Business initiatives to get involved with

Contact the Economic Development Team on 9217 2170 or business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au for more information about the initiatives below.

Vacant to Vibrant

The Vacant to Vibrant program aims to address retail vacancy issues across the municipality. Multiple vacant retail premises in local shopping precincts has the potential to lead to a decline in public safety and amenity and an increase in 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 and are generally operated by local people providing much needed goods, services and support to the local communities they serve.

Council works with stakeholders to provide opportunities for businesses, artists, social enterprises and start-ups to grow local jobs and provide local communities with vibrant, active shopping precincts that are friendly, welcoming areas providing opportunities to connect and build social networks.

Retail marketing and business development special rates

The purpose of the Special Rate scheme is to improve viability and drive economic development within local shopping precincts through marketing and promotional initiatives. The Special Rate scheme involves levying a special rate on each property owner within a defined geographical area to contribute to a pool of funds and a Business Plan to improve commercial viability through marketing and promotional activity.

The combined effect of these activities contributes to reduced vacancy rate, improved Centre image and branding, improved communication with businesses, improved patronage and ongoing liaison with Council

A request to council for a Special Rate Scheme is initiated by a Business Association and it is the role of council is to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1989 in relation to Council declaring, levying and operating a special rate/charge scheme.

Visitor Economy

The Visitor Economy is considered on a national level in the top 5 sectors of economic growth with the 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.

The City of Whittlesea actively supports the Visitor Economy and works strategically and in partnership with key industry stakeholders, northern region Councils and local businesses to further boost this priority industry.

Council has a clear direction for tourism development and growth within the City of Whittlesea, with the primary objective of increasing tourism visitation, length of stay and yield.

Producing dedicated visitor economy marketing collateral including digital and print promotions. To discuss the marketing opportunities available to visitor economy businesses, contact the Tourism Services Officer or call 9217 2170.

Key Tourism Organisations & Resources:

The following organisations and resources are available to supporting the visit economy sector;