Victoria's anti-corruption watchdog is to hold public hearings into allegations of serious corruption around planning and property development at the City of Casey in Melbourne’s sprawling south-east.

In what may prove to be the most serious probe of property-related corruption in Victoria for decades, well-placed sources have confirmed the investigation by the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) will examine central issues raised by The Sunday Age in October and November 2018.

The October report raised serious questions about the relationship between councillors and state MPs and prominent developers, planners and consultants. The stories focussed on planning and development companies in the south-east including planning consultants Watsons and its founder.

Casey is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Australia

Casey resident and council watcher Brett Hudson said at the time that he had long wondered about the sway of developers in the area.