• Rates
    Pay your rates, request a copy, supplementary notices, payment plans
  • Family and community services
    Kindergartens, MCH, child care, youth, aged, community and disability services, family safety
  • Parking, roads and footpaths
    Maintenance schedule, drains and nature strips, school crossings, fines, permits, report an issue
  • Property and planning
    Advice, building and planning permits, Local Laws, major projects
  • Waste and environment
    Order bins, hard waste collections, report littering, fire and smoke, septic tanks
  • Arts, sports and facilities for hire
    Major attractions and annual events, parks and reserves, libraries, venues to hire
  • For business
    Registration and permits, business types, footpath and street trading, advice and support
  • City and Council
    Fines and infringements, Casey's history, Local Laws, councillors, meetings, ward structure, annual report

Casey backs local business in draft Budget and Action Plan

Published 8 May 2026
person making a coffee at a cafe

Supporting local businesses and creating jobs close to home are key priorities in the City of Casey’s draft 2026/27 Budget and Annual Action Plan, as Council continues to invest in a strong and thriving local economy.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said Council is focused on helping local businesses grow, attracting investment and creating employment pathways for residents across the city.

“A strong local economy means more jobs close to home and more active shopping streets and business precincts,” Cr Koomen said.

“This year’s draft Budget backs local businesses to build capability and resilience, supports investment attraction and focuses on well‑planned activity centres where businesses and communities can thrive together.

“These investments are about strengthening Casey’s economy now, while setting the foundations for long‑term growth and opportunity.”

The draft Budget and Annual Action Plan are on public exhibition after being endorsed by Councillors at the April Council Meeting, giving the community a chance to have their say.

Key business and economy highlights for 2026/27

The draft Budget and Action Plan include targeted investment and initiatives to support businesses, improve local shopping precincts and create pathways to employment for Casey residents.

Key highlights include:

  • $1.19 million invested to support existing local businesses through capability building, skills development and long‑term resilience programs.
  • Delivery of the Choose Casey campaign, showcasing Casey as a great place to do business and attracting new investment to the city.
  • $905,000 invested in streetscape upgrades across five shopping precincts, improving amenity and supporting local trade at Spring Square, Lurline Street, Hotham Street, Hampton Park Shopping Centre, and the Lyall Street and Laneway Streetscape project.
  • Continued advocacy for the upgrade and extension of Thompsons Road through the Greater South East Melbourne State Election platform, helping unlock business potential, create jobs and boost economic benefit for the community.
  • Implementation of partnership operational plans with Federation University and Chisholm TAFE to strengthen employment pathways, upskilling and workforce development for residents.
  • Completion of an Activity Centre Strategy review to guide the future planning of attractive, functional and well‑designed centres that balance community needs, economic opportunity and environmental sustainability.

Have your say

Community members, businesses and stakeholders are invited to review the draft documents and share feedback during the exhibition period from 23 April to 14 May 2026.

Find out more and have your say at: conversations.casey.vic.gov.au/budget-2026-27.