Skip to main content
City of Casey
Annual Report
2022/23

Year in review


Welcome to the City of Casey’s Annual Report 2022/23.

The Annual Report is the primary means of updating the community about Council’s performance during the financial year.

In the past 12 months we have celebrated many achievements and milestones and we remain dedicated to building on our work and seizing new opportunities to meet the needs of our growing population as we work towards our vision to become a more connected, bold and resilient community.  

The Domain Strategies are part of Council’s Integrated Strategic Planning Framework and outline the direction, priorities and objectives for their respective domains.

They are the:

  • Economic Development Strategy 2021‑25
  • Infrastructure Strategy 2021-25
  • Environment Strategy 2021-25
  • Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021-25, and
  • Transformation Strategy 2022-26

Each strategy outlines objectives and targets, while providing high-level strategic direction for the City of Casey.

The City of Casey undertook community consultation through the Shape Your City engagement program, in 2020/21 and 2022/23 respectively. 

We heard from more than 10,500 community members who took the opportunity to share their views on the future of Casey.

The feedback from the initial Shape Your City engagement, as well as the check-in engagement, were used to inform the key projects and initiatives to be delivered in 2023/24.

Bunjil Place Gallery hosted the prestigious and popular Archibald Prize from 3 September to 16 October 2022, showcasing an extraordinary display of 52 portraits featuring figures and cultural identities from all walks of life.

Bunjil Place was the first stop on the Archibald Prize 2022 regional tour and the only Victorian location.

The exclusive event brought in tens of thousands of visitors to Narre Warren and surrounds, to enjoy the works on display and the immersive program of events and art experiences in the stunning outdoor plaza space, increasing Bunjil Place’s national exposure.

In 2019 and 2020, public hearings were held as part of an Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) investigation, Operation Sandon, into allegations of corrupt conduct involving former Councillors and property developers in the City of Casey. 

At the time of preparing this Annual Report 2022/23, IBAC tabled its Operation Sandon special report in Parliament on Thursday 27 July 2023. 

The report made 34 recommendations regarding the state’s planning processes designed to promote transparency in decision making, enhance donation and lobbying regulation and strengthen Council governance.

The City of Casey welcomes the release of the report and reaffirms our commitment to continuing to work with IBAC, the Victorian Government and other relevant agencies to strengthen integrity in Council decision making and promote transparency.

Wilson Botanic Park Berwick was awarded ‘National Park of the Year’ by Parks and Leisure Australia in October 2022.

Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick is one of Casey’s premier parks, attracting approximately 600,000 visitors every year. It showcases unique plant collections, fossils, and fauna, all presented in a picturesque open space. 

The City of Casey won the award for the excellent revitalisation work undertaken at the park including rare species planting, establishment of a bird-attracting area, popup café, improved signage, amenities, paths, smart bin, park and ride initiative, stormwater harvesting and a visionary, immersive sunken walkway into the Lilypad Lake.
 

Domain strategies

The Domain Strategies are part of Council’s Integrated Strategic Planning Framework and outline the direction, priorities and objectives for their respective domains.

They are the:

  • Economic Development Strategy 2021‑25
  • Infrastructure Strategy 2021-25
  • Environment Strategy 2021-25
  • Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021-25, and
  • Transformation Strategy 2022-26

Each strategy outlines objectives and targets, while providing high-level strategic direction for the City of Casey.

Shape Your City – Year 2 check in

The City of Casey undertook community consultation through the Shape Your City engagement program, in 2020/21 and 2022/23 respectively. 

We heard from more than 10,500 community members who took the opportunity to share their views on the future of Casey.

The feedback from the initial Shape Your City engagement, as well as the check-in engagement, were used to inform the key projects and initiatives to be delivered in 2023/24.

The Archibald Prize 2022 at Bunjil Place

Bunjil Place Gallery hosted the prestigious and popular Archibald Prize from 3 September to 16 October 2022, showcasing an extraordinary display of 52 portraits featuring figures and cultural identities from all walks of life.

Bunjil Place was the first stop on the Archibald Prize 2022 regional tour and the only Victorian location.

The exclusive event brought in tens of thousands of visitors to Narre Warren and surrounds, to enjoy the works on display and the immersive program of events and art experiences in the stunning outdoor plaza space, increasing Bunjil Place’s national exposure.

IBAC Investigation

In 2019 and 2020, public hearings were held as part of an Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) investigation, Operation Sandon, into allegations of corrupt conduct involving former Councillors and property developers in the City of Casey. 

At the time of preparing this Annual Report 2022/23, IBAC tabled its Operation Sandon special report in Parliament on Thursday 27 July 2023. 

The report made 34 recommendations regarding the state’s planning processes designed to promote transparency in decision making, enhance donation and lobbying regulation and strengthen Council governance.

The City of Casey welcomes the release of the report and reaffirms our commitment to continuing to work with IBAC, the Victorian Government and other relevant agencies to strengthen integrity in Council decision making and promote transparency.

Wilson Botanic Park

Wilson Botanic Park Berwick was awarded ‘National Park of the Year’ by Parks and Leisure Australia in October 2022.

Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick is one of Casey’s premier parks, attracting approximately 600,000 visitors every year. It showcases unique plant collections, fossils, and fauna, all presented in a picturesque open space. 

The City of Casey won the award for the excellent revitalisation work undertaken at the park including rare species planting, establishment of a bird-attracting area, popup café, improved signage, amenities, paths, smart bin, park and ride initiative, stormwater harvesting and a visionary, immersive sunken walkway into the Lilypad Lake.
 

Major capital works

Grices Road construction works and intersection upgrade at Grices Road and Clyde Road, Cranbourne North.

The $15.6 million project received $3.8 million in funding from the Federal Government through the Roads to Recovery Program, with the remaining funding provided by developer contributions and Council. Work on the project included construction of asphalt pavement, kerb and channel, drainage, guardrail, public lighting, and associated works.

Glasscocks Road and South Gippsland Highway signalised intersection construction, Hampton Park.

The total project cost was $10.7 million, funded by developer contributions and Council.

Construction included:

  • widening of South Gippsland Highway from four lanes to six lanes through the new intersection
  • dedicated turning lanes to Glasscocks Road from South Gippsland Highway
  • upgrading 300m of Glasscocks Road with median separator connecting to new Intersection
  • new pavement, kerb and channel, drainage, guardrail, public lighting and associated infrastructure
  • 1.2km of new shared pathways on the south side of Glasscocks.

 Greyspot and Blackspot Program Road Works, various locations. 

The $800,000 program across four locations, including Inglis Road, Evans Road, and Camms Road, were completed to increase road safety at identified ‘greyspot’ and ‘blackspot’ locations. Works included the installation of guard rails and safety platforms, primarily funded by VicRoads.

Tulliallan Active Open Space Development (Tulliallan Estate), Cranbourne North 

Council completed the $10.5 million project, which was funded by a Victorian Government grant of $3.3 million through the Growing Suburbs Fund with the remaining funding provided by Council.

The project at the Tulliallan Estate includes:

  • a multipurpose pavilion 
  • outdoor spaces for recreation including a district level play space
  • shared walking and cycling paths
  • landscaping, sport playing surfaces (including three soccer pitches, one cricket oval, cricket nets)
  • public art, and associated infrastructure and space for the delivery of programs promoting wellbeing and healthy lifestyles.

Browns Road Active Open Space Reserve (now known as Booring Recreation Reserve), Botanic Ridge

The $15.1 million project was jointly funded by Council, a Victorian Government grant of $2 million through the Community Sport Infrastructure Stimulus Program, and $400,000 via the Local Sports Grants Fund to develop netball facilities. The remaining funding was provided by developer contributions and Council. 

The construction of the Booring Recreation Reserve provides an active open space for the Botanic Ridge community to exercise and relax with:

  • two AFL/Cricket ovals
  • two netball courts
  • cricket practice nets
  • sporting pavilion
  • car parking
  • playground
  • public art
  • public and sports field lighting.
     

Fountain Gate Kindergarten Renewal, Narre Warren

Council completed the $990,890 project in April 2023. Project works undertaken addressed minor issues and bought the facility up to current service level expectations. 

The upgrade of the existing building included painting, floors, cabinets, office kitchen and outdoor areas, the renewal of dry and wet spaces, and upgrades to some minor fittings and equipment. The entry foyer space, kindergarten playroom, lockers and children’s amenities were also renewed.

Olive Road Sporting Complex, Eumemmerring

The $4.5 million project was completed in September 2022. The extension and redevelopment of the netball pavilion works included indoor amenity upgrades such as the new female friendly change facilities, external court access to bathrooms, office, canteen/kiosk, storage, and associated infrastructure/spaces. 

In addition, the redevelopment included the installation of sporting fixtures and footings such as basketball backboard (roof mounted), scoreboards, volleyball sleeves and fittings. 

Littlecroft Family and Community Centre Renewal, Narre Warren South 

The total cost of this project was $1.3 million and included the redevelopment of the existing facility to a multipurpose integrated community facility that is fit for the future.

It included a small extension of existing community rooms into multipurpose spaces that can be utilised by more users, as well as an upgrade to change the facility to one entrance, with a more centralised reception/admin space.

Roadworks and road safety

Grices Road construction works and intersection upgrade at Grices Road and Clyde Road, Cranbourne North.

The $15.6 million project received $3.8 million in funding from the Federal Government through the Roads to Recovery Program, with the remaining funding provided by developer contributions and Council. Work on the project included construction of asphalt pavement, kerb and channel, drainage, guardrail, public lighting, and associated works.

Glasscocks Road and South Gippsland Highway signalised intersection construction, Hampton Park.

The total project cost was $10.7 million, funded by developer contributions and Council.

Construction included:

  • widening of South Gippsland Highway from four lanes to six lanes through the new intersection
  • dedicated turning lanes to Glasscocks Road from South Gippsland Highway
  • upgrading 300m of Glasscocks Road with median separator connecting to new Intersection
  • new pavement, kerb and channel, drainage, guardrail, public lighting and associated infrastructure
  • 1.2km of new shared pathways on the south side of Glasscocks.

 Greyspot and Blackspot Program Road Works, various locations. 

The $800,000 program across four locations, including Inglis Road, Evans Road, and Camms Road, were completed to increase road safety at identified ‘greyspot’ and ‘blackspot’ locations. Works included the installation of guard rails and safety platforms, primarily funded by VicRoads.

Open space and reserves

Tulliallan Active Open Space Development (Tulliallan Estate), Cranbourne North 

Council completed the $10.5 million project, which was funded by a Victorian Government grant of $3.3 million through the Growing Suburbs Fund with the remaining funding provided by Council.

The project at the Tulliallan Estate includes:

  • a multipurpose pavilion 
  • outdoor spaces for recreation including a district level play space
  • shared walking and cycling paths
  • landscaping, sport playing surfaces (including three soccer pitches, one cricket oval, cricket nets)
  • public art, and associated infrastructure and space for the delivery of programs promoting wellbeing and healthy lifestyles.

Browns Road Active Open Space Reserve (now known as Booring Recreation Reserve), Botanic Ridge

The $15.1 million project was jointly funded by Council, a Victorian Government grant of $2 million through the Community Sport Infrastructure Stimulus Program, and $400,000 via the Local Sports Grants Fund to develop netball facilities. The remaining funding was provided by developer contributions and Council. 

The construction of the Booring Recreation Reserve provides an active open space for the Botanic Ridge community to exercise and relax with:

  • two AFL/Cricket ovals
  • two netball courts
  • cricket practice nets
  • sporting pavilion
  • car parking
  • playground
  • public art
  • public and sports field lighting.
     

Community facilities

Fountain Gate Kindergarten Renewal, Narre Warren

Council completed the $990,890 project in April 2023. Project works undertaken addressed minor issues and bought the facility up to current service level expectations. 

The upgrade of the existing building included painting, floors, cabinets, office kitchen and outdoor areas, the renewal of dry and wet spaces, and upgrades to some minor fittings and equipment. The entry foyer space, kindergarten playroom, lockers and children’s amenities were also renewed.

Olive Road Sporting Complex, Eumemmerring

The $4.5 million project was completed in September 2022. The extension and redevelopment of the netball pavilion works included indoor amenity upgrades such as the new female friendly change facilities, external court access to bathrooms, office, canteen/kiosk, storage, and associated infrastructure/spaces. 

In addition, the redevelopment included the installation of sporting fixtures and footings such as basketball backboard (roof mounted), scoreboards, volleyball sleeves and fittings. 

Littlecroft Family and Community Centre Renewal, Narre Warren South 

The total cost of this project was $1.3 million and included the redevelopment of the existing facility to a multipurpose integrated community facility that is fit for the future.

It included a small extension of existing community rooms into multipurpose spaces that can be utilised by more users, as well as an upgrade to change the facility to one entrance, with a more centralised reception/admin space.

Our performance

The Annual Report 2022/23 outlines Council’s performance in relation to the Council Plan 2021-25 and the seven strategic objectives contained in the plan.

Council’s performance for 2022/23 reports against each Strategic Objective to show what Council accomplished in line with the city’s vision to ‘become a more connected, bold and resilient community’.

Strategic Objective 1 –  Deliver sustainable infrastructure and activate places

The City of Casey aims to manage urban growth and deliver future-focussed infrastructure that is innovative and sustainable. We will continue to advocate for and build an accessible, well-connected local transport network. As Casey strives to drive stronger connections, we will endeavour to foster partnerships which ensure we remain a destination for arts, culture, sport and leisure. We will design, build and cultivate places which create a sense of belonging, connection and pride and this includes maintaining safe and clean open spaces and places.

In 2022/23 Council:

  • Deployed resources to review and support all current major road and rail upgrade projects across the City of Casey.
  • Developed and delivered a Cultural Equity Action Plan for Bunjil Place.
  • Delivered three new recreation reserves in Clyde, Cranbourne West and Botanic Ridge.
  • Partnered with The Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation, to enable schools across the municipality to access additional road safety education programs.
  • Increased digital accessibility through the provision of more free public Wi-Fi access points and advocating for mobile network access connection across the municipality.
  • Secured more than $1.2 million in funding through the Victorian Government’s 2022/23 Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF) to provide much-needed local infrastructure.

Strategic Objective 2 – Grow Casey’s current and emerging economies

Support the creation of new jobs, by focusing on developing local businesses, attracting investments, revitalising activity centres and facilitating employment pathways. Build and leverage partnerships that enhance service provision, infrastructure delivery and funding opportunities.

In 2022/23 Council:

  • Delivered the Casey Jobs Victoria Advocate program to help local jobseekers find pathways towards sustainable employment.
  • Supported local businesses to adopt environmentally sustainable practices, through educational programs.
  • Drafted a project strategy that aims to remove unnecessary regulation and reduce the cost of creating or expanding businesses in Casey.
  • Developed and conducted advocacy activities to support professional creatives in Casey.
  • Launched the first annual business insights survey to help Council better understand the needs and challenges of local businesses.

Strategic Objective 3 – Foster environmentally sustainable practices and work towards being climate ready

The City of Casey will contribute towards a circular economy through waste management and resource recovery. As we conserve, enhance and restore our natural environment, our intention is to become a climate ready city.

In 2022/23 Council:

  • Identified what flora, fauna and ecological communities in Casey are at greatest risk of decline and what the causes are, to help prioritise management strategies.
  • Launched The ‘Greening Casey’ draft plan (formerly known as Urban Forest Strategy) for community consultation.
  • Implemented the next phase of the Victorian Government Waste Kerbside Reform Program.
  • Delivered several educational programs and events to the community on climate change, waste management and the natural environment.
  • Developed and implemented the Community Climate Change Action Plan.

Strategic Objective 4 – Advocate to State and Federal Governments for key service and infrastructure delivery

The City of Casey will build on its current advocacy program by delivering a targeted advocacy campaign in the lead up to the Federal and State Government elections to ensure the municipality is supported in projects that improve transport and infrastructure.

In 2022/23 Council:

  • Contributed to the Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) group of Councils strategic work, with a focus on advocating for priority projects.
  • Successfully advocated to the State and Federal Governments in the lead up to the 2022 Australian Government Election and Victorian State Election, with both parties making more than $1.3 billion in election commitments.
  • Met with the Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain, to brief her on key advocacy priorities.
     

Strategic Objective 5 – Create a resilient, active and connected local community

Addressing key health and wellbeing needs by connecting people to community and services is vital for the City of Casey. Integrating data and research will ensure our services, facilities and council decision making reflect the needs and priorities of our municipality.

In 2022/23 Council:

  • Engaged the community in the activation of Clyde North’s new Family and Community Centre.
  • Developed the COVID-19 Recovery Report to continue to identifi gaps and opportunities for new initiatives to build resilience and preparedness for any future emergencies.
  • Implemented the Casey Affordable Housing Strategy and Regional Local Government Homelessness and Social Housing Charter to increase affordable housing options and support services in Casey.
  • Implemented community-led initiatives as part of the Gender Equality and Prevention of Violence Against Women Strategy to promote a safe and equal Casey.
  • Developed a draft Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in consultation with the community.

Strategic Objective 6 – Ensure good governance and transparent decision making

The City of Casey will grow the capacity of community leadership through dedicated leadership programs and pathways. This will also include identifying opportunities to improve council decision making through governance practices and community engagement. Overall, this will develop platforms for community empowerment.

In 2022/23 Council:

  • Delivered year two of the Community Leadership Program to increase leadership skills in the community.
  • Commenced the third Community Leadership Program, with the cohort starting the program in May 2023.
  • Responded to the recommendations in the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) Operation Sandon report.
  • Expanded upon the good governance education program for Council officers.

Strategic Objective 7 – Create an adaptable, innovative and financially sustainable organisation that delivers maximum community benefit

As a future-ready organisation, we will identify and implement a sustainable operating model. Council will enhance its services with a focus on innovation and partnerships. Through service reviews and considering stakeholder impacts we will ensure positive outcomes are delivered to
the community. By building Council’s ability to pursue innovative partnerships we will ensure greater community outcomes.

In 2022/23 Council:

  • Delivered the 2022/23 Strategic Service Planning program.
  • Implemented year one of Council’s Transformation Strategy.
  • Enhanced customer contact channels to best suit the community’s needs.
  • Commenced a Shared Service Immunisation Contract with other Councils to enhanced immunisation services for the community. 

Strategic Objective 1

Strategic Objective 1 –  Deliver sustainable infrastructure and activate places

The City of Casey aims to manage urban growth and deliver future-focussed infrastructure that is innovative and sustainable. We will continue to advocate for and build an accessible, well-connected local transport network. As Casey strives to drive stronger connections, we will endeavour to foster partnerships which ensure we remain a destination for arts, culture, sport and leisure. We will design, build and cultivate places which create a sense of belonging, connection and pride and this includes maintaining safe and clean open spaces and places.

In 2022/23 Council:

  • Deployed resources to review and support all current major road and rail upgrade projects across the City of Casey.
  • Developed and delivered a Cultural Equity Action Plan for Bunjil Place.
  • Delivered three new recreation reserves in Clyde, Cranbourne West and Botanic Ridge.
  • Partnered with The Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation, to enable schools across the municipality to access additional road safety education programs.
  • Increased digital accessibility through the provision of more free public Wi-Fi access points and advocating for mobile network access connection across the municipality.
  • Secured more than $1.2 million in funding through the Victorian Government’s 2022/23 Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF) to provide much-needed local infrastructure.

Strategic Objective 2

Strategic Objective 2 – Grow Casey’s current and emerging economies

Support the creation of new jobs, by focusing on developing local businesses, attracting investments, revitalising activity centres and facilitating employment pathways. Build and leverage partnerships that enhance service provision, infrastructure delivery and funding opportunities.

In 2022/23 Council:

  • Delivered the Casey Jobs Victoria Advocate program to help local jobseekers find pathways towards sustainable employment.
  • Supported local businesses to adopt environmentally sustainable practices, through educational programs.
  • Drafted a project strategy that aims to remove unnecessary regulation and reduce the cost of creating or expanding businesses in Casey.
  • Developed and conducted advocacy activities to support professional creatives in Casey.
  • Launched the first annual business insights survey to help Council better understand the needs and challenges of local businesses.

Strategic Objective 3

Strategic Objective 3 – Foster environmentally sustainable practices and work towards being climate ready

The City of Casey will contribute towards a circular economy through waste management and resource recovery. As we conserve, enhance and restore our natural environment, our intention is to become a climate ready city.

In 2022/23 Council:

  • Identified what flora, fauna and ecological communities in Casey are at greatest risk of decline and what the causes are, to help prioritise management strategies.
  • Launched The ‘Greening Casey’ draft plan (formerly known as Urban Forest Strategy) for community consultation.
  • Implemented the next phase of the Victorian Government Waste Kerbside Reform Program.
  • Delivered several educational programs and events to the community on climate change, waste management and the natural environment.
  • Developed and implemented the Community Climate Change Action Plan.

Strategic Objective 4

Strategic Objective 4 – Advocate to State and Federal Governments for key service and infrastructure delivery

The City of Casey will build on its current advocacy program by delivering a targeted advocacy campaign in the lead up to the Federal and State Government elections to ensure the municipality is supported in projects that improve transport and infrastructure.

In 2022/23 Council:

  • Contributed to the Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) group of Councils strategic work, with a focus on advocating for priority projects.
  • Successfully advocated to the State and Federal Governments in the lead up to the 2022 Australian Government Election and Victorian State Election, with both parties making more than $1.3 billion in election commitments.
  • Met with the Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain, to brief her on key advocacy priorities.
     

Strategic Objective 5

Strategic Objective 5 – Create a resilient, active and connected local community

Addressing key health and wellbeing needs by connecting people to community and services is vital for the City of Casey. Integrating data and research will ensure our services, facilities and council decision making reflect the needs and priorities of our municipality.

In 2022/23 Council:

  • Engaged the community in the activation of Clyde North’s new Family and Community Centre.
  • Developed the COVID-19 Recovery Report to continue to identifi gaps and opportunities for new initiatives to build resilience and preparedness for any future emergencies.
  • Implemented the Casey Affordable Housing Strategy and Regional Local Government Homelessness and Social Housing Charter to increase affordable housing options and support services in Casey.
  • Implemented community-led initiatives as part of the Gender Equality and Prevention of Violence Against Women Strategy to promote a safe and equal Casey.
  • Developed a draft Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in consultation with the community.

Strategic Objective 6

Strategic Objective 6 – Ensure good governance and transparent decision making

The City of Casey will grow the capacity of community leadership through dedicated leadership programs and pathways. This will also include identifying opportunities to improve council decision making through governance practices and community engagement. Overall, this will develop platforms for community empowerment.

In 2022/23 Council:

  • Delivered year two of the Community Leadership Program to increase leadership skills in the community.
  • Commenced the third Community Leadership Program, with the cohort starting the program in May 2023.
  • Responded to the recommendations in the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) Operation Sandon report.
  • Expanded upon the good governance education program for Council officers.

Strategic Objective 7

Strategic Objective 7 – Create an adaptable, innovative and financially sustainable organisation that delivers maximum community benefit

As a future-ready organisation, we will identify and implement a sustainable operating model. Council will enhance its services with a focus on innovation and partnerships. Through service reviews and considering stakeholder impacts we will ensure positive outcomes are delivered to
the community. By building Council’s ability to pursue innovative partnerships we will ensure greater community outcomes.

In 2022/23 Council:

  • Delivered the 2022/23 Strategic Service Planning program.
  • Implemented year one of Council’s Transformation Strategy.
  • Enhanced customer contact channels to best suit the community’s needs.
  • Commenced a Shared Service Immunisation Contract with other Councils to enhanced immunisation services for the community. 

Moving forward

Challenges and factors impacting performance

  • Funding council plan initiatives for a fast growing and evolving municipality. 
  • Controlling expenditure and achieving a surplus in a rate cap constrained environment.
  • Supply chain issues leading to increased cost of materials and workforce shortages.
  • Unpredictable environmental impacts and increased weather events impacting infrastructure and timely delivery of our projects.
  • Increasing the efficiency of our operations to maximise productivity while meeting key community service expectations.
  • Council has faced ongoing challenges in the recruitment of roles in maternal, child health and planning spaces.

Future outlook

  • Economic pressures impacting both our community and organisation.
  • Council will undertake a year of consolidation for programs of work and re-set with a view to longer term future sustainability.
  • Respond proactively to hardship and mortgage stress and continue to support community service organisations.
  • A need to consider other revenue streams and review strategic procurement practices.
  • Climate change, safety and open space have been prioritised in line with community expectations.
  • Continue to leverage partnerships in order to help enhance service provision, infrastructure delivery and funding opportunities.
  • Connect people to community and services to address key health and wellbeing concerns.
  • Continue to ensure good governance practices and transparent decision making are embedded into Council’s everyday processes and procedures.
  • Responding to the recommendations following the release of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) Operation Sandon report.
  • Preparing the organisation and the community for the return to an elected Council in 2024.

Financial overview

In 2022/23 Council achieved an operating surplus $158.8 million.

This surplus is lower than the prior year reinstated surplus of $216.5 million, primarily because of higher reimbursements of Council Developer Contributions due to the increased level of development activity across Casey. As well as higher contract costs for waste management charges and reclassification of $83.5 million as prior period item.

The surplus is underpinned by: 

  • contributed assets from new estates and subdivision ($87.4 million)
  • developer contributions from Development Contribution Plans that are used to fund future approved projects ($80.9. million)
  • capital grants for some projects ($22.8 million) 
  • supplementary rates in line with development activity.

The operating surplus underpins the continued delivery of services and necessary development and maintenance of community infrastructure.

Short-term cash and other current financial assets at 30 June 2023 of $368.2 million increased from $321.1 million over the year and was affected by the profile of the Capital Works Program.

This led to a slight improvement in the working capital ratio (current assets as a percentage of current liabilities) with 297 per cent providing a satisfactory financial position above the target band of 98 per cent to 200 per cent.

Council’s debt ratio is measured by comparing interest bearing loans and borrowings to rate revenue. At the end of the 2022/23, this ratio was 10.8 per cent, which was within the target band of up to 60 per cent, and below Council’s preferred maximum of 40 per cent. Council will progressively repay all existing loans over the following long-term financial plan period.