Michael Sukkar (Deakin, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to take this opportunity today to recognise an exciting event taking place in my electorate of Deakin, the opening of Costco at Ringwood. The opening of Costco represents a years of hard work and is an excellent regeneration of the former Ringwood market site. During its construction stage, the approximately $60-million redevelopment created more than 100 direct jobs and 160 flow-on jobs. The opportunities for ongoing employment will mean 400 ongoing jobs.

The location of the Costco store also recognises Ringwood's unique location with easy access from EastLink, which will be further be enhanced by the coalition's commitment to build the East West Link. This is another reason why our important $1.5 billion commitment to the East West Link will further enhance Ringwood.

Another encouraging aspect of the redevelopment is that it will offer even further choice to our local consumers and provide additional competition to the established supermarket giants. The shop small campaign, which was launched in Deakin two weeks ago, will continue this Saturday and I encourage all Deakin residents to shop small this week.

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