IT HAS been estimated that there are more than 6,000 home-based businesses operating within the City of Swan and an extra 1,400 are expected to form within the next 30 years.
Employment generated by these businesses is estimated at 2,250 full-time jobs, excluding any off site or flow-on employment.
The growth of home-based businesses can be attributed to the opportunities from improved telecommunications technology, an increase in the amount of contract work offered and an increase in the demand for services that can be supplied by such businesses.
In July the Swan City Council changed its Town Planning Scheme to allow minimal impact “home occupancy” businesses to operate.
The amendment also removes the need for “home occupations” and “rural home occupations” businesses to apply for council approval to operate.
However, if the business wants to employ up to two people who are not members of the household, it has to apply for a development approval from the council.
Council CEO Eric Lumsden said its move to legitimise home-based businesses had been necessary to enhance its role in the local economy and employment.
He said communities needed to become self-contained, to remove the need for local residents to travel to other areas.
“Most business growth is occurring within the small business and micro-business areas,” Mr Lumsden said.
“Any plans for encouraging economic growth and employment stimulation need to give consideration to these areas.
“Viable local business is a step in rebuilding vibrant communities.”
To help residents understand its new home-based policy, council produced a booklet called Working from Home.
For more information phone 9267 9000.
