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Tuesday 17 March 2026
Melbourne is Australia’s shopping capital in the latest Melbourne Economy Snapshot, showing December delivered the biggest spend ever recorded in our city.
Retail vacancy rates continue to fall as more businesses reopen or move into the CBD, with reactivated shopfronts up 13.5% across the municipality.
Shoppers are flocking back to the city too, with foot traffic on Bourke Street Mall up nearly 40% in 2025.
The Snapshot also reveals how much – and where – people are spending their money in West Melbourne, Docklands, North Melbourne and Parkville.
Tonight, councillors consider a voluntary trial to transform Collins Street and Docklands. By joining forces, businesses could take their precincts to the next level.
Changes to waste and recycling service fees for businesses are being rolled out from 1 April. We're giving businesses the info and tools you need to prepare.
Have you got business questions you'd like answered? Book a free, one-on-one support session with our Business Concierge team at your local library.
DID YOU KNOW?
A record 2 million people attended Moomba, the Grand Prix, AFL Opening Round and Super Saturday at Flemington over the Labour Day long weekend.
Southbank’s Red Stairs are set for their biggest transformation in 20 years. A $1.7 million refresh will make this meeting place safer, greener and easier to use.
We’re offering 10 visitor economy businesses the chance to join the India Host Program. Gain valuable insights into one of our fastest-growing markets.
We're making parking in South Yarra simpler and more available. Share your thoughts in our ‘always on’ survey to inform parking improvements.
The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge and honour the unbroken spiritual, cultural and political connection they have maintained to this unique place for more than 2000 generations.
We accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and are committed to walking together to build a better future.
