Help shape the next decade of growth in the City of Whittlesea

The City of Whittlesea is developing a new Economic Growth Strategy 2026-2036.

The Strategy will guide how our economy grows over the next ten years and help plan for:

  • Local jobs
  • Investment
  • Business growth
  • Vibrant local places and centres

We invited residents, businesses, investors, developers, government representatives and community members to share their thoughts on the draft Strategy.

The City of Whittlesea is growing quickly, with the population expected to increase by around 33 per cent by 2036. Planning now will help make sure our community stays strong, resilient, connected and ready for the future.

Feedback received is being considered and will help shape the future of the City of Whittlesea.

The draft strategy focuses on four key directions

Loading...

  • Skills and training for the future

    Building stronger pathways into jobs, lifting workforce capability and helping residents and businesses adapt and succeed in a changing economy.

  • Investment and infrastructure for industry growth

    Supporting precincts ready for investment, clearer pathways for development and the infrastructure needed to unlock jobs and industry growth.

  • Business growth and innovation

    Backing local businesses through better navigation, stronger networks, capability uplift and support for innovation, productivity and adaptation.

  • A vibrant and inclusive economy

    Strengthening centres, local destinations and participation so more people and businesses can share in economic growth.

Have your say

  • 📝 Community could complete a survey online from 25 May - 14 June 2026
  • 🗣️ We held 5 in-person community pop-ups across the municipality
  • ❓ Read the frequently asked questions
  • Remember to follow the page to stay up to date with the project.

❓ FAQs

📝 Previous Consultation

As part of Phase 2 consultation Council prepared and shared a series of discussion papers that to help explore key opportunities and challenges for economic growth.

Each paper focuses on one of four priority areas:

  • Unlocking Business Growth and Innovation
  • Building Jobs, Skills and Training
  • Driving Investment, Infrastructure and Industry
  • Growing Economies through Culture and Connection

To ensure the draft Strategy reflects local aspirations and priorities, we’ve engaged extensively with the community and key stakeholders.

✔️20 focus groups

✔️ 9 in-depth interviews

✔️ Over 100 participants from across:

  • Industry and business
  • Government and education
  • Health, community and employment services
  • Property and real estate sectors

These valuable insights are helping us identify the biggest opportunities and challenges for the City of Whittlesea’s future economy.