Wednesday, 3 December 2025

 Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (12:54): (2044) My question is for the Minister for Small Business and Employment. With the Metro Tunnel now open, Arden, Parkville, State Library and Town Hall are already becoming part of the daily life of the people of the Northern Metropolitan Region. These new places and stations feel like they will support businesses in a really meaningful way by creating opportunities and spaces for local traders as passenger numbers grow over the months ahead. These stations are hubs, from coffee shops at Arden to large chains at Town Hall. Just last week at Parkville station I had the chance to meet some of the amazing workers and minds from 7-Eleven and Sushi Sushi. They spoke about what it meant to settle into the brand new station and be part of an incredible generational project that so many Victorians are thrilled to see completed. Importantly, with more people moving through these precincts each day, the role of small local businesses is important in shaping how these areas feel and how other community and commuters are served. My question to the minister is: how will the opening of the Metro Tunnel bring more people and further support for small businesses in the CBD?