Annual Report

The end of the Municipal Monitor oversight period in November 2025 marked a successful transition to stable and independent governance.

In the first full year of the new democratically elected Council there was a continued focus on strengthening trust with the community by demonstrating accountability, transparency and a focus on community-centred governance.

The Shape Your City engagement program, which attracted participation from more than 4,600 residents, helped shape the Council Plan 2025–29 and Community Vision 2035. This work culminated in the endorsed Council Plan and the 2025/26 Budget.

Council also strengthened its advocacy role, championing investment in critical infrastructure and services to support Casey's growing population.

The Council Plan 2025–29  outlines how Council will deliver on its commitments through five key strategic outcomes that relate to:  

• Strong communities
• Liveable city
• Sustainable environment
• Thriving local economy
• High performing organisation.

These strategic outcomes guide our services, investments and advocacy, ensuring the focus remains on what matters most to our community, now and into the future.

Community health and wellbeing will now be a specific consideration across all Council priorities and responsibilities with the integration of the Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan into the Council Plan.

The Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan recognises that Council plays a significant role in supporting community health and wellbeing, and highlights the value of collaboration, advocacy and community partnership in addressing local priorities. 

In March 2026, we launched the Building a Better Casey advocacy campaign, highlighting community priorities and lobbying for State and Federal Government support for critical infrastructure, transport and services across Casey.

A key feature of this campaign is its strong community backing. Using our community engagement platforms, Casey residents have shared their experiences and priorities along with the real challenges faced in everyday life.

The priority projects included:

• Major road upgrades and improved traffic flow
• Expansion of public transport, including the proposed Clyde Rail Link
• New and upgraded community hubs, libraries and recreation facilities
• Investment in early years services and safer neighbourhoods.

The campaign is already making an impact with Casey securing funding commitments for key initiatives, including improvements to local bus services. 

Following Community feedback on private land use permits, we undertook a review of the Community Local Law 2023 to ensure rules are clear and consistent.

Our community engagement resulted in feedback from over 1,000 residents. We also benchmarked Casey’s rules against those in other Councils.

The updated Casey Community Local Law 2025 came into effect on 2 March 2026, and provides Council with practical mechanisms to manage issues relating to animal ownership, property maintenance, waste management, fire safety and the use of public and private spaces, while maintaining an appropriate balance between individual freedoms and community wellbeing.

Educational resources are available to ensure residents clearly understand their rights and responsibilities under the new Local Law. 

Casey’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024–2026 (RAP) outlines Council’s commitment to advancing reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and embedding reconciliation principles across Council’s operations and community initiatives.

Aligned with the national RAP program, the plan focused on the core themes of relationships, respect, and opportunities, recognising that reconciliation requires stronger partnerships with First Nations communities, increased cultural understanding, and improved equity and inclusion.

It emphasised practical actions, deeper engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the development of new approaches that support self-determination and better outcomes.

Building on the foundations already established, we are embedding reconciliation across our systems, leadership and service delivery. 

Clyde Library Lounge

The new Clyde Township Community Centre received a valuable addition in February 2026 with the creation of a new Library Lounge.

Operated by Connected Libraries, the lounge provides access to library collections, 24/7 library lockers, public computers, internet services, and a range of community programs and events, giving residents of Clyde and surrounding communities greater access to library services.  

Delivered at a total cost of $334,444 and fully funded by Council, it will serve the community until a permanent library branch is established as part of the future Clyde community hub. 

Springleaf Recreation Reserve

Completed in June 2026, the Springleaf Recreation Reserve in Clyde North includes a dual-purpose AFL and cricket oval, illuminated netball courts, flexible social and community spaces including a kiosk and change room facilities, a playground, and extensive landscaped open spaces.

The car park was also designed to integrate with the future Family and Community Centre.

The project was delivered at a total cost of $16.58 million, which includes $7.82 million in funding from the Australian Government's Thriving Suburbs Fund and $8.76 million from Developer and infrastructure Contribution Reserves. 

Tooradin and Pearcedale Skate Park upgrades

The Tooradin Skate Park has been upgraded, with input from the local community helping to shape the finished design.

The $499,453 project has seen new elements added including ramps, stairs and grind rails, plus improved fencing, seating and landscaping.

The Pearcedale Recreation Reserve received a new district-level play space and upgraded skate park, with the $1.4 million project jointly funded by Council and the State Government.

The project includes an extended street-style skate area, new picnic shelter, barbecue, seating, paths and landscaping. 

New Dog Parks

Completed in May 2026, the dog-friendly park at the Berwick Springs Wetland has separate enclosed areas for small and shy dogs and larger dogs, along with secure fencing, drinking fountains, shelters, seating, and landscaped surroundings.

The project was delivered at a total cost of $518,134, funded through a contribution of $340,410 from Development Contributions Reserves and $177,724 from Council.

The Essex Park Drive Reserve Dog Park in Endeavour Hills includes a fenced off-leash area, drinking fountain with dog bowl, seating and shelter, path connections and landscaping.

The $549,389 project also received a $480,000 State Government grant. 

Playground renewals

The Terrace Reserve Playground in Narre Warren South is now an inclusive play space with all-abilities access, sensory play features, gender-inclusive design elements suitable for children of all ages and abilities. The playground was delivered at a cost of f $170,000 and fully funded by Council.

There were 26 local and district level playgrounds in our 2024/25 playground renewal program. 

Deliver programs, foster partnerships and empower healthy, safe, inclusive and connected communities

Outcomes achieved in 2025/26

• Entered partnership with Booran Motors as the new vehicle sponsor for the Casey TAC L2P Program, with the business providing two new hybrid vehicles to support local learner drivers. 
   
• Finalised the Graffiti Management Program 2026–2030, providing a comprehensive framework that addresses prevention, removal, education and enforcement.
   
• Delivered a range of open space improvements, including local and district playgrounds, skate parks and dog off-leash areas.
   
• Advocated to the Department of Education and local kindergarten providers for action around the challenges arising from the Best Start, Best Life reforms, including workforce availability, service viability, infrastructure demand, and barriers to access for vulnerable children.
   
• Launched a Food Relief Advocacy Campaign and a Mayoral Food Relief Roundtable to progress advocacy priorities relating to food relief, housing and homelessness, and mental health ahead of the Victorian State Election.
   
• Delivered a diverse program of arts, cultural and creative activities across Council’s facilities and libraries, for people to engage with arts and culture close to home.
   
• In partnership with Proud2Play, delivered capacity-building initiatives to support local sporting clubs to become more inclusive and welcoming for LGBTIQA+ communities.
   
• Delivered inclusive and modified sporting opportunities including pickleball, chair yoga, walking football and the Summer of Tennis programs.
   
• Delivered the Active After Dark program across 13 sites, activating underutilised facilities with improved lighting to create safer and more accessible spaces for recreation and physical activity.
   
• Launched the Nature and Sustainability Community Leadership Program with 29 participants committed to driving positive environmental change across Casey.

Holistically plan, build, manage and influence an accessible, high-quality built environment for a growing Casey community

Outcomes achieved in 2025/26

• Upgraded reserves to improve accessibility and encourage visitation with features including multi-use recreation areas, accessible pathways, shelters, landscaping and modern playground equipment. 
   
• Advocated for improved public transport and major road upgrades including Clyde Rail extension, Berwick Cranbourne/ Clyde Fiveways Road duplication and Thompsons Road extension.
   
• Secured funding for improved bus services in Botanic Ridge, Casey Fields, Clyde, Junction Village, Devon Meadows and Berwick.
   
• Partnered with the development industry to deliver more transport, community and recreation infrastructure to support Casey’s growth area communities.
   
• Progressed planning and advocacy for more connected walking and cycling networks. A list of priorities and detailed mapping was developed to strengthen advocacy for active transport in the lead up to the State Election.
   
• Finalised the Casey Fields South (Employment) and Devon Meadows and Croskell (Employment) Precinct Structure Plans with the Victorian Planning Authority and implemented these plans to facilitate new housing and job opportunities.
   
• Partnered with the Victorian Planning Authority to prepare the Cardinia Creek South (Part 2) Precinct Structure Plan to deliver over 1,100 new homes.
   
• Developed an Affordable Housing Policy to support the establishment of more affordable housing in the City of Casey through advocacy, facilitation, and partnerships.
   
• Advocated for telecommunications infrastructure requirements to be considered as part of Precinct Structure Plans (PSPs) to improve mobile connectivity in future growth areas.
   
• Progressed the Cranbourne Community Hub including planning approval, selection of future community service tenants and design development.
   
• Progressed the Doveton Pool in the Park Master Plan. The new 50-metre pool and plant room were completed and building renewal works advanced. 

Foster a sustainable environment through education, climate change action, waste management and the protection and enhancement of natural resources

Outcomes achieved in 2025/26

• Installed 100 open-topped recycling baskets alongside public bins for people to leave or collect eligible 10-cent containers for the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme.
   
• Progressed towards our net zero target by transitioning to 100 per cent renewable electricity, advancing solar and battery projects, improving energy monitoring across Council facilities, and removing gas infrastructure from selected buildings.
   
• Advanced the Greening Casey program, with significant planting undertaken toward our target of 15 per cent tree canopy cover across the municipality by 2030. Throughout the year, 8,118 trees were planted and more than 77,800 tube stock and mature plants were established or distributed.
   
• Partnered with South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCA) to develop a Circular Economy Dashboard prototype to help local businesses reduce waste, lower costs and cut emissions.
   
• Supported the Youth Climate Action Committee's planning of the Youth Climate Summit for 100 local secondary students.
   
• Created Landscaping Guidelines and Tree Species Selection information for developers to encourage the integration of more planting, green infrastructure, passive irrigation systems and green space within new estates.
   
• Worked with the Maryvale EfW Project Co and South East Metropolitan Advanced Waste Processing Pty Ltd towards financial close of the Maryvale Waste to Energy facility.
   
• Upgraded stormwater assets and undertook renewal measures to reduce flooding across the municipality.
   
• Completed the Biolinks Plan to strengthen ecological connectivity and protect native flora and fauna at risk of extinction.
   
• Progressed implementation of the Victorian Government’s Kerbside Reforms with planning, procurement and implementation activities focused on expanding glass recycling and food and garden organics (FOGO) services.
   
• Launched the Bin It Right Casey app to help residents more easily manage their household waste and recycling services.
   
• Reduced Council’s reliance on potable water through water saving features in new buildings and facilities and the ongoing leak detection program.

Make it easy to do business in Casey through programs that support the local economy, attract new businesses and promote local employment 

Outcomes achieved in 2025/26

• Advocated for investment, infrastructure and policy outcomes for key regional priorities as a member of the Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) and the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA).
   
• Worked with vocation training and education providers to create training and work placement opportunities to improve employment outcomes for Casey residents.
   
• Supported career and trade events including the SELLEN Try a Trade Expo, which attracted more than 5,000 students, and the LAUNCH Expo, delivered in partnership with Workforce Australia, which attracted more than 600 attendees.
   
• Finalised a Co-operative Education Agreement with Federation University, creating paid student placement opportunities that support employability and help build a future pipeline of skilled professionals.
   
• Reviewed and amended Council’s processes to make it easier for Casey businesses to engage with us, including a new request management process and additional support through the Business Concierge program.
   
• Audited all Council-maintained Activity Centres as part of a five-year Activity Centre Improvement Program to ensure these public spaces are attractive and support local businesses.
   
• Delivered a series of business development programs, events and shop local campaign aimed at supporting the growth, education and promotion of small business in Casey.
   
• Implemented the Strategic Property Program, to review underutilised Council-owned land for either development or sale.
   
• Prepared a planning scheme amendment to incorporate the Berwick Village Major Activity Centre Structure Plan.
   
• Began planning for the Hampton Park activity centre revitilisation.

Operate an adaptable, efficient, future ready organisation that engages and responds to community needs through sustainable and innovative service delivery

Outcomes achieved in 2025/26

• Launched a new online payment platform, Payble, giving Casey residents greater flexibility in how they manage their rates and infringements payments.
   
• Implemented a new customer service delivery model to enhance self-service options, resolve more enquiries the first time and offer additional support for customers to improve their overall experience. 
   
• Provided additional and enhanced digital options for customers so they can interact with Council at a time that is convenient.
   
• Implemented a new approach for capturing customer feedback across key service interactions to support targeted improvements.
   
• Improved communication of strategic plans and performance data to ensure important information is clearly and transparently provided to the community.
   
• Implement Casey’s Smart Cities Program to improve the use of technology, innovation and data.
   
• Developed a social impact measurement framework to ensure Council is investing in services with the greatest need and impact.
   
• Progressed the organisation’s long-term planning, by ensuring the Financial Plan provides a financially sustainable 10-year outlook to support delivery of the Council Plan and the LongTerm Community Vision 2035.
   
• Provided opportunities for community to provide feedback and be involved in decision-making on Council initiatives that affect them through a range of engagement opportunities.

Connected, Safe and Inclusive Communities

• Strengthen community safety through targeted crime prevention initiatives, improved public spaces and partnerships that enhance actual and perceived safety.  
• Create inclusive programs, events and spaces. 
• Increase opportunities for young people to participate in decision-making and be involved. 

Planning for Growth and Liveability 

• Deliver strategic planning and investment in infrastructure, services and community facilities. 
• Expand walking and cycling networks to key destinations across Casey. 
• Increase tree canopy though strategic planting to support biodiversity, urban cooling and environmental resilience. 
• Strengthen community resilience to extreme weather events and mitigating the impacts of a changing climate. 

Economic Prosperity and Employment  

• Strengthen connections between education, training and local industry to improve workforce participation and skills development. 
• Support businesses through advocacy, capacity-building initiatives and economic development programs. 
• Drive investment attraction by promoting Casey's advantages and facilitating development that delivers local jobs and economic growth. 

Community Trust and Service Excellence

• Deliver accessible, responsive and user-centred services that meet community expectations. 
• Improve communication by providing clear, timely and accessible information. 

Growth and infrastructure

• Ensuring infrastructure and services keep pace with population growth while maintaining liveability.
• Delivering roads, community facilities, drainage, open spaces, and transport infrastructure fast enough to support new communities.

Financial Economic Sustainability

• Rising service demands, inflation, and asset maintenance costs continue to place pressure on Council budgets, while at the same time rate capping limits revenue growth, requiring careful financial management to maintain services and infrastructure.
• Supporting local businesses, attracting investment, and creating more local employment opportunities for long term economic resilience.

Housing, Wellbeing and Community Connection

• Supporting a greater mix of housing options and advocating for more affordable and social housing to meet community needs in the face of growing demand and rising housing costs.
• Strengthening social connections and access to support services.  

Environmental Sustainability and Resilience

• Balancing urban growth with environmental protection and climate resilience. Priorities include reducing emissions, protecting biodiversity, managing waste, and preserving green spaces.