As Casey continues to grow, Council's draft Budget and Annual Action Plan for 2026/27 focus on planning a liveable city and investing in the facilities and connections the community needs now and into the future.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said supporting liveability means making sure growth is matched with the services and infrastructure people rely on every day.
"As one of Victoria's fastest growing cities, it's critical that our neighbourhoods keep pace with growth," Cr Koomen said.
"This year's draft Budget focuses on building and upgrading local facilities, improving how people move around Casey and making sure services remain accessible as our community continues to grow.
"We're also focused on efficiencies and careful financial management, so we can meet the challenges of growth without cutting back on critical investment."
The draft Budget and Annual Action Plan are on public exhibition after being endorsed by Councillors, giving the community a chance to have their say until 14 May 2026.
One project that highlights this focus on liveability is the proposed $200,000 investment towards the expansion of Active After Dark, building on last year's pilot to support safe, accessible use of local reserves and open spaces in the evenings.
"What began as a small floodlighting trial will now expand across more of Casey, giving people more opportunities to be active and safely use local reserves outside traditional hours," Cr Koomen said.
Key highlights in the 2026/27 draft Budget and Action Plan
The draft Budget includes a $141.5 million Capital Works Program, delivering new projects, upgrades and renewals across the city to support a high‑quality, accessible and connected built environment. This includes:
- More than $80 million invested in new, upgraded and renewed recreational, leisure and community facilities across Casey.
- $17.7 million invested in parks, open space and streetscapes to improve amenity and access close to home.
- $6 million to finalise design and commence construction of the Casey Fields Rectangular Stadium, delivering a high‑quality, multi‑purpose sporting facility for community and elite sport.
- Investment in new and upgraded family and community centres to improve access to kindergarten, Maternal and Child Health and early years services, including the Ballarto Road and Clyde North West Family and Community Centres, and the upgrade of Ramlegh Family and Community Centre.
- Renewals and upgrades to local facilities such as Arthur Wren Hall and Reema Reserve Pavilion, improving access, safety and usability for community groups.
- $718,000 to implement the Public Toilet Framework, improving access to amenities at key locations across the city.
- $2.33 million invested in active connectivity initiatives, including walking and cycling paths, trail lighting, safer intersections, school crossing improvements and wayfinding to help people move around their neighbourhoods safely.
Cr Koomen said Council would also continue to advocate strongly to the State Government for timely investment in major roads and public transport.
"We can't do it alone, and strong advocacy remains a priority to help reduce congestion and ensure transport infrastructure keeps pace with growth across Casey," he said.
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.
