The Shire’s Economic Development Unit is working to assist the establishment or expansion of your business within the Shire of Yarra Ranges. Whether you are in manufacturing, agriculture, tourism or services, the Economic Development Unit can assist you by putting you in touch with business organisations, networks and training providers. The Unit also liaises closely with other areas of Council and is able to ’point you in the right direction’, referring you to relevant departments as well as provide general business, local and demographic information.

Ian Stewart is the Manager of the Unit.

Ph: (03) 9294 6426

i.stewart@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Donna Donovan is the Units Business Resource Officer

This is the first pint of contact for all your small business enquiries, including training programs and the Online Business Directory.

Ph: (03) 9294 6426

d.donovan@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Civil Development – Engineering

The Planning Department will advise you whether Civil Development should be consulted about the engineering aspects of a proposed development. For example, traffic considerations for a new site, regulations for construction work, and drainage issues. In the first instance, enquiries regarding these matters can be directed to: Debbie Burge ~ Infrastructure Enquiries Officer

Tel: (03) 9294 6744 Fax: (03) 9294 6765 d.burge@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Environment Unit

The Environment Department can offer advise prior to lodging your planning permit. The unit can also help with enquiries regarding re-vegetation, environmental or waste wise issues: Marianne Hack ~ Administration Officer

Tel: (03) 9294 6215 Fax: (03) 9294 6241 m.hack@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Planning Services Department

Planning permits are required for construction of buildings in business, industrial and some residential zones. These permits,where required, must be obtained prior to use or construction. A planning application applies whether the business is to be home-based or not, particularly if the proposed location falls outside a defined commercial centre. Planning officers will discuss your individual requirements, make necessary referrals and steer you in the right direction. Customer Planning

Officer ~ Planning Services Department

Tel: (03) 9294 6222 Fax: (03) 9735 4249 mail@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Business Yarra Ranges

This body, established by SYR, is the peak business advisory group that advises Council on development of business opportunities within the Shire. The body meets monthly and Council is directly represented by two Councillors.

Contact: Manager – Economic Development

Victorian Business Centre

Dept. Innovation, Industry & Regional Development

Eastern Metropolitan Region

The VBC helps Victorian based businesses from a start up business through to a small to medium enterprises. Assistance offered includes and opportunity to discuss your business venture, over the counter information on business services from all tiers of government and subsidies to eligible clients under the Grow Your Business, Agenda for New Manufacturing and Opening Doors to Export programs.

Contact: Ron Pilkington: Regional Manager

Ph: 9874 5733

Website: www.business.vic.gov.au/vbc

Yarra Valley, Dandenongs and The Ranges Tourism Board

The regional tourism organisation comprises representatives from the tourism industry and delivers the marketing program for the region. The Board meets monthly and Council is represented by one Councillor and an officer.

Contact: Andrea Roberts – Exec. Director

Ph: 5962 5996

Andrea@yarrarangestourism.com

Centre for Agriculture & Business Yarra Valley Inc.

This group comprises regional leaders in agriculture, business and higher education. Initiatives include trade delegation access and participation, government and agency program access, government advocacy, branding programs and customised training programs.

The body meets monthly and Council is directly represented by one Councillor and an officer.

Contact: dsharwood@swinburne.edu.au

Industry and Organisation Contacts:

Business Boroondara

Ph: 9278 4807

Centre for Agriculture & Business

(03) 5967-2828

EBATE (Eastern Business and the Environment)

Ph: 9874 4633

Swinburne Business Enterprise Centre

Ph: 9213 6710

Winegrowers Association

Ph: (03) 5962 4800

Yarra Valley Regional Food Group

Ph: 9898 7986

Yarra Valley, Dandenong & The Ranges Tourism Board

Ph: 5962-5996

Maroondah Home Biz

Ph: 9724 4711

Micro Business Network

Ph: 0418 106 133

Yarra Valley Host

Ph: 5962 1533