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Community safety a top priority in draft Budget and Action Plan

Published 28 Apr 2026
Community members at the Lyndhurst crime and safety meeting

The City of Casey’s draft 2026/27 Budget and Annual Action Plan focuses on building a strong community, with targeted investment this year in community safety, youth services and social connection.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said this reflects what our community has said matters most, with residents consistently highlighting the importance of safety, inclusion and staying connected.

“A strong community is one where people feel safe, supported and connected, whether that’s in our neighbourhoods, local parks, community centres or sporting clubs,” Cr Koomen said.

“This year’s draft Budget and Action Plan focus on practical actions that strengthen safety, support young people and help keep residents connected across Casey.”

The documents were endorsed by Councillors at the Council Meeting on 21 April 2026 and are now on public exhibition. This gives the community the opportunity to review them and share feedback until 14 May 2026, before they are finalised.

One way Council is driving our focus on safety is through the continuation of Community Safety and Crime Meetings, which bring residents and key agencies together to talk about local safety concerns and solutions.

“Safety looks different in every neighbourhood, which is why local conversations matter,” Cr Koomen said.

“Community Safety and Crime Meetings allow residents and agencies to come together, share concerns and build solutions that strengthen community safety and trust.”

Local resident Paul Broom, who recently helped organise a Lyndhurst Community Crime and Safety Meeting, said "the ‘world café’ approach generated good contributions and passionate discussions."

Keeping our community safe

This place-based approach is supported by a broader suite of practical safety initiatives in the draft Budget and Action Plan including: 

  • $1.22 million invested in community safety initiatives, a 4 per cent increase from last year.
  • Partner with Victoria Police on a mobile CCTV trial in key locations, guided by crime data and community need.
  • More than $3.4 million invested to embed safety into infrastructure through lighting upgrades, safer intersections, pedestrian refuges and improved access to community facilities. 
  • $200,000 towards Active After Dark to expand automated lighting at reserves for safe evening activity.
  • Deliver targeted, community-centred action to raise awareness and help prevent family violence.

Supporting young people to connect and thrive

The draft Budget also includes a $2.8 million investment in youth services for people aged 10–25, supporting connection, engagement and wellbeing.

This includes:

  • Additional funding to bring together young people, parents and service providers to better understand local mental health needs and inform future responses.
  • Free outreach in community facilities and public spaces, co-designed with young people.
  • Free leadership opportunities such as AMPLIFY, the Youth Action Committee and the Climate Youth Action Committee.
  • Youth events and programs including Late Night Hoops, Youth Information Centre programs and low cost school holiday activities.

Building connection and belonging

Council is also investing in initiatives that strengthen social connection and help people feel a sense of belonging in their local community.

Highlights for 2026/27 include:

  • Planning and delivery of the 2027 Community Leadership Program, with a strong focus on social cohesion.
  • A $150,000 Emergency Food Relief funding pool, supporting community organisations with grants of up to $20,000.
  • Community campaign that encourages neighbours to connect and build local relationships.
  • Increased funding for Minor Capital Works Investment Program grants, supporting local clubs and community facilities.

Have your say

Community members, businesses and stakeholders are invited to review the draft Budget and Annual Action Plan and provide feedback during the public exhibition period (23 April to 14 May 2026).

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


Photo caption: From left, City of Casey Deputy Mayor Cr Michelle Crowther, Cr Carolyn Eaves, Cr Anthony Walter, Constable Zoe Bennett, Anthony Hanna from Neighbour Watch Casey, Acting Sergeant Tyson Jones, Aiden Brown from Crime Stoppers, Lyndhurst residents Christine Lewis and Paul Broom and Attorney-General and Minister for Violence Reduction The Hon. Sonya Kilkenny at the Lyndhurst Community Crime and Safety Meeting on 22 April 2026.