For Business

Draft Economic Strategy for Comment

The Economic Development Department of the City of Boroondara is currently seeking feedback on the draft Economic Development Strategy 2009-2016.

Please note this Strategy has not been endorsed by Council and is at draft stage only. The draft strategy is supported by an Economic Profile containing statistical information.

This Economic Development Strategy is intended to guide the municipality’s future development. The Strategy provides an appropriate basis to respond to challenges and opportunities at the local level, and is designed assist Council and other parties in dealing with local issues and with those pressures coming from wider afield, beyond the municipal boundaries. This document provides strategies and action plans for key areas of importance to the economic and community wellbeing of Boroondara residents and businesses, and also provides performance measures to monitor the ongoing effectiveness of the overall strategy and the health of the local economy.

Email comments to Economic Strategy or send by post to:

Manager Economic Development
The City of Boroondara
Private Bag 1
Camberwell  Vic 3124 

If you know of anyone you think would like to provide feedback on the draft Economic Development Strategy,  refer them to the website or have them call Council’s Economic Development Department on 9278 4807.

Feedback is requested to be returned by 29 May 2009.

Draft Economic Development Strategy for Comment
Council is inviting individuals and groups to comment on the draft Economic Development Strategy 2009-2016.

Economic Profile

Business Boroondara Network

If you're about to start a small business or grow an existing enterprise then join the network to access small business resources, ask questions, find contacts and support local businesses in Boroondara.

Starting A Business

Starting a business can be exciting and rewarding, however information regarding licensing, planning, marketing, training, taxation and finding a suitable location is needed to get a business underway.

Selecting a business location

Council has profiled ten of the larger centres in Boroondara to assist you in selecting a suitable location for your business.  Find information on surrounding residential population, purchasing power and business listings.

The link to shopping centres profiled is below.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a planning permit?

The Boroondara Planning Scheme sets out the planning permit requirements for land use and development within the Municipality.

You may need a planning permit before changing land use (for example, changing the nature of an existing business or opening a business from home). Planning permits and building permits are two separate applications and decision making processes. Building permits relate only to the actual construction of a building or development. Planning permits relate to land use and can also relate to construction of buildings and works. Both a planning permit and a building permit will be required for some types of business.

You may also require a planning permit to change the existing signage, or to increase the business identification signage.

Contact Council's Statutory Planning department on 9278 4844.

If I am working from home do I need Council approval?

You may need a planning permit before opening a business from home.

You should contact the Statutory Planning department on 9278 4844 to discuss whether a planning permit is required before you open a business from home. Officers can identify whether a planning permit is required and can advise you of the type of information you need to lodge a complete planning permit application.

Are permits required for temporary food stalls and vehicles?

If you intend to conduct any business activities on a footpath (for example, tables and chairs for food, display goods on the street, use advertising boards on the street) a permit is required.

Contact the Local Laws department on 9278 4888.

What are the health requirements of opening a business?

The Boroondara Health Unit is responsible for supervising the registration and inspection of hotels, motels and other accommodation premises as well as beauty parlours, body piercing establishments, restaurants and any commercial premises where food is prepared, manufactured, stored or sold.

State Government regulates the food industry to ensure the well being of consumers. Proprietors and employees of retail food premises who handle food must comply with food services procedures and precautions to maintain health and hygiene standards.

What do I need to do if I want to serve liquor?

All businesses wishing to sell or serve alcoholic beverages must comply with the Victorian liquor licensing laws.

Visit the Liquor Licensing Victoria website for the latest information. The link is provided below.

You may also need a planning permit for your liquor license. In order to determine whether you are affected by this please contact the Planning Services Unit.

 

Business Environment

Accessible Boroondara
The City of Boroondara is only 10 kilometres east of the CBD, making it easily accessible from across the metropolitan area. Boroondara's links to all major arterials provides a distinct advantage, in particular the easy access to the Monash Freeway and the Eastern Freeway. With the recent completion of the Melbourne City Link Project, the Monash Freeway is now connected to the Tullamarine and West Gate Freeways.

The area is also well serviced by tram, rail and bus. Camberwell provides a major interchange for rail, tram and bus travel to all suburbs in the region and Kew Junction for bus and tram travel.

Quality Urban Environment
Boroondara is recognised for its tree-lined streets, quality housing, recreational facilities, range of public and private schools, local neighbourhood retail centres and high quality cafés and restaurants.

Developers have long been aware of these attractions and from 1986 to 1996 the City accounted for nearly 23 per cent of all new office construction in the Eastern suburbs. Boroondara is continues to draw a large suburban office precinct outside the CBD, St. Kilda Road and Southbank.

First Class Neighbours
The City of Boroondara is home to the Australian headquarters of multi-national and national companies, such as Coles Support Office, ACI Packaging, Bakers Delight, Servier Laboratories, Diners Club, Pacific Brands, Shell, Bunnings and Penguin.

There are more than 13,000 businesses in Boroondara with :

•  41 per cent in the finance, property and business services sector
•  19.7 per cent in wholesale and retail sector businesses, and
•  12.8 per cent in the health and community services sectors

A First Class Workforce
Boroondara residents are well educated. More than 29% of adult residents have an undergraduate degree or higher. The City of Boroondara has one of the highest rates of people employed as managers and administrators and professionals in Melbourne. Just over 62% of employed persons are managers, administrators or professionals. This compares with the 40% average for the Melbourne metropolitan area.

A First Class Local Market
Businesses in Boroondara have direct access to a local market with a high disposable income, giving them an opportunity to provide a diverse range of quality goods and services to meet these residents’ needs. More than 21% of households in Boroondara have a weekly income of more than $2,000 compared to a Melbourne average of 10%.

Selecting a business location

Council has profiled ten of the larger centres in Boroondara to assist you in selecting a suitable location for your business.  Find information on surrounding residential population, purchasing power and business listings.

Select a centre from the list below.

 

Ashburton Shopping Centre
Ashburton shopping centre is a dynamic and diverse neighbourhood centre, with a wide variety of shops including top quality fresh food, gourmet delis, and convenience goods.

Balwyn Shopping Centre
Balwyn Shopping Centre is anchored by a supermarket, has a range of retail and service offerings and is experiencing a solid growth in residential and office developments.

Burwood Village Shopping Centre
Burwood Village is known for its eateries: cafes and restaurants and has a number of convenience shops and services located within the centre.

Camberwell Shopping Centre
The Camberwell shopping precinct has been operational for over 165 years and is now a major destination centre.

Glenferrie Road Shopping Centre
Glenferrie Road Hawthorn caters for a large Swinburne University student population, in excess of 7,000 full time students.

Greythorn Shopping Centre
Greythorn shopping centre contains an array of restaurants, convenience and specialist niche shops.

Harp Village Shopping Centre
Located in Kew East, Harp Village shopping centre has a wide range of convenience items available along with many service businesses able to meet any need. The centre is also home to many general practitioners.

Kew Junction Shopping Centre
Cosmopolitan cafes and restaurants are a feature of Kew Junction shopping centre.

Maling Road Shopping Centre
A stroll down Maling Road is a relaxing and engaging experience. Over fifty shops have been restored to their original Edwardian style in a village setting.

North Balwyn Village Shopping Centre
With a fashion niche and café feel, North Balwyn Village combines service businesses with a village atmosphere. The Village contains an award winning mix of specialty shops.