Find out about modern cloth nappies and lots of other environmentally friendly alternatives for everyday aspects of raising babies and children at the Casey Green Kids Expo.

Learn how to make sustainable choices to benefit your family and the environment when the Casey Green Kids Expo visits Bunjil Place this month.

The annual expo aims to educate families about how they can reduce their impact on the environment, with a range of stallholders and information on modern cloth nappies, organic foods, sustainably produced toys and lots of other environmentally friendly alternatives for everyday aspects of raising babies and children.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett encouraged families to head along to the expo.

“With more than 5,000 babies born in Casey each year, there’s a lot of disposable nappies heading to landfill. It’s estimated that disposable nappies contribute to two tonnes of waste per child and they take hundreds of years to break down in landfill,” he said.

“Council promotes and supports the use of cloth nappies, as they are better for the baby, the environment and your wallet.

“Along with finding out more about how easy modern cloth nappies are to use at the Green Kids Expo, you’ll be able to learn about a range of other sustainable choices you can make for your family through simple day to day actions.”

There will be an opportunity to provide feedback at the expo and go in the running to win a Greentom Stroller made from recycled plastic valued at nearly $1,000.

Event details

Date: Saturday 28 April 2018
Time: 9.00 am - 2.00 pm
Venue: Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren
Cost: FREE

For more information including a list of stallholders visit: www.casey.vic.gov.au/greenkids

The City of Casey has developed a Draft Casey Fields Master Plan 2018 to outline Council’s vision to improve and expand the region’s premier sporting precinct.

The Master Plan will guide the future development, renewal and management of the regional sporting hub and sets out the future projects that will bring Casey Fields to full development over the next 20 years.

The Vision laid out in the Master Plan is that, ‘Casey Fields is a hub for local sport and recreation and the heart of regional sport for South East Melbourne. The quality facilities set in an attractive parkland setting encourage Casey residents and visitors to be active, whatever their fitness level or ability’.

Key projects of the Master Plan that Council hopes to bring to fruition include:

• Development of regional soccer and regional netball precincts.
• Creation of a range of informal open spaces for recreation including a five-kilometre fitness trail, a dog friendly space, linear park with playspace and outdoor exercise equipment.
• Improved path networks to better connect people to each precinct across Casey Fields.
• Expansion of the Regional Playspace and Village Green including the trial of a pop-up café in that location.

With the draft Master Plan now on public exhibition, City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett encouraged residents to check it out and give their feedback.

“Casey Fields is the premier sporting precinct of the south-east, which sets itself apart by its vast and diverse mix of sports and quality of facilities offered in one place,” Cr Ablett said.

“Located in one of Australia’s fastest growing suburbs of Cranbourne East, and with Casey’s population set to exceed 500,000 by 2041, Council sees Casey Fields as an integral part in meeting the sporting and recreational needs of our growing community in the future.

“The Casey Fields site still includes 21 hectares of undeveloped land. The Master Plan outlines the plans for future sporting and recreational development in this space, as well as improvements and enhancements to the existing facilities.

“Council is proud of what has already been achieved at Casey Fields, and through delivering on this Master Plan we look forward to ensuring the precinct reaches its full potential.”

The community can view the Draft Casey Fields Master Plan 2018 and have their say until Monday 7 May 2018.

View the draft here: Casey Fields Masterplan

The Australia Day Study Tour students were among those to join in Council’s Victorian Youth Week celebrations at Bunjil Place last week. Pictured with City of Casey Deputy Mayor Cr Wayne Smith BJ JP and Cr Tim Jackson are students Saurabh Jhanjee, Aashvi Parehh, Michelle O’Hanrahan, Leo Crnogorcevic, Arshaan Shaikh, Tiffany Isgro, Subashini Singhal and Pranjal Pokhalekar.

The City of Casey celebrated its future leaders last Wednesday night when it held a Victorian Youth Week function at Bunjil Place.

Council also hosted a suite of activities at its local youth centres throughout Victorian Youth Week, which ran from Friday 13 April until Sunday 22 April.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett welcomed guests to the function on Wednesday night and spoke about the importance of celebrating the positive contribution that Casey’s young people make to the local community.

“Victorian Youth Week gives people an opportunity to express their ideas and views and be a voice on the issues that affect them,” he said.

“The City of Casey proudly celebrated young people in various ways across Victorian Youth Week, in-particular through last Wednesday nights event that acknowledged young people involved in our current Youth Service Programs.

Cr Ablett congratulated the guests for their positive influence in the community and the inspiration that they provide to those around them.

Council boasts a number of youth service programs that run throughout the municipality, including;

• The Hampton Park, Narre Warren and Cranbourne Youth Information Centres
• Casey 360 Mobile Youth Information Centre
• Koori Youth Group
• The Youth Action Committee
• Australia Day Study Tour students and the
• Spectrum Committee

Cr Ablett said services such as the local youth centres are a major asset to the local community and are relied upon heavily by children, teenagers and adolescents throughout the area.

“These services are vital in keeping our young people connected and engaged, and offer services such as youth counselling, school holiday programs, recreation programs and in-school programs,” he said.

Cr Ablett encouraged all those at Wednesday night’s event to wear the lapel pins they were presented with pride and be proud of the difference they make to the local community.

“Continue to express your ideas, views and be heard, as you are making a big difference through your actions and to those around you,” he said.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett and Councillors Amanda Stapledon and Rex Flannery joined Minister for Sport the Hon John Eren MP, Melbourne Football Club CEO Peter Jackson, General Manager Football Operations Josh Mahoney, AFLW players Katherine Smith and Bianca Jakobsson, State Member for Narre Warren South Judith Graley, State Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera and Labor candidate for Cranbourne Pauline Richards at Casey Fields to celebrate the $5m funding announcement to improve facilities for AFLW.

The City of Casey has welcomed the announcement of $5 million funding for Casey Fields, in what is a win for women’s football in the south-east.

Minister for Sport, the Hon John Eren MP, visited Casey Fields on Thursday 26 April 2018, to officially announce a $5 million investment to upgrade facilities to better support AFLW at Casey’s premier sporting precinct.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett said the funding was a great boost for women’s football in Casey.

“Council has a strong commitment on supporting and growing women’s sport, so we welcome this funding for further improvements to support AFLW games and training at Casey Fields,” he said.

“Through our partnership with Melbourne Football Club, we’re working closely together to increase participation and provide pathways from grassroots to elite levels for local women and girls.

“This funding supports that focus and will help Council and Melbourne Football Club to further strengthen AFLW in Casey, which will have positive flow on benefits for our community.”

The Mayor thanked the State Government for the funding and said Council hoped there would be further investment in Casey to help deliver the infrastructure needed for our rapidly growing community.

“Through the great facilities delivered for AFL at Casey Fields, we’ve been able to attract the elite teams to our city and provide talent pathways to the top for our local players,” he said.

“Council hopes to be able to achieve something similar for soccer in the future. With the City of Greater Dandenong and Cardinia Shire, Team 11 is bidding to become home to the next A League, W League and Youth League franchise which would see a Soccer Centre of Excellence established at Casey Fields and a new rectangular stadium built at the Dandenong Showgrounds.

“Through our Commit to Casey campaign, we’re also advocating to both sides of politics to extend Cranbourne Rail through Cranbourne East to Clyde and upgrade our roads to unclog our transport network and make it easier for our community to get to places like Casey Fields.”

The City of Casey propose to amend the Berwick South Development Plan (The Development Plan).

The Development Plan covers the area bounded by O’Shea Road, Soldiers Road, Grices Road and Clyde Road that is made up of predominately residential land and the Eden Rise Shopping Centre. The Development Plan is a strategic planning document that guides the development of the area.

The proposed amendment will remove the ‘Gross Leasable Floor Area’ cap imposed on the Eden Rise Shopping centre, which currently restricts the area of floor space allowed to be used for commercial uses to 6,000sqm. The amendment will allow for the floor area of the Eden Rise Shopping Centre to be increased in size, with any expansion allowed to occur, still restricted to land currently designated as part of the Eden Rise Shopping Centre (the grey rectangular area in the North West corner of the associated map).

Removing the ‘Gross Leasable Floor Area’ cap implements State Planning Policy and has come at the request of Urbis on behalf of the Pask Group (the owners of the Eden Rise Shopping Centre). 

Details about the Development Plan can be found on the Council webpage: http://www.casey.vic.gov.au/building-planning/planning-documents-on-exhibition/strategic-planning-docs, or can be inspected in person at:

Bunjil Place, Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren VIC 3085
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 8.30 am - 5.00 pm

Any person who may be affected by the amendment to The Development Plan is invited to comment on the proposal via postal or electronic submissions addressed to:

Postal:

Team Leader - City Strategy

City of Casey

PO Box 1000

NARRE WARREN VIC 3805

Email:

cityplanning@casey.vic.gov.au

The closing date for submissions is the 25^th of May 2018.

 Should you have any queries about the proposed amendment to the Berwick South Development Plan, please contact Council’s City Planning Department on ( (03) 9705 5200.

The City of Casey has welcomed today’s pre-budget announcement of $572m to upgrade power and signals on the Cranbourne line, however it falls short of extending the rail line to Australia’s fastest growing suburb.

The latest population growth data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has revealed Cranbourne East is ground zero for Australia’s population boom – with over 7,300 people moving there this year alone.

It also found Casey is growing much faster than previously thought, with more than 327,380 residents calling it home - an increase of 13,859 or 4.4% growth in the past year.

Already Melbourne’s most populous municipality, the City of Casey is on track to hit half a million residents in less than 20 years, the current population of Tasmania.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett said the reason Australians were flocking to Cranbourne East was the appeal of owning a home and raising a family.

“Casey residents deserve their fair share of road and rail funding from the State Government to stop their dream becoming a nightmare,” Cr Ablett said.

“Casey’s roads are used by more cars than was ever intended, while investment in public transport has been slashed – making Casey one of Victoria’s most poorly transport serviced municipalities.

“We are pleased that the Victorian Government is responding to our rapid population growth with new investments, but the reality is it is nowhere near the funding required to address Casey’s backlog in transport infrastructure funding.”

Clyde mother of five Kylie Williams said doing things that residents of more established suburbs take for granted, was becoming increasingly tough.

“Just doing simple things, like driving the kids to school takes so much longer than it should. We couldn’t survive without the car, but unlike other suburbs closer to the city, we have no other option,” Ms Williams said.

New Clyde resident Isabelle Fredericks said it was time both sides of politics put their hands in their pockets and provided residents of the outer southeast with their fair share of transport infrastructure.

“Everyday we slug it out on the roads because we have no other choice,” she said.

“Even on a good day it takes at least an hour and half to get into town; a rail line to Clyde is the least we deserve.”

Cr Ablett said today’s announcement falls short of Council’s campaign to extend and duplicate the rail line to Clyde and he renewed calls for both sides of politics to Commit to Casey.

“Fixing Casey’s roads and extending Cranbourne Rail will boost connections to jobs and schools, create more than 18,000 much-needed jobs and inject $1.5 billion into the local economy,” he said.

“The State Government and Opposition should commit to our residents the one thing they value more than anything – time at home with their families instead of stuck on the roads.

“The Casey community deserves its fair share of road and rail funding and is calling on the Government and Opposition to Commit to Casey, fix the region’s roads and extend Cranbourne Rail.”

What Casey residents need:

• $1.5b upgrade of the Cranbourne rail line - extended and duplicated to Clyde with new stations at Cranbourne East and Clyde along the existing abandoned South Gippsland line
• $1.2b upgrade of arterial roads at 6 key locations in Casey, unlocking jobs, investment and giving residents back valuable family time

For more information visit the Commit to Casey website.

To speak with Cr Ablett, Kylie Williams or Isabelle Fredericks call City of Casey Communications on 9705 5200.

Today’s Victorian State Budget recorded the biggest direct investment in the City of Casey, with more than $1.4 billion in transport and education funding.

The Victorian Budget 2018/19 will provide over $1 billion in Casey road funding for the next five years, as part of a $2.2 billion public-private partnership.

These investments include:

• Hallam North Road, from Heatherton Road to James Cook Drive, Endeavour Hills
• Thompsons Road intersection works, Cranbourne
• Widening Pound Road West/Remington Drive, Hampton Park from two to four lanes between Abbott’s Road and South Gippsland Highway, including a new bridge over the Cranbourne Line
• Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, from Thompsons Road to South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne
• Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road, from Princes Freeway to Manks Road, Pakenham

This investment comes alongside $572 million to upgrade power and signals on the Cranbourne line to accommodate for high capacity metro trains, as well as planning for future duplication.

The budget will also provide an additional $66 million in education funding for new schools in Botanic Ridge, Cranbourne East and Clyde North as well as upgrades to existing schools.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett said today’s investment recognised the demand to cater for the increasing number of families who are choosing to call Casey home.

“We are pleased that the Victorian Government has responded to our Commit to Casey campaign to address rapid population growth, as well as calls for our fair share in road and rail funding,” said the Mayor.

“Planning for our current and future resident’s education is vital, and so too is ensuring students can get to school safely and promptly.

“As one of the fastest growing municipalities in Australia we will continue to advocate for improved roads and rail to create jobs, improve access to essential services, ease cost of living pressures and help the local community and economy thrive.”

For more information visit the Commit to Casey website.

It’s a little house with a little footprint, however The New Joneses’ Tiny House that has taken up residence at Bunjil Place is full of ideas on how you can reduce your impact on the environment.

With a focus on living a big life with a little footprint, the pop-up lifestyle hub shows that solutions to housing affordability, rising electricity prices and overflowing landfill are tiny, achievable, technologically brilliant and on our doorstep.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett launched the temporary installation in the Bunjil Place Plaza on Thursday 26 April and encouraged residents to head along and explore it for themselves.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to get some tips and tricks on ways to improve your lifestyle and make more environmentally friendly choices,” Cr Ablett said.

“The New Joneses’ will be at Bunjil Place until Sunday 6 May, showcasing how you can simplify, de-clutter, reduce your waste, choose environmentally friendly products and much more.

“This is an interactive and fun way to teach your family about the small things you can do to reduce your footprint on the planet and embed those values and behaviours into your children from a young age.

“Come and see first-hand how you can make simple every day choices that can improve our natural environment.”

The Mayor added that Council undertakes a range of initiatives to help preserve and improve Casey’s environment.

“We have electric vehicles in our Council car fleet, we use recycled crushed concrete in road and pavement works, we offer rebates to residents who purchase compost bins and worm farms and we purchase park furniture that is made from recycled plastics, ‘closing the loop’ with our regular recycling service,” he said.

“Council encourages residents to also make more sustainable choices, and The New Joneses’ is a great place to start for some inspiration on how you can improve your environmental footprint.”

The New Joneses is FREE and happening at Bunjil Place until Sunday 6 May. It is being supported by some other recycling and sustainability themed events at the precinct throughout the week including:

• Upcycled Jewellery Workshop: Wednesday 2 May, 7.00 pm
  Learn how to design and construct stunning pieces from colourful recycled plastics.
• The Whale’s Tale: Friday 4 May, 11.00 am and 1.15 pm, and Saturday 5 May, 10.00 am and 1.00 pm
  Physical theatre company, Born in a Taxi visit the Bunjil Place Plaza for a second time with a large-scale, interactive outdoor performance for kids and their families about our impact on the ocean.
• Creature: Friday 4 May, 10.30 am and 6.00 pm
  A stunning new stage adaption of the classic Australian story Dot and the Kangaroo, showcasing the magical world of the Australian bush and how our actions and choices affect the world around us.

For further details including opening hours and tickets, visit the Bunjil Place website.

The highly anticipated Casey’s Got Talent returned with a bang this year when a suite of performers from across Casey lit up the stage at the end of April.

Some of Casey’s best local performers wowed audiences on Friday 20 April, but it came down to six of the best who managed to take home a trophy.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett thanked the performers for providing such an entertaining show and for the commitment they dedicate towards their acts. 

“I am overwhelmed by the variety of performances and in awe of your talent,” he said.

“Casey’s Got Talent is just one-way Council showcases the performing arts and it was fantastic to give these performers the chance to demonstrate their talents in our wonderful Studio at Bunjil Place.  

“I think the calibre of the talent this year is reflective of the huge following we have for the arts in Casey, and Council is proud to support the growth of this sector, as well as our homegrown talent.”

The overall winners on the night included:

• Dance – Holly Neal

• Vocalist – Matt Prins

• People’s Choice Award – Elina Pinto

• 14 and under– Charley Cestnik

• 15 – 20 years -Tage Hosking Gregory

• 21 and over – Matt Prins and Ebony Portelli

Casey’s Got Talent is open to all City of Casey residents who live, work or study in Casey with two auditions held prior to the grand finale!

To check out the other events and initiatives hosted by Council, visit the Events and Activities webpage.

The City of Casey is gearing up for its inaugural Pet Expo on Saturday 19 May at Wilson Botanic Park Berwick.

The Casey Pet Expo is an opportunity for residents and visitors to learn about responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.

The expo will include:

• Guest presenters
• Live entertainment including the Flipping Disc Dogz
• Wildlife demonstration
• Pet related stalls including a photo booth
• Food and beverage providers
• Information on registrations, desexing, and microchipping on the day

City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett said Casey has one of the highest rates of pet registrations in Melbourne with over 37,000 dogs and cats registered.

“We are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership and the expo is a great way to continue on this work and showcase a range of pet-related businesses and organisations available to our community”, said the Mayor.

“Pets are part of our families and through our journey to transform our most popular transactions we have made the process of pet registration easier through the introduction of a new digital form.

“Council will be offering 50 per cent off the price of new cat or dog registrations made on the day at the expo through our online system. To be eligible to take up this offer on the day please ensure your animals have a current microchip number.

“For the first time this year, Council also sent pet registration reminder notices via email to all residents who have a registered email account with the City of Casey.

“We encourage everyone to bring their furry friend down (on their lead) for an afternoon of fun filled activities for both pets and owners to enjoy”.

Event details
Date: Saturday 19 May 2018
Time: 11.00 am to 3.00 pm
Location: Wilson Botanic Park Berwick, 668 Princes Highway, Berwick
Entry: Free

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION

FOR A PLANNING PERMIT

This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority.

An objection must be made to the Responsible Authority in writing to,

Manager Planning, P.O. Box 1000, Narre Warren 3805

or adminplanning@casey.vic.gov.au:

• Include the reasons for the objection

• State how the objector would be affected.

The Responsible Authority must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.

If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you its decision.

CASEY CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC NOTICE

Casey City Council (Council) gives notice under the Naming Rules of the Geographic Place Names Act 1998 to realign part of the suburban boundary between Hallam and Narre Warren as shown on the plan below.

The purpose of the proposed realignment is to integrate the residential development of the former property at 11-13 Bunbury Avenue Hallam into the adjoining Narre Warren residential area. The realigned Troups Creek (part) would become the suburban boundary between Hallam and Narre Warren.

Please contact Mr Peter Gillieron on 9705 5200 for any further information on the Proposal.

A person may make a submission on the proposal.  Any person proposing to make a submission under section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989 must do so by the close of business on Friday 1 June 2018.

All submissions will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Act.

Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, and can be hand delivered to Council's Office at Magid Drive Narre Warren or posted to the following address:

The Chief Executive Officer
Casey City Council
PO Box 1000
NARRE WARREN  3805

A person making a submission is entitled to request in the submission that the person wishes to appear in person, or be represented by a person specified in the submission, at a meeting of the Council (or of a committee determined by the Council) to be heard in support of the submission.

Steve Dalton
Acting Chief Executive Officer

CASEY CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC NOTICE

Casey City Council (Council) gives notice under the Geographic Place Names Act 1998 of its intention to name its unnamed reserve at 2-8 Frawley Road Eumemmerring 3977 as “Jan Bateman Reserve” and the netball pavilion on the reserve as the “Joan Findlay Pavilion”. A plan of the reserve is shown below. 

Please contact Mr Peter Gillieron on 9705 5200 for any further information on the Proposal.

A person may make a submission on the proposal.  Any person proposing to make a submission under section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989 must do so by the close of business on Friday 1^st June 2018.

All submissions will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Act.

Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, and can be hand delivered to Council's Office at Magid Drive Narre Warren or posted to the following address:

The Chief Executive Officer
Casey City Council
PO Box 1000
NARRE WARREN  3805

A person making a submission is entitled to request in the submission that the person wishes to appear in person, or be represented by a person specified in the submission, at a meeting of the Council (or of a committee determined by the Council) to be heard in support of the submission.

Steve Dalton
Acting Chief Executive Officer

The City of Casey has celebrated its rich multiculturalism by honouring three local community groups with a plaque each on the Wall of Global Friendships.

The wall celebrates and acknowledges Casey’s cultural diversity and features a collection of inscribed plaques from local multicultural groups that have settled in or contribute to Casey’s rich culture.

The feature, located at Balla Balla Community Centre, recognises the contribution of various local groups, promotes friendships and goodwill between Casey’s cultural groups, provides a meeting place for ceremonies and other special occasions, and provides a unique outdoor community space.

On Saturday 28 April, the Cultural Historical Association of Rodriguans and Mauritians in Victoria (C.H.A.R.M), The Indian Federation Association of Victoria and The Spanish Widows each had a plaque unveiled that was dedicated to their group.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett acknowledged the groups as well as their remarkable contributions.

“It’s groups such as these that give members of our community a sense of belonging, and an opportunity to take pride in their culture and the diversity that they bring to Casey,” he said.

C.H.A.R.M showcases the heritage of the Mauritius and Rodrigues people through hosting and coordinating festivals, and represents and liaises on behalf of people who have migrated from Mauritius and Rodrigues.

The Indian Federation Association of Victoria brings together the regional, cultural and lingual Indian groups under one umbrella and in 2004 it established the Indian Welfare Resource Centre, which offers counselling services for new migrants and victims of violence.

The Spanish Widows is a not for profit organisation that supports people with a disability and the elderly, who speak Spanish as a first language. The organisation assists in connecting people with various service providers, including skill development training providers and job networks.

Cr Ablett congratulated the groups on their dedication and commitment to their culture, which he described as exemplary.

“Casey boasts more than 150 cultures, and the Wall of Global Friendships demonstrates our ability to work cohesively to maintain a harmonious and welcoming community for all to be a part of,” he said.

Works to demolish the old Civic Centre and Narre Warren Library have commenced and are expected to be completed late 2018.

While these works take place, the central walkway between Bunjil Place, Casey ARC and Westfield will be closed (path between the old Civic Centre and old Narre Warren Library) and some carparking in the precinct will be impacted. There are alternative paths of travel available for pedestrians.

Wayfinding signage has been installed to assist visitors to navigate around the construction site.

The works will be completed in two phases. The first phase will include the demolition of the old Civic Centre and Narre Warren Library buildings and surrounding infrastructure. The second phase includes bulk earthworks, the construction of an additional 80 space carpark and re-establishing the area for public use.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett said that the contractors have now taken over the site and visitors to the Bunjil Place precinct can expect to see dramatic changes start occurring.

“The first few weeks of work will predominantly consist of the removal of external vegetation and internal demolition works to both buildings.”

“Following this the substantive external building demolition works will commence to enable the new carpark construction works to start.”

“During the works there will unfortunately be some impact to car parking in the precinct and we strongly encourage visitors to utilise the digital parking signs to locate available parking within the Bunjil Place precinct,” said the Mayor.

“The works are short-term pain for long-term gain as we will be constructing a new car park as part of the works, to deliver an additional 80 car park spaces on the site.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to our visitors during this time and we are working to ensure these works are completed as quickly as possible and to keep disruptions to a minimum.”

The City of Casey is inviting the community to have its say on the 2018-19 Draft Budget – a budget which delivers for the Casey community of today, while focusing on a future serving 500,000 residents.

At its Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 8 May, Council adopted the draft budget for community consultation along with the Draft Revised Council Plan 2017-21.

Despite the challenges of the cumulative impact of rate capping, faster than forecast growth and the global recycling crisis, this year’s draft budget continues Council’s strong investment in services and the projects that support the community. It includes:

• A $121.2m Capital Works Program which delivers on the second year of the four-year plan focused on creating Australia’s most liveable city.
• A rates increase of 2.25% in line with the rate cap, with the waste charge rising by just $28, among the
  lowest of any Victorian Council.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett said while rising costs and demand for services were beyond Council’s control, Casey was well positioned to limit the impact on residents while continuing to invest in the projects the community needs.

“This is a draft budget our residents can be proud of. It supports the delivery of services to the Casey community by investing in $121.2m of infrastructure for our new and growing communities, as well as renewing facilities in our established suburbs,” he said.

“It also continues to invest in Council’s digital transformation so we can leverage technology, innovation and data to meet the demands of our large and growing city into the future.

“However, this year’s budget is also a window into the future in which the cumulative pinch of rate capping is clear.

“It represents a tipping point where the future will be characterised by the increasingly difficult job of bridging the gap between the infrastructure and services the community expect and what Council can afford to deliver.”

The Mayor warned that through the development of the budget, it has become clear Council can’t continue to deliver the current levels of services and investment under the current funding model.

He said future budgets will be calculated under a cloud of considering reducing or even ceasing services as the cumulative weight of rate capping bites, hitting growing communities harder than most.

“As one of the fastest growing communities in Australia, Council is focused on ensuring we can meet the challenges of delivering services and infrastructure to a community growing towards half a million,” the Mayor said.

“The transformation of Council’s operations and investment in better systems and technology has already delivered savings which have been reinvested in the community.

“The 2018-19 Draft Budget continues this efficiency transformation and invests in delivering smarter, simpler and more streamlined processes and technology for residents.

“We are leading the way through our Smart Cities program and investing in our technology and processes now, so we can deliver and meet the growing demands of a community tipped to exceed 500,000 residents by 2041.”

All residents are encouraged to check out the 2018-19 Draft Budget and have their say at www.caseyconversations.com.au by Friday 8 June 2018.

Anyone who makes a submission will have the opportunity to present to Council on 19 June 2018 at a Special Council Meeting.

Council will consider any written submissions, prior to adopting the Budget on 26 June 2018.

The 2018-19 Draft Budget at a glance:

• $441.1m total budget
  • $319.9m operating budget
  • $121.2m million capital works program
• 2.25% average general rate increase in line with the rate cap and a $28 increase in waste charge due to global recycling crisis. Based on recent property valuations conducted by the Victorian Valuer General, this means the rates and waste charge for residential properties will increase by an average of $85 this year.

Capital Works Program highlights:

$25.98m to renew, upgrade and construct new sports recreational facilities including:

• New District Level Soccer Pavilion at Jack Thomas Reserve, Narre Warren North ($4.08m)
• Pavilion upgrade for soccer, cricket and football at Lawson Poole Reserve, Cranbourne ($3.13m)

$14.66m to renew and build family and community facilities including:

• New Family and Community Centre in Ramlegh Estate, Clyde ($3.1m)
• New Family and Community Centre in Kilora Estate, Clyde North ($3.73m)

$26.65m for improving Casey’s expansive road and path network including:

• Planning, design and construction of a missing link of Glasscocks Road, Hampton Park ($7m)
• Creation of recreational Troups Creek shared path, from north of Princes Highway to Saffron Drive, Narre Warren ($520,467)

$4.55m for building and improving our playgrounds and open spaces including:

• Development of recreation park land, called Bayview Park, inspired by the 1000 Steps at the old Narre Warren Landfill Site, Narre Warren North ($531,200)
• Stage 2 development of Livvi's Place Playground, Lyndhurst ($265,600

$4.5m to continue Council’s digital transformation to leverage technology, innovation and data to meet the demands of our future size.

CITY OF CASEY
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REVISED COUNCIL PLAN 2017-21
ANNUAL ACTION PLAN 2018-2019, BUDGET 2018-2019, STRATEGIC
RESOURCE PLAN 2018-2022 AND LONG TERM FINANCIAL PLAN

In accordance with Sections 125, 126, 127, 129 and 223 of the Local Government Act 1989 (“the Act”) and the Local Government (Planning and Reporting) Regulations 2014, Casey City Council gives notice that it has prepared a revised Council Plan 2017-21, Annual Action Plan 2018-2019, Budget for the financial year 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019, Strategic Resource Plan 2018-2022 and Long Term Financial Plan.

Council will hold a Special Council meeting on Tuesday 26 June 2018, commencing at 6.30 pm, to adopt the revised Council Plan 2017-2021, Annual Action Plan 2018-2019, Budget for 2018-2019, and Strategic Resource Plan 2018-2022, subject to the right of any person to make a submission as set out in this notice. 

The name and suburb of all submitters will be included in the agenda and minutes of the Council Meeting where submissions are considered.

Copies of the proposed Council Plan, Draft Budget, Strategic Resource Plan and Long Term Financial Plan are available from 10 May 2018 for inspection at Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren and the Customer Service Centre at Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre, Cranbourne and or on the Current Consultations webpage.

Written submissions under Sections 125, 129 and 223 of the Act on any proposal contained in the Council Plan, 2018-2019 Budget, Strategic Resource Plan and Long Term Financial Plan must be made to Council, within 28 days of this notice.  The period for receipt of submissions will close at 5.00 pm on Friday 8 June 2018.

Submissions should be made on the online submission form, emailed to caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au or submitted by mail to:

Chief Executive Officer,
PO Box 1000,
Narre Warren, 3805

Any person requesting to be heard in support of his or her written submission is entitled to be heard before Council or represented by a person acting on his or her behalf.

Submissions on the Council Plan, 2018-2019 Budget, Strategic Resource Plan and Long Term Financial Plan will be considered at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 19 June 2018, at Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren commencing at 6.30 pm. 

Adoption of the Council Plan, Budget and Strategic Resource Plan will be considered during the Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 26 June 2018, at  Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren commencing at 6.30 pm. Council will give public notice of its decision in accordance with Section 130(2) of the Act.

Steve Dalton
Acting Chief Executive Officer

The 2018 Casey Cardinia Business Awards are open for business, with applications now open for the flagship regional awards program.

A partnership between the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire Council, the annual awards program recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements and contribution of businesses and organisations across the region.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett encouraged businesses new and old, large and small to apply.

“With 11 categories covering a range of industries as well as the coveted Casey Cardinia Business of the Year award, the program is open to a broad mix of businesses that all contribute to our thriving local business community,”

Cr Ablett said. “It’s fantastic that through this awards program we can shine a light on the many amazing businesses whose passion and commitment contribute to enhancing our region, creating local jobs and boosting our economy.”

Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Collin Ross said there were many benefits for local businesses to be a part of the awards program.

“These awards are a great opportunity for local businesses to review and reflect on their business through the application process and to receive publicity, network and establish relationships and gain feedback from industry experts,” Cr Ross said.

“As well as being a great business development opportunity, the winners will share in $13,000 in prizes, so I encourage all local business operators to get their applications in.”

The categories for the 2018 Casey Cardinia Business Awards are:

• Agriculture and Food
• Business and Professional Services
• Health, Education and Wellbeing
• Home-based Business
• Hospitality
• Manufacturing
• New Business
• Retail
• Social Enterprise
• Tourism
• Trades and Construction

All category winners will automatically be eligible to win the prestigious Casey Cardinia Business of the Year award.

Applications for the awards are open until Friday 29 June 2018. Finalists will be announced at an event on 31 August 2018, with winners to be presented at a Gala Dinner on Friday 26 October 2018 at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.

For further details and to apply visit the Casey Cardinia Region website.

This year’s Casey Cardinia Business Awards are proudly supported by major sponsors Pitcher Partners, Federation University, Zeemo, Your Community Bank, Melbourne Football Club, media partner Star News Group and radio partner LightFM.

The City of Casey hosted an event on Sunday 8 October to honour National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, and to pay respect to our Police and Victims of Crime.

Staged by the Forget Me Not Foundation, the event featured 15 speakers including City of Casey Councillors, local Police, members of parliament, as well as victims of crime support and self-help groups who touched on various elements of crime, as well as the justice system.

The event came after Mayfield Ward Councillor Amanda Stapledon put forward a Notice of Motion at a Council meeting in August, requesting that Council host the event as a mark of support and respect to our Police and local Victims of Crime.

Cr Stapledon said she was proud of Council for hosting an event in recognition of this cause and thanked Founder of the Forget Me Not Foundation Janine Greening for all her assistance and support in organising the event.

“Some locals in our community are seriously affected by very serious cases of crime; matters that many of us couldn’t even imagine,” said Cr Stapledon.

“Amongst the attendees on the day was Acting Inspector Jacqueline Poida and the Hon. Gordon Rich-Phillips MLC, who were both great contributors to the event.

“We went into this event with the aim of promoting issues of law reform, as well as to support people affected by crime, and recognise Council’s role in supporting these people.

“A number of key themes emerged through the day including crime statistics in Casey and perceptions of community safety, changes to police practices including training and local operations to address and prevent crime, the impact of family violence, the need for reform of bail laws for repeat offenders, and improved juvenile justice system responses to violent and repeat offenders.

“It is important that we as a Council understand the issues affecting our residents and provide support while advocating for a fair and just community.”

Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their hard work volunteering?

The time is now to acknowledge these individuals and groups with applications open for the 2018 Casey Volunteer Awards!

Nominations will be open until Friday 20 June at 3.00 pm.

The annual awards encompass five categories and honour individuals, groups and organisations who dedicate themselves to the Casey community or have had a positive impact on the quality of life of local residents.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett encouraged people to nominate and regarded the awards as an important Council program.

“The Casey Volunteer Awards allow Council and the wider community to recognise the tireless efforts of certain individuals and groups who dedicate their time to ensure Casey is a better place,” he said.

“It is important that we acknowledge the invaluable input of the people in our community who ensure that others have access to services or programs that may not otherwise be available to them.”

The five categories that individuals or groups can nominate, or be nominated for include:

• 2018 Casey Individual Volunteer Award
• 2018 Casey Young Volunteer Award
• 2018 Casey Volunteering Pair Award
• 2018 Casey Volunteer Group Award
• 2018 Casey Volunteering Organisation Award

An awards ceremony will be held at Bunjil Place on Friday 27 July to announce the award recipients.

With National Volunteer Week now upon us, Council’s own volunteer initiative Volunteer Matcher clicked over more than 3,000 registrations last weekend. This site is a one-stop portal for volunteering opportunities within the municipality.

Cr Ablett said this initiative was a fantastic way to connect people to volunteering opportunities and he reiterated the importance of considering someone who’s efforts deserved to be celebrated.

To nominate for the awards visit the Volunteer Awards webpage or visit the Volunteer Matcher website.