On the northern shores of Port Phillip Bay, Hobsons Bay is part of the industrial heartland of Melbourne's west. It has over 20 kms of beaches and foreshore areas, and significant coastal wetlands, five creek systems, remnant native grasslands, and important flora and fauna habitats. About 30% of the Shire's residents were born overseas, and speak a language other than English at home. Hobsons Bay is the focus of Victoria's chemical and petroleum industries and contains some of the State's largest industrial enterprises. It is also home to the maritime centre of Williamstown. The main industries include motor vehicle and part manufacturing, basic chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, other transport equipment manufacturing.

	2012-13	2011-12	2010-11	2009-10
Expenditure ($)	104.331m	108.799m	99.079m	89.448m
Revenue ($)	112.847m	107.230m	103.469m	97.148m
- Charges ($)	82.111m	76.038m	71.028m	66.826m
- VGC Grants ($)	2.412m	2.401m	2.319m	2.466m