The Long-Term Community Vision 2035 outlines the community’s future aspirations. It includes key themes and guiding statements to ensure consistent and committed planning to achieve the Vision.

The Council Plan 2025-29 explains how we will achieve Casey's Long-Term Community Vision 2035. It outlines the goals and priorities for the next four years and explains how we will collaborate with the community, stakeholders, organisations, neighbouing municipalities, and other levels of government.

The Annual Action Plan explains what Council aims to achieve in the next year to support the Council Plan 2025-29 and the Long-Term Community Vision 2035. It lists key projects for the year, ensuring transparency and enabling progress reporting to the community.

The Financial Plan is a high-level planning document that provides general direction to the community and government about Council’s strategic resources, and it provides similar advice to staff on future budget parameters. It is reviewed annually, however may change earlier as things change.

The Budget Report is part of the Council Plan and covers the financial and non-financial resources needed to meet strategic goals. It is prepared annually and includes financial details for the next three years, required statements, and descriptions of funded services and initiatives.

It also outlines the total amount to be raised by rates and charges, as mandated by Local Government Reporting Regulations.

In 2025/26, our Capital Works Program focuses on the completion of the previous financial year’s projects, introduction of new projects and continued renewal of existing infrastructure providing services to our growing community. The Capital Works Program includes $12.6 million towards road projects, $73.8 million towards recreational, leisure and community facilities, $11 million towards parks, open space and streetscapes and $3.6 million to improve footpaths and cycleways. 

The complete list of Capital Works projects can be found in the Budget Report document.

The Financial Plan is a high-level planning document that provides general direction to the community and government about Council’s strategic resources, and it provides similar advice to staff on future budget parameters. It is reviewed annually, however may change earlier as things change.

The Asset Plan highlights the importance of infrastructure assets managed by Council, such as roads, bridges, buildings, and parks. It fosters informed community engagement and mutual understanding of asset use. Mandated by Local Government Reporting Regulations, the Asset Plan sets clear directions and priorities for efficient and responsible asset management.

Rates are used to fund Council’s investment in community infrastructure such as maintaining, renewing and building new community and family centres, and sports and recreation facilities, maintaining roads and parks, as well as to support the delivery of many important community services.

The draft Budget features an operating budget of $540.2 million to ensure Council continues to provide vital services to more than 400,000 residents and a $125.8 million capital works program (including carryover of $14.7 million), focuses on renewing and maintaining our existing assets while we carefully plan for new infrastructure that supports the growing community.

In 2025/26, the average annual general rates increase will be 3 per cent, which is in line with the State Government set rate cap.

Rate increases are based on the outcome of annual property valuations. All rateable properties in Victoria are required to be revaluated annually on 1 January by State Government-appointed contractors. Valuations are independently certified by the Valuer General.

Revaluation of your property does not increase the total amount of rate revenue collected by Council. Rather it determines the proportion of rates you need to pay relative to other property owners. The 3 per cent rate cap applies to the overall amount of money that Council is receiving from rates. If your property’s value grew by more than the average, you will experience an increase to your general rates higher than the 3 per cent rate cap. Properties that grew in value, but remained lower than the average (or decreased in value) will experience an increase lower than 3 per cent rate cap. 

We appreciate that this is a very challenging time and many people in our community are experiencing hardship. Where possible, Council is providing flexibility to affected customers and encourages anyone unable to meet their rate payment by the due dates to contact Council as soon as possible to make arrangements and discuss potential relief options.

The City of Casey will not take on any new borrowings throughout the 2025/26 financial year and will be consolidating existing loans where possible.

All residents are invited to view the Draft Council Plan 2025-29, Draft Annual Action Plan 2025/26 Draft Budget Report (Draft Budget 2025/26, Draft Capital Works Program 2025/26), Draft Financial Plan 2025/26 – 2034/35, Draft Schedule of Fees and Charges 2025/26, Draft Revenue and Rating Plan 2025-29 and Draft Asset Plan 2025-35 and make a submission up until 5.00 pm on Wednesday, 7 May 2025. These documents can be viewed in the document library on this page.

Submissions can be made online via the submission form on Casey Conversations. A submission is a written statement that explains your views about a topic or proposal and how you may be affected if the draft Budget goes ahead. There are a few ways you can make a submission.

Alternatively, ratepayers can send written submissions addressed to the CEO via email to caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au or mailed to PO Box 1000, Narre Warren, 3805.

All feedback will be collated by officers and the final report will consider all the views shared, as well as key factors including funding, legal criteria, existing commitments and priorities.

Following the exhibition phase, all submissions will be heard at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, 27 May 2025.

Please note: all submissions made by members of the public will be printed in Council documents and made available to the community. All written submissions will be considered prior to Council adopting the budget at its Council Meeting on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.

We’re committed to ensuring the diverse voices of our community are reflected in Council decisions and plans for the services and outcomes valued most.