The City of Casey has adopted its 2026/27 Budget and Annual Action Plan, shaped by community feedback and focused on delivering what matters most today, while planning responsibly for the future.
At the June Council Meeting, Councillors endorsed the final documents that will guide Council’s work over the next 12 months. Guided by the Long Term Community Vision 2035 and Council Plan 2025-29, the Budget and Action Plan turn long-term goals into practical action, helping create a more connected, liveable and sustainable Casey.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said the Budget focuses on what the community has told us matters most.
“This year we’re focusing on the things that make a real difference in people’s everyday lives. We’re continuing to invest in community safety, youth engagement and social connection, while also protecting our natural environment as Casey grows,” Cr Koomen said.
“We also have a strong focus on liveability, making sure people can access quality services and local facilities close to home.”
At the meeting, Councillors voted in favour of an alternate motion to freeze the waste service charge for 2026/27, meaning residents will see no increase to their waste charge on the Annual Rates Notice – the charge will remain the same as the current financial year.
This decision will be supported by drawing an additional $4.4 million from Council’s waste reserve to help offset rising service costs and State Government waste reforms, including the rollout of the four-bin system.
Cr Koomen said the decision reflects Councillor’s commitment to supporting the community while continuing to deliver essential services.
“We’ve made a conscious decision to ease costs for our community by keeping waste charges the same this year,” he said.
“By drawing on the waste reserve, we can continue to meet new requirements and maintain service levels, without passing those additional costs on to residents this year.”
“We know many households are feeling cost-of-living pressures and that has been front of mind throughout this year’s Budget process.
“Our focus has been on finding the right balance, managing rising costs responsibly, minimising pressure on residents, and continuing to invest in the infrastructure, facilities and services our community relies on every day.”
Budget snapshot: key highlights
- Capital Works: $688 million total investment, including $551.5 million for essential services and a $136.5 million Capital Works Program.
- A 2.75% rate increase, in line with the Victorian Government cap, achieved while carefully managing rising costs and continuing to deliver essential services and infrastructure.
- Waste charges have been frozen for 2026/27, with no increase for residents, saving households an average of $30 in additional costs that would have applied without the use of reserves.
- Safety: More than $1.2 million invested in community safety initiatives, including a mobile CCTV trial with Victoria Police and ongoing Community Safety and Crime Meetings.
- $2.8 million for youth services, supporting young people aged 10-25 through outreach, leadership and wellbeing programs.
- Community infrastructure: Almost $80 million invested in new and upgraded community and recreation facilities, including: Clyde North West Family and Community Centre, Ramlegh Family and Community Centre, Casey Fields Rectangular Stadium, Cranbourne Hub and Doveton Pool in the Park.
- $150,000 Emergency Food Relief funding pool, with grants of up to $20,000 for community organisations.
- Continued delivery of the Greening Casey plan, with 25,000 trees and 185,000 shrubs to be planted over the next two years.
- 17% increase in climate investment, supporting planning, programs and preparedness.
- Economy: $1.19 million to support local businesses, building capability and long-term resilience.
Councillors also endorsed the Financial Plan 2026/27-2035/36, which sets out how Council will responsibly plan for Casey’s future including planning for the infrastructure needed across both established suburbs and growth areas. This includes around $200 million in major new infrastructure between 2027/28 and 2031/32, funded in part through $135 million in responsible borrowing, managed within prudent limits to keep debt affordable and sustainable.
