcase on Tuesday 3 September, held at Queen’s Hall in the Victorian Parliament House. From Tuesday to Thursday, the event served as a platform for industry leaders to engage directly with state decision-makers, highlighting the importance of Victorian horticulture and advocating for its continued support and growth.

Nick, alongside other key figures, met with Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum to champion the interests of Victoria’s horticultural sector. As the industry plays a vital role in both the environment and the economy, the showcase focused on educating MPs about the scope, scale, and significance of horticulture in the state.

“The annual parliamentary showcase provides a valuable opportunity to demonstrate to MPs the significance of the horticulture industry in Victoria. I discussed with them the outstanding individuals we employ, the substantial economic contributions we make, and the long-lasting environmental benefits of growing and planting native plants. These conversations allowed me to highlight how our industry not only supports local jobs but also plays a crucial role in sustaining and enhancing Victoria’s natural landscapes for future generations,” said Nick.

Throughout the event, industry representatives urged MPs to prioritise the following critical areas:

• Horticultural Centre of Excellence: The sector is calling for the next stages of planning, development, and delivery of a dedicated Horticultural Centre of Excellence. By promoting horticulture as a rewarding career, the industry hopes to address labour and skills shortages, which are becoming a threat to future growth.
• Urban Greening Initiatives: Advocating for urban greening was a key focus, as these projects are essential to community health, biodiversity, and economic strength. The industry encouraged Parliament to embrace these initiatives for the betterment of the environment and the wellbeing of Victorians.
• Industry Resilience and Adaptability: In an ever-changing landscape, ecoDynamics and its peers emphasised the need for continued support to strengthen the horticulture sector’s ability to adapt to challenges, ensuring its resilience and long-term sustainability.
• Celebrating the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS): Attendees of the showcase reminded MPs of the cultural and economic contributions of the MIFGS, one of Victoria’s most iconic events. They called for continued recognition and celebration of its positive impact on the state.

As ecoDynamics continues to drive change through environmentally focused projects, our participation in this event highlights ecoDynamics’ commitment to advancing the horticulture industry. By advocating for strategic planning, skills development, and urban greening, ecoDynamics is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of Victorian horticulture.

The Horticultural Showcase at Queen’s Hall has once again proven to be a significant event for fostering collaboration between the industry and government, ensuring the longevity and growth of horticulture in the state.