We're passionate about nurturing our local business community. Our Economic Development department continuously develop programs and opportunities to support and grow your business. Discover some of the great initiatives currently available.
The Vacant to Vibrant program aims to address retail vacancy issues across the municipality by facilitating short-term commercial agreements. This is done by connecting property owners and real estate agents with local start-ups, social enterprises, artists or not-for-profit organisations.
Multiple vacant retail premises in local shopping precincts has the potential to reduce public safety and amenity. It has also been found to increase the incidence of criminal activity including tagging, bill posting, graffiti and vandalism of private property and community assets.
Retail shopping strips are a part of the fabric of local communities. They are generally operated by local people providing much needed goods, services and support to the communities they serve.
Under the Vacant to Vibrant initiative we are working with stakeholders to provide local communities with vibrant, active shopping precincts that are friendly, welcoming areas.
Watch the video to find out more:
The visitor economy is considered nationally in the top five sectors of economic growth. It has potential to become Australia’s fastest growing industry.
Strengthening the visitor economy is an important contributor to the City of Whittlesea’s social, cultural and economic vibrancy and prosperity.
We actively support the visitor economy, working in partnership with key industry stakeholders, northern region councils and local businesses to further boost this priority industry.
Our clear direction for tourism development and growth within the City of Whittlesea is to increase tourism visitation, length of stay and yield.
As part of this work, Council delivers dedicated visitor economy marketing initiatives, including digital and print promotions, to showcase local experiences and businesses.
Explore Whittlesea – promoting local tourism businesses
Explore Whittlesea is the City of Whittlesea’s official visitor website, designed to promote local attractions, events, food and dining, accommodation, nature‑based experiences, arts and culture and retail offerings.
Tourism and visitor‑facing businesses operating within the City of Whittlesea can apply to be listed on the Explore Whittlesea website. A listing provides increased visibility and the opportunity to be featured as part of Council’s broader visitor economy marketing activities.
Apply for an Explore Whittlesea listing
To discuss Explore Whittlesea listings or other marketing opportunities available to visitor economy businesses, contact our Project Officer Tourism at business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or call 03 9217 2170.
Road signage for tourism businesses
Tourist signing guidelines help visitors safely and easily locate tourism attractions, accommodation and services across Victoria. For tourism businesses operating in the City of Whittlesea, these guidelines outline the types of tourist signs available, eligibility requirements and the application process, with road safety and effective navigation as the primary focus.
More detailed information for tourism businesses is available via the Victorian Government’s Tourist Signing Guidelines.
Tourism organisations and resources
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