Guiding Urban Growth in the Surf Coast Shire

The Urban Futures Strategy will guide urban growth in the Surf Coast Shire to meet the housing needs of future populations.

The strategy will ensure that residential development occurs in appropriate locations, that significant landscapes and the natural environment are protected, and that development aligns with community aspirations.

It will address questions like the level of population growth which should be accommodated in the Surf Coast Shire as well as what are the options for accommodating this growth and which locations are suitable for additional growth?

To assist us in developing this strategy we want to hear from our community at this early stage to inform development of a draft Strategy.

You can complete the survey, access the FAQ's or find out more by contacting contact the Strategic Planning Team directly at info@surfcoast.vic.gov.au or alternatively call 5261 0600.

Survey responses close on Friday, 29 December 2023

Public Holidays Coming Up

Christmas and New Years Day fall on a Monday this summer. It's good to take note for public holiday penalty rates, as well as to account for the anticipated availability of staff during this holiday period.

 The dates are as follows:

• Christmas Day- Monday 25 December 
• Boxing Day- Tuesday 26 December
• New Year's Day - Monday 1 January 

On public holidays an employee must be paid at least their base pay rate for all hours worked. The Fair Work Ombudsman website provides more information about public holiday penalty rates. 

Child employment watchdog issues school holiday warning

Businesses intending to hire kids over the summer school holidays are being urged to apply for a child employment license now to avoid falling foul of workplace laws.

Employing kids under 15 over school holidays can be win-win, with businesses getting enthusiastic staff to help manage the festive season, and kids getting valuable experience and earning spending money.

In Victoria, businesses can hire kids as young as 13 in industries such as retail and hospitality, but they need a license to employ anyone under 15. 

During the summer school holidays, officers from the Wage Inspectorate will be inspecting restaurants, cafes and takeaway businesses in the Surf Coast Shire. 

During these inspections, officers will work with discretion to ensure minimal disruption to the businesses they visit. They will also take time to speak with employers about the changes to child employment laws that came into effect on 1 July 2023.

Stay Safe Online During the Holidays

As we get into the festive season, it's crucial to be aware of increased online risks. Here's why:

• More Online Shopping: With everyone shopping online for the holidays, cyber scammers have more chances to trick people with fake websites and phishing scams.
• Phishing Emails: Be cautious about holiday-themed emails that may look friendly but could have harmful links or attachments trying to steal your information.
• Gift Card Scams: Scammers might try to sell you fake or already-used gift cards through emails or websites that look real.
• Watch Out While Traveling: If you're traveling for the holidays, be careful of fake travel alerts, hotel scams, or emails pretending to be from airlines.
• Busy Online World: With more people using the internet for various activities during the holidays, there's a higher chance of running into online threats.

To stay safe, follow these simple tips:

• Don't click on suspicious email links or attachments.
• Check if a website is legit before buying anything online.
• Use strong and different passwords and turn on two-factor authentication when you can.
• Keep your computer and apps updated.
• Stay informed about common scams and online dangers.

Let's make sure this season is not only joyful but also cyber-safe!

Small Business Bus Returns

Operated by Business Victoria, the Small Business Bus resumes its service in January 2024.

Whether you're planning, starting or growing your business, the Small Business Bus can help you to develop your business ideas and capabilities.

The 'office on wheels', which offers friendly and professional assistance, comes fully equipped with expert business advisers to provide general business assistance as well as financial and wellbeing support from trained experts.

Available to small business owners and sole traders, these confidential sessions are 45mins and free of charge.

The Small Business bus will again be visiting the Surf Coast on Monday 5th February 2024, this time in Winchelsea.

Bookings are essential for the one-one-one sessions, but walk-ins are also gladly accepted for the Bus Concierge service, which offers general information about Business Victoria’s programs and services.

You can find out more by visiting:

Business Victoria Small Business Bus 

Digital Solutions Workshops 

The Melbourne Innovation Centre’s workshops are set to resume in February 2024.

The Digital Solutions Program is an Australian government funded initiative aimed at supporting the growth of eligible small businesses in the online space.

These expert-led workshops and webinars will help your business learn everything you need to know about digital marketing, social media, SEO, website building and much more.

Whether your goal is to enhance your SEO rankings, broaden your content strategy, or launch digital campaigns, these workshops can support you.

You can find the schedule for upcoming workshops in February and March on the centre’s events page.

If you would be interested in one of these workshops coming to the Surf Coast, please register your interest by emailing us:

business@surfcoast.vic.gov.au

What is the Business Concierge service?

The free Business Concierge service is designed to take the stress out of getting permits and to make the experience as smooth as possible at each stage of the process. You can submit a business proposal online or use use our Business Permit Self Assessment Tool  when you visit our website. 

Or just contact the Business Concierge directly on 5261 600 or business@surfcoast.vic.gov.au.

Also check out our FAQs about permits for businesses

Would You Like More Event News?

Sign up for the Surf Coast Events monthly newsletter to be in the pilots seat for all events news. 

Not only will you stay up-to-date with all the events, markets and festivals on the Surf Coast, if you sign up you could win the experience of a lifetime for two people flying on a Tiger Moth vintage biplane taking in the sights of the incredible Surf Coast !

The Surf Coast Business Collective Newsletter gives local business support information and is published by the Economic Development & Tourism Unit of the Surf Coast Shire Council.