At the 15 July Council meeting, the City of Casey unanimously endorsed a three-year Forward Works Program for the naming and registration of Council-owned reserves and community facilities, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, community involvement, and good governance.
Council is responsible for naming land it owns, including parks, reserves, and community facilities. The newly adopted 2025-2028 Forward Works Program outlines a proactive and structured approach to formalising names for both new and existing sites across the municipality.
"This plan helps us clearly show the community which sites we're looking to name," said Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen. "It's about making the process open and giving people a chance to be involved."
The plan categorises naming priorities into three areas: new capital works projects, future passive reserves in growth areas, and existing unnamed or unofficially named reserves. All naming will be undertaken in accordance with the Geographic Names Victoria (GNV) Naming Rules for Places in Victoria, ensuring consistency, cultural sensitivity, and compliance with state guidelines.
Community consultation will be a key part of the naming process. Council will engage with residents, Traditional Owner groups such as the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, and families where commemorative names are proposed. This ensures that naming decisions reflect local heritage, values, and community voices.
"We want people to feel proud of the places they live and visit," Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen added. "By involving the community, we make sure the names we choose are meaningful and respectful."
The Forward Works Program is available on Council's website and outlines naming priorities for the next three financial years.
Council encourages people to participate in upcoming consultations regarding the naming of community spaces through Casey Conversations.
