At a Council Meeting on Tuesday 17 April 2024, the City of Casey endorsed a number of key draft strategic documents for public exhibition, including:
- The Draft Budget Report, which includes the Draft Budget 2024/25 and Draft Capital Works Program 2024/25
- Draft Council Plan 2021-25 - Year 4 Review
- Draft Annual Action Plan 2024/25
- Draft Financial Plan 2024/25 - 2033/34
- Draft Schedule of Fees and Charges 2024/25
Council's $567.4 million Draft Budget prioritises the delivery of crucial services across the City of Casey. Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff PSM said this financial year Council is working within tight budget parameters due to economic pressures and rising costs being experienced by our community and the organisation.
"We understand the pressure that our community are facing at the moment due to rising costs. Our priority is to deliver important community services as efficiently as possible. The imposed 2.75 per cent State Government rate cap will have an impact on Council's ability to deliver infrastructure and services to a significantly growing community," she said.
"However, we will budget in a financially responsible way, focussing on the long-term financial stability to ensure Council is economically equipped for the future."
Despite the financial challenges faced, Ms Duff said Council continues to show its commitment to important community initiatives that will create inclusive and safe spaces for all members of our community.
"In 2024/25 we are looking forward to implementing our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), including cultural awareness training for staff, engagement with Aboriginal experts to utilise cultural knowledge and consultation with local Traditional Owners on the development of a cultural learning strategy," she said.
"As a major employer in the municipality, we acknowledge that we need to lead by example when it comes to being a safe, inclusive and affirming employer for the LGBTIQA+ community. Over the next 12 months we are committed to implementing a number of inclusive workplace practices in areas such as inclusive staff training, recruitment and on-boarding.
"There are a number of exciting programs to be rolled out, including the Sport4All program, aimed at educating and guiding sport clubs to be inclusive and welcoming for those people that identify as having a disability."
Ms Duff said a key focus for Council in 2024/25 will be delivering reforms that uphold integrity and transparency through clear, contemporary policies and decision-making.
"Following the findings of the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission Operation Sandon Report, we want to assure our community that any new councillors elected will be of the highest standard. To help achieve the best possible democratic representation of the Casey community, we will be supporting a Councillor Induction Program in the lead up to the October 2024 elections," she said.
In 2024/25, Council will invest in much-need infrastructure and upgrades through a $107.3 million Capital Works Program (CWP). This includes $15.9 million towards road projects, $47.03 towards recreational, leisure and community facilities, $8.9 million towards parks, open space and streetscapes and $4.6 million to improve footpaths and cycleways.
Highlights of this year's CWP include:
- The renewal of the 50-metre pool at Doveton Pool in the Park: $3,205,122
- The conversion of street lighting from Mercury V to LED: $2,494,140
- Springleaf Recreation Reserve, Clyde North: $8,600,000
- Hardy's Road Family and Community Centre, Clyde North: $5,400,000
- The upgrade of the Tooradin Recreation Reserve Pavilion: $2,846,090
- The upgrade of the Strathaird Reserve Pavilion, Narre Warren South: $1,500,000
- The upgrade of the Grices Road Recreation Reserve Pavilion, Berwick: $1,521,370
- The implementation of the Greening Casey 10-year Planting Plan: $1,837,410
- The redevelopment of Ray Bastin Reserve, Narre Warren: $1,682,360
- Improvements to Tyabb-Tooradin Road (between South Boundary Road and Baxter-Tooradin Road, Pearcedale): $1,834,000.
Ms Duff said as we approach the final year of the Council Plan, Council's focus will continue to be directed towards the priorities of our community, which include open space and recreation, climate change and our environment, transport and infrastructure, and safety.
"In 2024, we are looking forward to again engaging with our community to develop the next Council Plan and new Community Vision," she said.
The key draft strategic documents are now on public exhibition until Wednesday 8 May and the community are invited to have their say. Following the exhibition phase, all submissions will be heard at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 28 May, prior to the adoption of the suite of strategic documents on Tuesday 18 June.
