Annual Report

The 2024 Council Elections marked a pivotal moment in the City of Casey’s governance, officially bringing an end to the administration period and restoring a democratically elected Council.

The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) announced the results on Friday, 8 November 2024, declaring 12 new Councillors who will serve the Casey community for the next four years.

At a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, 19 November, Cr Stefan Koomen (Waratah Ward) was elected Mayor, and Cr Melinda Ambros (Kalora Ward) was elected Deputy Mayor, both for a one-year term.

The election attracted strong interest, with candidates contesting across all wards. Notably, seven alumni from the City of Casey’s Community Leadership Program (CLP) ran for office, including Cr Kim Ross, who was successfully elected, highlighting the program’s role in cultivating future civic leaders.

In line with recommendations around transparency and good governance - including the Councillor Code of Conduct - a comprehensive induction program was delivered to support Councillors in their new roles and responsibilities.

In 2024, Council set a bold new direction guided by the refreshed Community Vision which is “Casey will be a connected, innovative and resilient community.”

Council focused on defining a clear, community-driven path forward through the development of the Council Plan 2025–29 and the updated Long-Term Community Vision 2035. 

These strategic documents were shaped by extensive community input through the Shape Your City engagement campaign and guided by the newly elected Council. Together, they define the long-term aspirations of our community and the key priorities for Council over the next four years. 

The Council Plan outlines how Council will deliver on our commitments through five key strategic outcomes that relate to: 

• Strong communities
• Liveable city
• Sustainable environment
• Thriving local economy
• High performing organisation.

These strategic outcomes will guide our services, investments and advocacy efforts, ensuring the focus remains on what matters most to our community, now and into the future.

Shape Your City marked Casey’s largest community engagement campaign of 2024, empowering residents to help shape the city’s future through key strategic plans.

Running from 27 May to 7 July 2024, the program invited residents to share their views through workshops, pop-up events, online surveys and conversations across the municipality.

More than 4,600 community members participated, offering valuable insights into what matters most to Casey’s diverse population.

The feedback helped shape eight major strategic documents, including:

• Council Plan 2025-29
• Long-Term Community Vision 2035
• Financial Plan 2025-35
• Annual Action Plan 2025/26.

Key themes that emerged included a strong desire for: 

• more inclusive and connected communities
• safer and more accessible public spaces
• sustainable environmental practices
• support for local jobs and economic growth
• transparent and responsive governance. 

Community feedback on private land use permits prompted a review of the Community Local Law 2023 to ensure rules are clear and consistent.

Early in 2025, the community raised concerns about parts of the Local Law, particularly around rules and permits for private land use, like living in caravans, using recreational vehicles on private property and doing car repairs at home.

The newly elected Councillors confirmed they were hearing ongoing feedback. In response, they unanimously voted at the April 2025 Council Meeting to formally review the Local Law and put a temporary pause on fees for Private Land Use Permits while the
review took place.

Council ran a major community engagement program on our Local Law from April to June 2025, with over 1,000 residents having their say through surveys, pop-ups, workshops and door knocks. As part of the review, Council also benchmarked Casey’s rules with those in other Councils to make sure they were fair and consistent.

The updated Local Law is designed to be more flexible, transparent and better reflect the community’s expectations. It will go on public exhibition in August 2025, with final adoption expected later in 2025.
 

Council’s Domain Strategies serve as foundational pillars within its Integrated Strategic Planning Framework, setting out targeted priorities and objectives.

These strategies are collectively designed to guide Council’s work, ensure alignment with community aspirations, and deliver meaningful outcomes across all service areas. 

The five Domain Strategies are: 

1. Environment Strategy 2021–25
2. Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021–25
3. Infrastructure Strategy 2021–25
4. Economic Development Strategy 2021–25
5. Transformation Strategy 2022–26.

2024/25 marked a major milestone, with four of the five Domain Strategies reaching the end of their delivery cycle. The Transformation Strategy 2022–26 remains active, with one year of delivery remaining.

Evaluation of these strategies has informed Council’s future direction and directly shaped the development of the Strategic Outcomes and priorities in the new Council Plan 2025–29. 

Hallam Recreation Reserve AFL/cricket pavilion renewal

Completed in June 2025, this $1.94 million project, jointly funded by the State Government through the 2021/22 Strategic Projects Program ($1 million) and Council, delivered a major upgrade to the AFL/cricket pavilion. 

Works included changeroom redevelopment, a new façade, external concreting, and the addition of a community room, kitchen, office and public amenities.

Berwick Springs pedestrian bridge replacement

Completed in May 2025, this $476,000 project involved the demolition of the existing structure and the design and construction of a new pedestrian bridge over the Berwick Springs Wetlands. 

Funded through the Federal Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, the new bridge enhances connectivity and supports community activities, including the Berwick Springs Park Run Club.

Playground renewal projects

12 local-level playgrounds were scheduled for upgrade in 2024/25, with five completed just before Christmas, including Roberts Road Reserve (Cranbourne), Calrossi Close Reserve (Endeavour Hills), Kalora Park Oval (Berwick), and the pictured Ribbon Gum Drive Reserve (Lyndhurst). The average budget for these projects was approximately $150,000, with all removed equipment repurposed through the Rotary Overseas Recycled Playgrounds Program.

Brentwood Park Neighbourhood House renovation

This project was completed in June 2025 and delivered significant improvements to a local community facility. The total cost was $590,000 - $287,100 of which was funded by the State Government Growing Suburbs Fund. 

Works included renovations to reception areas and kitchenettes, cosmetic upgrades, and enhancements to sustainability and accessibility through solar power installation and improved security. 

The project also featured playground replacement and landscaping to support inclusive play and address anti-social behaviour through strategic design changes.

Tyabb-Tooradin Road rehabilitation

This project addressed significant surface deterioration along a 1.8km stretch near the Tyabb-Tooradin, Baxter- Tooradin, and South Boundary Road intersection.

The $2.43 million project was completed in March 2025 over a two-week period and was jointly funded by the Federal Government through the Local Roads Grants Commission ($1.824 million) and Council ($604,000).

Works included deep road base rehabilitation, asphalt resurfacing, verge and driveway reinstatement, and final line marking to improve safety and durability.

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. 

Outcomes achieved in 2024/25

• Facilitated the delivery of over $11.64 million in developer-led road upgrades to improve infrastructure in Casey’s growth areas including Sofra Road, Missens Road and Bells Road.
   
• Attracted thousands to arts and cultural events through major exhibitions and performances with leading partners including Floribunda and Generation Clay.
   
• Supported hundreds of women and girls to get active through inclusive #CaseyGirlsCan sports programs.
   
• Rolled out the Sport4All program to make Council more inclusive for people with disability.
   
• Commenced construction on the Hardys Road Community Centre to support connection and access to services.
   
• Progressed the co-design of Cranbourne Community Hub with potential tenants to create a central space for services.
   
• Delivered stage one of the Doveton Pool in the Park and advocated for funding to support future stages of redevelopment.
   
• Finalised key structure plans with the Victorian Planning Authority to support new housing and jobs in Casey. These included Casey Fields South, Devon Meadows and Croskell Precinct Structure Plans.
   
• Renewed 17 playgrounds across Casey to provide safe, accessible and high-quality open spaces for the community.

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. 

Outcomes achieved in 2024/25

• Partnered with industry, education and training providers to strengthen employment pathways for Casey residents. Key initiatives included hosting career expos, delivering job-readiness programs, and running employer-led sessions for over 250 local job seekers.
   
• Implemented recommendations from Business-Friendly Council Approvals (PLUS!) program to improve Casey’s statutory planning processes to make it easier to do business in Casey.
   
• Progressed Council’s Strategic Property Program to revitalise land for civic, community and commercial use. Key actions included planning for Narre Warren Village, supporting the opening of Cranbourne Community Hospital, and contributing to the Berwick Village Structure Plan.

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. 

Outcomes achieved in 2024/25

• Commenced the implementation of Greening Casey 10-year planting plan to increase tree canopy cover, build climate resilience and create places people love. Throughout 2024/25, 25,000 trees were planted in streets and parks.
   
• Completed a biodiversity study across 5,600+ hectares, identifying critical habitats and threatened species to guide future conservation efforts.
   
• Engaged the community in biodiversity education and stewardship, with over 12,000 trees planted and hundreds participating in events, workshops, and native plant giveaways.
   
• Continued rollout of the State’s Waste Kerbside Reform Program, including bin lid updates, public communications, and planning for a future glass bin service.
• Worked with eight councils to advance the South East Metropolitan Advanced Waste Processing initiative, aiming to reduce landfill and improve sustainable waste management.
   
• Made strong progress on the Climate Action Plan 2022-30 by powering all Council facilities with renewable electricity and completing major upgrades, including a 312kW solar system at Casey RACE and heat pump installations at five community sites.

Advocate to State and Federal Governments for key service and infrastructure delivery

The City of Casey aims to secure funding through Council’s advocacy campaign, Connecting Casey, to provide transport, infrastructure and community services.

Outcomes achieved in 2024/25

• Secured over $150 million in government funding for major infrastructure projects, including the Thompsons Road upgrade and the Women’s Centre of Excellence at Casey Fields.
   
• Worked with eight councils through Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) to support regional job creation, transport improvements and business growth.
   
• Attended the GSEM Jobs and Skills Summit and shared local data to help address skill shortages and plan for future employment.
   
• Helped establish the GSEM Transport Working Group to advocate for better roads and public transport across the region.
   
• Supported strategic projects like the South East Region Airport and regional emissions reduction plans to drive long-term growth.

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.

Outcomes achieved in 2024/25

• Worked closely with young people to improve health and wellbeing through food-focused initiatives, including co-designing a community garden at Narre Warren Youth Centre and running cultural cooking sessions at the Casey Youth Hub.
   
• Worked to make facilities more welcoming and accessible for older residents. We used the new Open Spaces Strategy to guide upgrades at Ray Bastin Reserve, which will include seniors exercise equipment, and to plan the redevelopment of Doveton Pool in the Park.
   
• Worked in partnership with the community to support the activation of a new Family and Community Centre in Clyde North. 
   
• Made strong progress on the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan by embedding reconciliation principles across Council, launching a public progress tracker, and hosting the first community event for National Reconciliation Week.

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.

Outcomes achieved in 2024/25

•  Formed and supported the Casey Catalyst Leadership Group, made up of 19 alumni of the Casey Community Leadership Program, to strengthen community leadership and connections.
   
• Delivered two networking events, including a Councillor-alumni gathering in April and a themed discussion session in June.
   
• Delivered a comprehensive induction program for newly elected Councillors, including governance training with IBAC, strategic briefings and a municipal bus tour to support effective leadership and community engagement.
   

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. 

Outcomes achieved in 2024/25

• Improved customer experience by making it easier to get help and complete tasks online. Key updates included better website content for common enquiries like rates, animals and infringements and some new and updated online forms
   
• Improved communications for requests submitted via Snap Send Solve.
   
• Worked with the community and newly elected Councillors to develop the Long-Term Community Vision 2035 and Council Plan 2025–29, shaped through the Shape Your City engagement program.
   
• Delivered key initiatives under the Smart Casey Launchpad Program, including launching a Councillor transparency page, hosting the Innovate Casey event, and installing smart sensors at leisure facilities to improve safety and maintenance.

Council will continue to prioritise a connected, resilient and forward-looking community.

Community health and wellbeing: Promote physical, mental and social wellbeing across all life stages.

Social inclusion and safety: Foster a connected, inclusive community with improved perceptions of safety and access to opportunities.

Sustainable infrastructure delivery: Build and maintain infrastructure that supports growth, accessibility and resilience.

Transport and mobility: Advocate for improved public transport (e.g. Clyde rail extension), road upgrades and active transport options.

Climate resilience and environmental sustainability: Respond to climate change through green infrastructure, biodiversity protection and emergency preparedness.

Economic development and employment: Support local businesses, attract investment and create pathways to jobs and skills development.

Cultural and creative engagement: Deliver arts, cultural programs and events that reflect Casey’s diversity and strengthen community identity.

Youth and education support: Partner with schools and organisations to improve access to education and youth engagement.

Digital transformation and innovation: Invest in technology and data to improve service delivery and community engagement.

Financial sustainability and good governance: Ensure transparent, responsive and financially responsible operations that build trust and deliver value. 

Casey continues to face a complex mix of financial, social and infrastructure challenges.

Cost of living pressures: Rising housing, utility and service costs strained residents, partners, suppliers and Council operations. 

Rate capping constraints: The 2.75% rate cap imposed by the Victorian Government limited Council’s ability to respond to inflation and rising infrastructure and service costs.  

Rapid population growth: Casey’s continued growth intensified demand for housing, transport and community services, challenging delivery and adaptability. 

Asset maintenance and renewal: Balancing ageing infrastructure upkeep with new project delivery is increasingly complex amid financial constraints and rising service demands.  

Roads and transport infrastructure: Gaps in transport infrastructure, including road maintenance, intersection upgrades and arterial extensions, continue to limit mobility across the municipality.  

Social inclusion and community wellbeing: Improving perceptions of safety, access to education and employment, and fostering social connection remain priorities. Delivering meaningful outcomes within limited resources and a diverse community is an ongoing challenge. 

Trust and safety in civic participation: Following disruptions at Council Meetings, Council introduced a registration process to ensure the safety of those attending.