The City of Casey has released its draft Budget and Annual Action Plan for 2026/27, shaped by what our community says matters most - from safer places and easier ways to get around, to greener neighbourhoods and more jobs closer to home.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said the documents set out Council's priorities for the next 12 months through projects and services that support a stronger, more connected, liveable and sustainable city.
"This year our focus is on the things that make a real difference in people's everyday lives, things like feeling safe in their neighbourhoods, accessing quality services and local facilities close to home, and protecting our environment as our city grows," Cr Koomen said.
"We've listened closely to what our community has told us and used that feedback to shape the decisions and investments outlined in these draft plans."
The draft Budget and Annual Action Plan were endorsed by Councillors at the Council Meeting on 21 April 2026 and are now open for public exhibition, giving the community the opportunity to review the documents and provide feedback before they are finalised. Councillors also endorsed the draft Financial Plan 2026/27-2035/36 and the draft Fees and Charges 2026-27 as part of the public exhibition package for community feedback.
Our Long Term Community Vision 2035 and Council Plan 2025-29, shaped through extensive community feedback via the Shape Your City community engagement program, set Council's long-term direction. The draft Budget and Annual Action Plan show how that direction is being delivered year by year, through clear priorities and targeted investment in the services and infrastructure our growing community relies on.
Council's work is guided by five key focus areas: strong communities, liveable city, sustainable environment, thriving local economy and high performing organisation.
This year's $691.4 million total draft Budget includes $549.9 million for essential service delivery and a $141.5 million Capital Works Program to deliver new and upgraded infrastructure across Casey.
The draft Budget also includes a proposed rate increase of 2.75 per cent, in line with the Victorian Government's rate cap.
Cr Koomen said Council was very aware of the cost of living pressures many households and local organisations are facing when developing this year's draft Budget.
"Our focus has been on balancing rising costs with the need to minimise pressure on households, while still making sure we invest responsibly in the services and infrastructure our community depends on," he said.
The draft Budget prioritises practical support for those doing it tough, alongside careful financial planning to ensure Council can continue delivering services now and into the future.
Council offers a range of support options for residents and community groups, and this year we're making it easier to find help when it's needed. From community grants, to financial hardship assistance, flexible rate payment options and a range of programs, our draft Budget has been designed to support individuals, families and community organisations where it matters the most.
Key highlights from the proposed 2026/27 Budget and Annual Action Plan include:
- $1.22 million invested in community safety initiatives - a 4 per cent increase from last year.
- More than $80 million invested in new and upgraded recreational, leisure and community facilities, including the Clyde North West Family and Community Centre, Ramlegh Family and Community Centre, Casey Fields Rectangular Stadium, Cranbourne Community Hub and Doveton Pool in the Park.
- $200,000 to expand Active After Dark, increasing access to community spaces through automated lighting at selected reserves.
- A 7 per cent increase in climate investment to $4.46 million, supporting climate planning, programs and preparedness.
- Continued delivery of the Greening Casey plan, including planting 25,000 trees and 185,000 shrubs over the next two years.
- $2.8 million invested in youth services for people aged 10-25, supporting free outreach, leadership opportunities and wellbeing programs.
- A $150,000 Emergency Food Relief funding pool, supporting community organisations with grants of up to $20,000.
- $1.19 million invested to support local businesses through capability building and long term resilience.
- Partnerships with Federation University and Chisholm TAFE to strengthen employment pathways and upskilling opportunities for residents.
- Delivery of a Community Engagement Outreach Program to better connect with residents and support participation in Council decisions.
Have your say
Community members, businesses and stakeholders are invited to review the draft documents and share feedback during the public exhibition period from 23 April to 14 May 2026. All submissions will be considered before final decisions are made.
Council will hear public submissions at a Council Meeting on 26 May, with the final suite of corporate planning documents presented for adoption at the Council Meeting on 16 June.
