The Shire of Cardinia is situated on the south-eastern fringe of the Melbourne metropolitan area, and has a significant rural and horticultural hinterland. It includes more than 30 communities stretching from the foothills of the Dandenong ranges in the north to the shores of Western Port Bay in the south. The Cardinia is at the 'front' of Melbourne's south east growth corridor which stretches in a narrow band along the Princes Highway from Beaconsfield to Pakenham. The Shire has a young and rapidly growing population. The main industries include food manufacturing, agriculture, meat and meat product manufacturing, motor vehicle and part manufacturing.

	2012-13	2011-12	2010-11	2009-10
Expenditure ($)	90.151m	89.807m	76.046m	70.083m
Revenue ($)	101.017m	97.978m	81.241m	75.738m
- Charges ($)	58.050m	52.885m	47.225m	42.526m
- VGC Grants ($)	9.268m	9.013m	8.292m	7.676m