East Gippsland provides an ideal place to mix business opportunity with quality of life.
Rich in natural resources and brimming with economic potential.
The region is home to some of Australia's leading brands and largest businesses, attracted by an abundance of primary produce and natural resources coupled with good transport and logistics, ample water, good physical and telecommunications infrastructure, and affordable and plentiful land supply.
The region is ideally situated between Australia’s two major commercial hubs and ports in Melbourne and Sydney with a world-class road network offering easy access to both.
Check out our Economic Development Strategy 2022-2032 or contact the Economic Development team via email for more information.
Invest East Gippsland
East Gippsland provides an ideal place to mix business opportunity with quality of life.
The region is blessed with a Mediterranean-like climate – warm summers and mild winters – and stable annual rainfall averaging 600mm-900mm, which allows our agriculture and horticulture industries to thrive.
And when you’re not busy building your business, head outdoors to enjoy the renowned local environment, including pristine lakes and rivers, snow-capped mountains and far-reaching coastal wilderness.
Some of Australia's leading brands and businesses operate from East Gippsland including:
• the world’s largest pie manufacturer, Patties Foods, which began as a Lakes Entrance cake shop in 1966
• Australia’s largest trawling fishing fleet
• Australia's largest fresh cut horticulture business, One Harvest Vegco.
Innovation is also strong in East Gippsland, with a range of businesses and consultants basing themselves in the region while using communications technology to service their customers around the world.
To find out more about living, working and investing in East Gippsland, head to our Invest East Gippsland website.
Economic and industry profile
With eight main towns and a diverse range of industries, East Gippsland has a solid demand for skilled employees across a wide range of industries and offers excellent opportunities for trade-qualified and professional people.
The food-production sector is of vital importance to East Gippsland with food manufacturing and production fundamental drivers of the regional economy.
The commodities of this sector include fruit and vegetable crops, livestock (meat and products), bakery products, seafood, beverage and food support services.
Lakes Entrance is the home of one of Australia's largest fishing fleets, while Mallacoota is the base of a significant abalone industry. Catches are supplied to markets in Melbourne and Sydney.
East Gippsland's economic profile
Home to 47,316 people, East Gippsland supports 16,539 jobs and has an annual economic output of $4.948 billion.
More statistics on the region's industry and employment can be found on our Economic Profile site.
Here you can find details on the region's economy, including:
• household disposable income
• employment by sector
• productivity
• population and demographics
• economic indicators
• labour force statistics
• gross regional product by industry
Economic Development Strategy 2022 - 2032
The Economic Development Strategy 2022 - 2032 is Council's key regional economic policy document, aimed to achieve high levels of economic prosperity for our region, and builds on East Gippsland’s Community Vision 2040.
Inclusive economic prosperity isa critical enabler of the quality of life we desire in East Gippsland and drives a range of community outcomes.
The Strategy outlines Council’s role under nine Focus Areas. The objectives for each of the Focus Areas are designed to work toward the East Gippsland Community Vision 2040 and demonstrate the strategic direction and contribution of Council.
See more at Economic Development Strategy 2022 - 2032.
Tourism profile
Tourism industry
Tourism visitor economy data and research:
• National Visitor Survey from Australia Tourism Research Australia
• Victoria reimagining Australia's visitor economy submission (June 2021)
• Greater Gippsland domestic travel visitation (YE March2021)
• Greater Gippsland domestic travel visitation (YE September 2021)
Future tourism developments in East Gippsland:
Towards 2030 Gippsland - Destination Management Plan
Industry newsletters for tourism businesses:
• Destination Gippsland - subscribe here for monthly tourism industry updates
• East Gippsland Business Connect - subscribe here for business support news
East Gippsland Visitor Services Membership Program
East Gippsland Visitor Services play a vital role in looking after visitors before, during and even after their visit. Being a member of Visitor Services gives businesses the opportunity to be at the forefront of our destination activities. The membership offers a wide network of tourism opportunities, support and helps market our magnificent region.
2022-23 East Gippsland Visitor Services Membership Prospectus
Economic Development and Tourism Action Plan 2022 – 2026
The East Gippsland Economic Development Strategy (2022-2032) is a document that provides guidance to the broad East Gippsland community including government, business, and community stakeholders on the future strategy endeavours and opportunities for the shire.
East Gippsland Shire Council Economic Development and Tourism Action Plan 2022 –2026
Business check-in
The Business Check-In provides a quick overview of your business and helps you identify areas that might present future growth opportunities and identify areas where the East Gippsland Shire might support you.
Business Permits
Which permits might I need?
If you are opening or expanding a business, you may need one or more permits from us. The following information provides an overview of the types of permits your business may require, and how to apply.
Planning permit
You are likely to need a planning permit if you are doing any of the following:
• Changing the type of business activity from its previous form?
• Constructing or externally altering the building you will occupy?
• Changing the trading hours of the business?
• Adding or changing signs to the land or facades?
• Looking to paint or alter a heritage-listed building?
• Seeking a reduction in on-site car parking requirements?
• Intending to sell or serve liquor or change an existing licence?
Visit the Application for Planning Permit page on our website for more information on how to get started on your planning permit application.
Trading Permit
If you answer yes to the following question, you likely need a kerbside trading permit if you want to sell or offer to sell goods on any land that is owned, occupied, maintained or managed by us.
Visit the Trading Permit Application page to get started on your application.
Goods on Footpath Permit
You probably need a kerbside trading permit if you are planning on putting:
• Chairs and tables on the footpath
• An A-frame sign or display of goods (e.g. fruit stand) on the footpath
Visit the Display Goods on Footpath page to get started on your application.
Health Permit
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you are likely to need a health permit:
• Do you intend to sell food or drink on the premises of your business?
• Do you intend to sell health related services (e.g. hairdressing, beauty treatments, tattooing or skin piercing) on your premises?
• Will you be providing accommodation?
Visit the Registration of a Food Premises page to apply to register a food business.
Visit the Registration of Prescribed Accommodation page to apply to register accommodation.
Visit the Public Health page for more information on how to apply for health permits.
Building permit
Council does not provide these. You need to contact a Private Building Surveyor if you want to:
• do internal renovations
• do external or structural building work
• change the number of people that can occupy your building at one time.
Visit the Building page for more information.
Startup Gippsland - for people who want to start or grow their business
Startup Gippsland is a regional initiative that aims to ignite the region’s startup ecosystem.
Recognising the significant business growth and job opportunities that this culture could bring to regional areas, LaunchVIC, the Victorian Government’s startup agency, funded a select number of regional startup programs in 2018, including Startup Gippsland.
Startup Gippsland has three programs to support startups at different life stages:
• An Incubator Program for early-stage startups to focus, validate and grow their business or idea.
• An Accelerator Program for later-stage startups to prepare their business for scale and international expansion.
• An Open Program of one-off events for startups at all stages to learn business fundamentals like business modelling, pitching and exporting.
For more information and details on applying for the above programs, visit the Startup Gippsland website
Business concierge and support
If you want to start your own business, or you're looking for advice on growing your business, we can help you make sense of all the information out there. We can work with you to:
• Guide you through applying for permits
• Help you understand which government agencies can assist you
• Find appropriate training
• Help identify commercial land and property
• Introduce you to business associations and networks.
To contact the Business Concierge, contact council on (03) 5153 9500 and ask to speak to the Business Concierge.
Alternatively, email business@egipps.vic.gov.au and our Business Concierge will contact you.
Business and tourism associations
East Gippsland has a number of Business & Tourism Associations and Chambers of Commerce that can assist your business. Reach out to the relevant organisation below based on your location.
• Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Bruthen & District Citizens Association
• Buchan Business and Tourism Association
• Lakes Entrance Action and Development Association
• Mallacoota & District Business & Tourism Association
• Marlo Residents and Ratepayers Association
• Metung Business and Tourism Association
• Omeo Region Business and Tourism Association
• Orbost & District Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Paynesville Business & Tourism Association
• Twin Rivers Business and Tourism Association
Resources Toolkit - Chambers of Commerce and Business and Tourism Associations
The Resources Toolkit for Chambers of Commerce and Business and Tourism Associations provides the associations within the East Gippsland Region with tools and resources to assist in conducting business on behalf of their organisation.
East Gippsland digital confidence program
Following the successful delivery of the Digital Confidence Program in 2024 we are excited to announce that GippsTech has been engaged to deliver round two of the Digital Confidence Program in 2025.
This program had been designed and delivered to support our businesses across East Gippsland to thrive in the digital economy. The program has been funded from Emergency Recovery Victoria under the ‘Business and Economic Recovery and Resilience Grant’ in response to the2019/20 bushfires that significantly impacted the region and is aimed at rebuilding and strengthening our local business community.
The program will target 35-40 businesses, providing individualised support, designed to help small and medium enterprises build confidence in the use of digital tools. The delivery of this program will include tailored services for participants such as:
• Digital Health Checks: Assessments to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities in each business's digital capabilities.
• Digital Roadmaps: Actionable plans to guide digital improvement aligned with business goals.
• Group Workshops: Group workshops focused on universal topics that all business owners will benefit from
• One-on-One Mentoring: Customised guidance to address individual business needs.
• Case Studies: Demonstrating tangible outcomes and success stories from participating businesses.
We look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of the 2025 Digital Confidence Program and supporting local businesses as they continue to grow and adapt in an increasingly digital world.
To express interest in participating in this program please email Economic.Development@egipps.vic.gov.au.
Workshops and training
Council offers a range of workshops and training each year.
Our Business Development Program provides you with fantastic opportunities to build and grow your business.
Subscribe to the Business Connect newsletter to receive the latest workshops and training news.
To register for any of the below workshops, contact our Business Concierge on business@egipps.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5153 9500.
Feedback from past workshops:
“The facilitators demonstrated a wealth of knowledge and the guest speakers were ahighlight each week. Great concise information was provided.”
“Thanks so much for this incredible program. I’ve had so many take outs that I’m compelled to go back and write my top 10, so I can keep them front and centre. This program really couldn’t have come at a better time, and I feel so fortunate to have been a participant and met some great women along the way.”
Business Victoria workshop - in person
We host in person workshops in East Gippsland in partnership with Business Victoria. Business Victoria also host online workshops on a regular basis. You can view the upcoming online workshops events calendar.
Small Business Bus
Are you looking to start a small business but not sure how? Do you own a business and need expert advice on how to grow and thrive?
The Small Business Bus offers:
• Free confidential mentoring provided by a small business specialist.
• Advice on developing your business idea, formulating a business plan, marketing your business, improving your understanding of cash-flow management and more.
• Friendly assistance from a Small Business Victoria's programs and services information officer.
The Small Business Bus visits East Gippsland each year.
Watch this space for future Small Business Bus dates.
East Gippsland Grant Finder
The East Gippsland Shire Council is excited to provide the ‘East Gippsland Grant Finder’ to all local businesses, community groups, not-for-profits and individuals. This site provides a comprehensive list of grant and funding opportunities available to you from many sources including State and Federal Government, corporate and philanthropic.
Our free service means you will never miss a grant opportunity again.
Register to receive emailed alerts for new grants, save your favourites and access tips to help you apply for grants.
The East Gippsland Shire Council is proud to partner with Grant Guru to provide you with this service. See our Top Tips and Grant Writers if you need additional help.
To learn more, please visit our community grants page.
East Gippsland food and agriculture
East Gippsland is a source of high-value healthy foods, which through collaboration, innovation, sustainable practices, effective marketing and distribution to local, national and global markets, strengthen the region’s economic development and social wellbeing.
This diverse produce-growing region boasts an incredible abundance of fresh local produce, including:
• fruit and vegetables
• beef and lamb
• seafood
• milk and cream
• eggs
• honey
With its fertile soils, good rainfall and temperate climate, East Gippsland is a food bowl, producing fresh fruit and vegetables all year round.
The region is also renowned for its high-quality beef and excellent seafood.
The region also produces outstanding wine, beer, olives and olive oil, chocolate and condiments.
Events in East Gippsland
Community spirit is alive and well in East Gippsland, every weekend you can find a bustling market, sporting event or festival.
We play a major role in supporting, approving and delivering over 200 events each year. Through events, we are committed to promoting our region, supporting tourism and encourage connected communities. We look forward to hearing from organisations and groups about your next event.
Contact an Event Officer via email or call 03 5153 9500
Event permit
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you are likely to need an Event Permit.
• Are you organising a gathering where more people than usual are gathered at the onetime?
• Will the activities sit outside the approved use of the venue?
• Will there be impacts on the community?
• Is this event within East Gippsland Shire Council’s public open spaces and managed land and will you be inviting the general public?
Visit the Initial Event Permit Advice page to get started on your application.
or more information on how to apply for an event permit, visit the Events page.
East Gippsland Event Growth Action Plan 2021-2026
The East Gippsland Event Growth Action Plan 2021-2026 outlines how East Gippsland can increase the economic, social and environmental benefits from events.
For the past 11 years, Council has maintained support for the development of events which provide an economic boost to East Gippsland through the Regional and District Events Sponsorship program (RADES).
With an increasingly competitive environment for event procurement and rising expectations regarding event delivery and visitor experience, a review of Council’s approach to growing East Gippsland’s event portfolio was required.
The East Gippsland Event Growth Action Plan 2021-2026 takes a fresh approach to growing and strengthening existing signature events and leveraging the existing event-procurement budget to ensure better value of Council’s investment in this area. Council adopted the plan in October 2021.
Find out more at East Gippsland Event Growth Action Plan 2021-26.