Welcome

Thanks for choosing to start your business in Cardinia Shire!

Our Economic Development team is ready to offer guidance, services and skills you need to start, run and transform your business.

We have a range of services to guide you in your next steps, including:

group of business people watching a speaker

Local Business Groups

The local business groups can provide valuable networking opportunities and are a great support when starting a business.

Business GroupContact emailWebsite
Eastern Dandenong Ranges Associationeasterndandenongranges@gmail.com edra.org.au
Lang Lang & District Business and Community Group
langlangdbcg@gmail.comlldbcg.com
West Gippsland Progress Associationinfo@westgippslandprogassoc.org.au westgippslandprogassoc.org.au
Victorian Farmers Federation Cardinia
tonypmorgan@bigpond.comvff.org.au
selection of industries

Industry Specific Information

Each industry or business type may have many different requirements, registrations and permits which you may need to navigate when starting up your business. We have provided a list of different aspects you may need to consider when starting up a new business.

When starting an accommodation business, you may need to consider some of the following points.

  • Council Registration - When you host 6 or more guests (excluding hosts) you must be registered with Council's Environmental Health Department under the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009. These regulations are to ensure high standards for:
    • Hygiene
    • Sanitation
    • Maintenance
    • Prevent overcrowding
    • Reduce the risk of communicable diseases
    Businesses not covered by the regulation include caravan parks, or premises with 5 or less guests. See Camping and Caravan Parks.
    For more information visit - Register an accommodation business
  • Selling Food or Drinks - When selling or promoting consumable goods, you must also register with Council's Environmental Health Department under the Victorian Food Act 1984.
    For more information visit - Register a food business or renew registration
  • Signage - This includes A-frames, banners or signs attached to a building. You may need a permit, depending on the type and the location.
    • Public Land - This includes A-frames, flags, or banners on a footpath, you will require a permit. For more information visit - Apply for a footpath occupancy permit
    • Private Land – This includes signage on private land or road reserves or attached to a building and may require a planning permit. For more information, please visit - Do I need a planning permit?
  • Building Permit - You may need a building permit from a building surveyor if you are:
    • Refurbishing or renovating an existing building
    • Demolishing or constructing a new structure
    • Changing the use of a building
    A building permit gives the permission for building works to be carried out and ensures compliance within the Building Act and Regulations 2018. For more information visit - Do I need a building permit?
  • Pools and Spas – All pools and spas are required to be registered with Council under the Building Act 1993. Any new pools or spas (including safety barriers) will require a building permit. Once you receive a Certificate of Final Inspection from a Building Surveyor, you must register the structure with Council within 30 days. Register your backyard swimming pool or spa. Additionally, safety barriers must be inspected by a pool inspector every 4 years. For more information, please visit - Pool and spa fencing and safety barriers.
  • Planning Permit - If you are starting a new business, undertaking land or building development or changing the purpose of an existing building, you may require a planning permit. For more information, visit - Do I need a planning permit?
  • Music Licence - If you are playing recorded music for commercial use, you may need to obtain a music licence. For more information visit - www.apraamcos.com.au
  • Insurances - In addition to insuring your premises and assets, the following type of insurances can be critical for accommodation businesses:
    • Public liability of at least $20 million to cover paying guests and visitors.
    • Product liability to cover prepared food or other products offered to guests.
    • Motor vehicle insurance if your vehicle is used for business purposes.
    • Personal injury and/or income protection, especially if WorkCover is not applicable to your business. Personal injury and income protection are often taken out by sole traders and partnerships.
  • Smoking and Vaping – There are rules and regulations for smoking and vaping when food is being served under the Tobacco Act 1987. For more information, please visit How we enforce tobacco laws
  • Specialist Disability Accommodation -If you plan to provide specialist disability accommodation, you must comply with changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 and other relevant regulations. For more information, please visit - Specialist disability accommodation

    • Other support and resources

  • Business Events & Training
  • Business Victoria | Business Victoria
  • Guide to starting a business | business.gov.au

When starting an agribusiness, you may need to consider some of the following points.

  • Specialised Rates - In some circumstances, farmland may be eligible for specialised rates. For farmland under 40 hectares, you must meet all requirements and complete the application form. For more information, please visit - Calculating your rates
  • Planning Permit - If you are starting a new business, undertaking land or building development or changing the purpose of an existing building, you may require a planning permit. For more information, visit - Do I need a planning permit?
  • Farm Gates or Markets - When selling or promoting consumable goods, you must also register with Council's Environmental Health Department under the Victorian Food Act 1984.
  • Signage - This includes A-frames, banners or signs attached to a building; you may need a permit depending on the type and the location.
  • Building Permit - You may need a building permit from a Building Surveyor if you are:
    • Refurbishing or renovating an existing building
    • Demolishing or constructing a new structure
    • Changing the use of a building
    A Building Permit allows building works to be carried out and ensures compliance with the Building Act and Regulations 2018.
    For more information visit - Do I need a building permit?
  • Insurances - In addition to insuring your premises and assets, the following types of insurance can be critical for agribusiness businesses:
    • Public liability of at least $10 million to cover paying guests and visitors.
    • Product liability to cover prepared food or other products offered to guests.
    • Motor vehicle insurance is required if your vehicle is used for business purposes.
    • Personal injury and/or income protection, especially if WorkCover does not apply to your business. Personal injury and income protection are often taken out by sole traders and partnerships.

    Other support and resources
  • Business Events & Training
  • Business Victoria | Business Victoria
  • Guide to starting a business | business.gov.au

When operating a caravan park or camping ground, you may need to consider some of the following points.

    When starting a food and beverage business, you may need to consider some of the following points.

    • Council Registration - All cafes, restaurants, bars, food trucks, and market stalls that sell or promote food and drink must be registered with the local council where their main preparation or business is based. This is to ensure compliance with the Food Act 1984.
      There are different classifications for a food premesis with different requirements for each.
      For more information, please visit - Register a food business or renew registration
    • Footpath Trading or Occupancy - if you would like tables and chairs, clothing racks or signage etc. on a footpath outside your business, you will need a permit from council. For more information and to apply, please visit - Apply for a footpath occupancy permit
    • Signage - For signage including A-frames, banners or anything attached to a building you may need a permit.
      • Public land - This includes A-frames, flags, or banners on a footpath or road reserve; you will require a permit. For more information visit - Apply for a footpath occupancy permit
      • Private land or buildings - Signage on private land or attached to a building may require a planning permit. For more information, please visit - Do I need a planning permit?
    • Building Permit - You may need a building permit from a Building Surveyor if you are:
      • Refurbishing or renovating an existing building
      • Demolishing or constructing a new structure
      • Changing the use of a building
      A Building Permit gives the permission for building works to be carried out and ensures compliance within the Building Act and Regulations 2018.For more information visit - Do I need a building permit?
    • Planning Permit - If you are starting a new business, undertaking land or building development, or changing the purpose of an existing building, you may require a planning permit. For more information, visit - Do I need a planning permit?
    • Liquor Licence - To get a liquor license in Victoria, you'll need to apply to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC). There are various licence types you can apply for. For more information visit - Apply for a liquor licence
      As of 1 July 2025, a planning permit for liquor licences are not required.
    • Music Licence - If you are playing record music for commercial use, you may need to obtain a music licence. For more information visit - www.apraamcos.com.au
    • Smoking and Vaping – There are rules and regulations for smoking and vaping when food is being served under the Tabacco Act 1987. For more information, please visit - How we enforce tobacco laws
    • Insurances - In addition to insuring your premises and assets, the following types of insurance can be critical for food and beverage businesses:
      • Public liability of at least $20 million to cover customers or clients in a case of accident or injury.
      • Product liability to cover prepared food or other products offered to guests.
      • Motor vehicle insurance may be required if your vehicle is used for business purposes.
      • Personal injury and/or income protection, especially if WorkCover is not applicable to your business. Personal injury and income protection are often taken out by sole traders and partnerships.

    Other support and resources


    When starting up a gym or fitness studio, you may need to consider some of the following points.

    • Building Permit - You may need a building permit from a Building Surveyor if you are:
      • Refurbishing or renovating an existing building
      • Demolishing or constructing a new structure
      • Changing the use of a building

      • A Building Permit gives the permission for building works to be carried out and ensures compliance within the Building Act and Regulations 2018. For more information visit - Do I need a building permit?

    • Signage - For signage including A-frames, banners or anything attached to a building, you may need a permit.
    • Pools and Spas – All pools and spas are required to be registered with Council under the Building Act 1993. Any new pools or spas (including safety barriers) will require a Building Permit. Once you receive a Certificate of Final Inspection from a Building Surveyor, you must register the structure with Council within 30 days. Register your backyard swimming pool or spa. Additionally, safety barriers must be inspected by a pool inspector every 4 years. For more information, please visit - Pool and spa fencing and safety barriers
    • Planning Permit - If you are starting a new business, undertaking land or building development, or changing the purpose of an existing building, you may require a planning permit. For more information, visit - Do I need a planning permit?
    • Music Licence - If you are planning recorded music for commercial use, you may need to obtain a music licence. For more information visit - www.apraamcos.com.au/
    • Insurances - In addition to insuring your premises and assets, the following types of insurance can be critical for a fitness businesses:
      • Public liability of at least $20 million to cover paying guests and visitors.
      • Product liability to cover prepared food or other products offered to guests.
      • Motor vehicle insurance if your vehicle is used for business purposes.
      • Personal injury and/or income protection, especially if WorkCover is not applicable to your business. Personal injury and income protection are often taken out by sole traders and partnerships.

    Other support and resources

    When starting a hair, beauty, and spa treatment business, there are many items to consider. See the below information.

    • Council Registration - Beauty salons businesses must be registered registered with Council's Envrionmental Health Department under the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009. There are different classifications of registration based on the risk of the services you provide which may require you to register your buisiness each year. For more information, please visit - Register a health or beauty business
    • Signage - For signage including A-frames, banners or anything attached to a building you may need a permit.
      • Public Land - This includes A-frames, flags, or banners on a footpath or road reserve, you will require a permit. For more information visit - Apply for a footpath occupancy permit
      • Private Land or Buildings - Signage on private land or attached to a building may require a planning permit. For more information, please visit - Do I need a planning permit?
    • Building Permit - You may need a building permit from a Building Surveyor if you are:
      • Refurbishing or renovating an existing building
      • Demolishing or constructing a new structure
      • Changing the use of a building

      • A Building Permit gives the permission for building works to be carried out and ensures compliance within the Building Act and Regulations 2018. For more information visit - Do I need a building permit?

    • Pools and Spas – All pools and spas are required to be registered with Council under the Building Act 1993. Any new pools or spas (including safety barriers) will require a Building Permit. Once you receive a Certificate of Final Inspection from a Building Surveyor, you must register the structure with Council within 30 days. Register your backyard swimming pool or spa. Additionally, safety barriers must be inspected by a pool inspector every 4 years. For more information please visit - Pool and spa fencing and safety barriers
    • Planning Permit - If you are starting a new business, are undertaking land or building development or changing the purpose of an existing building, you may require a planning permit. For more information, visit - Do I need a planning permit?
    • Music Licence - If you are playing recorded music for commercial use, you may need to obtain a music licence. For more information visit - www.apraamcos.com.au/
    • Insurances - In addition to insuring your premises and assets, the following type of insurances can be critical for hair, beauty and spa treatment businesses:
      • Public liability of at least $20 million to cover customers or clients in a case of accident or injury.
      • Product liability to cover prepared food or other products offered to guests.
      • Motor vehicle insurance if your vehicle is used for business purposes.
      • Personal injury and/or income protection, especially if WorkCover is not applicable to your business. Personal injury and income protection are often taken out by sole traders and partnerships.
    • Cosmetic Procedures - Some cosmetic procedures may be considered surgeries and will be governed by the Department of Health. For more information, please visit - Cosmetic procedures

      • Other support and resources

    When starting a health service business, you may need to consider some of the following points.

    • NDIS Provider— To provide services under the NDIS program, you must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. For more information, please visit - Becoming an NDIS provider | NDIS
    • Specialist Disability Accommodation -If you plan to provide specialist disability accommodation, you must comply with changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 and other relevant regulations. For more information, please visit - Specialist disability accommodation | vic.gov.au
    • Cosmetic Procedures—Some cosmetic procedures may be considered surgeries and will be governed by the Department of Health. For more information, please visit - Cosmetic procedures
    • Planning Permit - If you are starting a new business, undertaking land or building development, or changing the purpose of an existing building, you may require a planning permit. For more information, visit - Do I need a planning permit?
    • Building Permit - You may need a building permit from a Building Surveyor if you are:
      • Refurbishing or renovating an existing building
      • Demolishing or constructing a new structure
      • Changing the use of a building

      • A Building Permit gives the permission for building works to be carried out and ensures compliance within the Building Act and Regulations 2018. For more information visit - Do I need a building permit?

    • Signage - This includes A-frames, banners or signs attached to a building you may need a permit and depends on the type and the locations.
      • Public Land - This includes A-frames, flags, or banners on a footpath, you will require a permit. For more information visit - Apply for a footpath occupancy permit
      • Private Land – This includes signage on private land or road reserves or attached to a building, may require a planning permit. For more information, please visit - Do I need a planning permit?

    Other support and resources

    In some cases, a home-based business may still require a permit or registration. Below are some points for consideration. Please also check out the other industry categories that may relate to your home-based business.

    • Building Permit - If you are transforming or renovating an existing site or building a new structure, you may need a building permit from a building surveyor. The building permit gives the surveyor's permission for building work to go ahead and ensures that you are compliant with the Building Regulations act 2018. For more information visit - Do I need a building permit?
    • Signage - For signage including A-frames, banners or anything attached to a building you may need a permit.
      • Public Land - This includes A-frames, flags, or banners on a footpath or road reserve, you will require a permit. For more information visit - Apply for a footpath occupancy permit
      • Private Land or Buildings - Signage on private land or attached to a building may require a planning permit. For more information, please visit - Do I need a planning permit?
    • Planning Permit - If you are starting a new business, undertaking land or building development or changing the purpose of an existing building, you may require a planning permit. For more information, visit - Do I need a planning permit?
    Other support and resources



    When starting a retail business, you may need to consider some of the following points.

    • Footpath Trading or Occupancy - if you would like tables and chairs, clothing racks or signage etc. on a footpath outside your business, you will need a permit from council. For more information and to apply, please visit - Apply for a footpath occupancy permit
    • Signage - For signage including A-frames, banners or anything attached to a building you may need a permit.
      • Public Land - This includes A-frames, flags, or banners on a footpath or road reserve, you will require a permit. For more information visit - Apply for a footpath occupancy permit
      • Private Land or Buildings - Signage on private land or attached to a building may require a planning permit. For more information, please visit - Do I need a planning permit?
    • Building Permit - You may need a building permit from a Building Surveyor if you are:
      • Refurbishing or renovating an existing building
      • Demolishing or constructing a new structure
      • Changing the use of a building

      • A Building Permit gives the permission for building works to be carried out and ensures compliance with the Building Act and Regulations 2018. For more information visit - Do I need a building permit?

    • Planning Permit - If you are starting a new business, undertaking land or building development, or changing the purpose of an existing building, you may require a planning permit. For more information, visit - Do I need a planning permit?
    • Music Licence - If you are playing recorded music for commercial use, you may need to obtain a music licence. For more information visit - www.apraamcos.com.au/
    • Insurances - In addition to insuring your premises and assets, the following types of insurance can be critical for accommodation businesses:
      • Public liability of at least $20 million to cover paying guests and visitors.
      • Product liability to cover prepared food or other products offered to guests.
      • Motor vehicle insurance if your vehicle is used for business purposes.
      • Personal injury and/or income protection, especially if WorkCover is not applicable to your business. Personal injury and income protection are often taken out by sole traders and partnerships.

    When starting a business that involves animals, there are many items to consider. See the below information:

    • Council Registration – Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, some animal-related businesses are required to be registered as a Domestic Animal Business and comply with the relevant code of practice. Depending on the services you provide, you may be required to register your business each year. For more information, please visit – Register a domestic animal business
    • Signage - For signage including A-frames, banners or anything attached to a building you may need a permit.
      • Public Land - This includes A-frames, flags, or banners on a footpath or road reserve, you will require a permit. For more information visit - Apply for a footpath occupancy permit
      • Private Land or Buildings - Signage on private land or attached to a building may require a planning permit. For more information, please visit - Do I need a planning permit?
    • Building Permit -You may need a building permit from a Building Surveyor if you are:
      • Refurbishing or renovating an existing building
      • Demolishing or constructing a new structure
      • Changing the use of a building
      A Building Permit gives the permission for building works to be carried out and ensures compliance with the Building Act and Regulations 2018. For more information visit - Do I need a building permit?
    • Planning Permit - If you are starting a new business, undertaking land or building development or changing the purpose of an existing building, you may require a planning permit. For more information, visit - Do I need a planning permit?
    • Music Licence - If you are playing recorded music for commercial use, you may need to obtain a music licence. For more information visit - www.apraamcos.com.au/
    • Insurances - In addition to insuring your premises and assets, the following type of insurances can be critical for accommodation businesses:
      • Public liability of at least $20 million to cover customers or clients in a case of accident or injury.
      • Product liability to cover prepared food or other products offered to guests.
      • Motor vehicle insurance if your vehicle is used for business purposes.
      • Personal injury and/or income protection, especially if WorkCover is not applicable to your business. Personal injury and income protection are often taken out by sole traders and partnerships.

    Other support and resources


    When starting a new business, in some cases a permit or registration may be required. The following points may assist with helping you navigate the requirements you need.

    • Building Permits - You may need a building permit from a Building Surveyor if you are:
      • Refurbishing or renovating an existing building
      • Demolishing or constructing a new structure
      • Changing the use of a building
      A Building Permit gives the permission for building works to be carried out and ensures compliance within the Building Act and Regulations 2018. For more information visit - Do I need a building permit?
    • Planning Permit - If you are starting a new business, undertaking land or building development, or changing the purpose of an existing building, you may require a planning permit. For more information, visit - Do I need a planning permit?
    • Signage - For signage including A-frames, banners, or anything attached to a building, you may need a permit.
      • Public Land - This includes A-frames, flags, or banners on a footpath or road reserve, you will require a permit. For more information visit - Apply for a footpath occupancy permit
      • Private Land or Buildings - Signage on private land or attached to a building may require a planning permit. For more information, please visit - Do I need a planning permit?
    • Music Licence - If you are playing recorded music for commercial use, you may need to obtain a music licence. For more information visit - www.apraamcos.com.au/
    • Insurances - In addition to insuring your premises and assets, the following types of insurance can be critical for professional support businesses:
      • Public liability of at least $20 million to cover customers or clients in a case of accident or injury.
      • Product liability to cover prepared food or other products offered to guests.
      • Motor vehicle insurance if your vehicle is used for business purposes.
      • Personal injury and/or income protection, especially if WorkCover is not applicable to your business. Personal injury and income protection are often taken out by sole traders and partnerships.

      Other support and resources

      Below is a list of other resources to help you in this process;