You’re invited to share your ideas and priorities for our community’s future by making an ‘Individual submission’ to the Manningham Community Panel.

Make an individual submission.

Your input will be considered by the Panel as they deliberate and prepare recommendations for Council’s major strategic plans.

What will the panel deliberate on?

Council endorsed the following remit for the Manningham Community Panel at its 25 June 2024 meeting.

Council has a budget of $147m, but we can’t do everything and need to make hard choices. We need to know what services you value most to help us create a new Council Plan, Asset Plan and Financial Plan to guide Council activity for the next four years to align with the Community Vision. It will inform what the community pays and gets in return.

What range and level of services are you prepared to pay for?

Submit your ideas about what the panel should consider as they work together to answer this question.

This consultation closes Thursday 19 September at 11.59pm.

Community will also be welcome to observe the deliberative process at several open Panel sessions – more information will be available on the Your Say Manningham page shortly.

We’re currently seeking community input on our proposed upgrade of Larnoo Playground to improve facilities for the community. 

We have created a concept plan and are inviting community members to share their thoughts via Your Say Manningham by Friday 20 December 2024.

The proposed upgrade will include new play equipment, new park furniture, new shade sail, and new tree and garden bed planting.

This project is part of our Parks Improvement Program and will be delivered under our 2024/25 open space capital works program.

We are currently seeking community feedback on proposed upgrades to Burgundy Reserve. 

The proposal includes, an upgraded playspace and shelter, a new public toilet as well as a series of improvements to enhance the reserve for dogs and their owners.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said Burgundy Reserve is a popular spot for our local community. 

“We want to ensure Burgundy Reserve continues to be a space for families and local community members to enjoy and look forward to hearing your feedback on our proposed upgrade,” Cr Lange said. 

The concept plan includes:

• a relocated and upgraded fenced playspace
• an upgraded shelter
• a new two cubicle public toilet
• new shared path to connect Cellar Way to Burgundy Drive
• new path lighting 
• new chainmesh fencing along Burgundy Drive 
• new seats around the oval
• a new drinking fountain with dog bowl
• path realignment and upgrade for more passive recreation opportunities
• additional landscaping and trees across the site.
   

The playspace and shelter upgrade, as well as the new public toilet, are planned as part of our capital works program, scheduled to be completed over the next two years. 

The dog friendly upgrades are supported by the Victorian Government’s New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program. 

Share your thoughts on our concept design and help us create a more safe, fun and inclusive playground at Wombat Bend, Templestowe Lower. 

The proposed upgrade includes:

• a diverse range of play equipment suitable for all ages and abilities
• a dedicated swing zone with five different seat types
• a larger water play area
• a sand play zone with raised tables and a digger
• a refurbished maze zone
• improved access paths for better connectivity and movement
• upgraded amenities, including new seating, picnic areas, drinking fountains, shelters, and BBQs
• enhanced shade and expanded grassed areas
• a new fitness station.

The concept design has been shaped by community feedback gathered during our December 2024 consultation.

How to have your say

Complete our survey by Monday, 2 June 2025.

You can also join our onsite consultation at Wombat Bend Playground on Sunday 18 May, 10.30am to 12.00pm. 

Your feedback will help shape the final design of the playground.

We’re developing a Nature Plan to help protect and enhance our environment over the next 15 years. 

The Plan will set a strategic direction for the future of our biodiversity and tree canopy assets, while also responding to challenges such as urbanisation, habitat loss and biodiversity decline.

It will also look to enhance Manningham’s bushland areas, landscape scale habitat connections, tree canopy, and provide recommendations to allow our natural environment to thrive and communities to live in a cooler, greener environment. 

Make your voice heard 

We want to hear your thoughts on:

• What our top priorities should be in protecting and enhancing our environment?  
• What practical solutions can help address these challenges?
• What type of Council support would be most helpful to you and the community? 

Share your ideas by:

• Completing our online survey
• Registering your interest in a workshop 

To get involved, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/nature-plan.
 

It’s not too late to join the 730 people who shared their feedback and contributed to our proposed 2024/25 Budget and proposed 10 Year Financial Plan.

The draft documents were endorsed by Councillors at their meeting on Tuesday night (28 May 2024).

Now’s your chance to have a sneak peek and tell us what you think before they’re finalised in late June.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange said, “For this year’s engagement on the Budget and 10 Year Financial Plan, we did things a little differently!

“After hearing from community members about their priorities for Council spending, we invited them along to pitch their ideas for inclusion in the proposed 2024/25 Budget and 10 Year Financial Plan.

“As a result, the draft documents align with our community’s priorities and will see us deliver an operating budget of $155 million to deliver more than 100 valuable services for our residents, businesses and visitors.”

This includes a $54 million capital works program to maintain and enhance our community assets, like:

• $12 million for roads and bridges
• $6 million for footpaths and cycleways
• $4 million for drainage
• $3.1 million for the Schramm’s Cottage Museum Complex Visitor Centre
• $1.6 million for playspace renewals
• $1.2 million for Ruffey Lake Park Masterplan implementation
• $1.1 million for Rieschiecks Reserve Management Plan
• $1.0 million to commence works on a co-working hub
• $1.0 million for a battery for Mullum Mullum stadium
• $0.3 million for a youth hub.

“We will also continue to deliver on our Climate Emergency Action Plan to reduce the impacts of climate change. We have allocated $11 million in our capital works program over the next ten years for Circular Economy, sustainability initiatives,” Cr Lange said.

The Mayor added, “With inflation continuing to be higher than average, we are conscious of cost-of-living pressures in our community.”

We will continue to support rate payers through:

• our financial hardship provisions including rates rebates for Low Income (LI) Health Care Card holders
• $2.25 million for community grants and contributions programs
• continued financial support to agencies that provide emergency relief to those in need in our community
• funding for the provision of food relief for those in need in our community
• subsidies for school holiday programs
• an average general rate increase in line with the State Government’s rate cap of 2.75 per cent.

“Conscious of cost of living pressures we have also proposed to freeze the waste service charge well below the 4.80 per cent increase in the cost of waste services to Council.” 

Cr Lange said increasing prices for delivering Council services, particularly around materials, labour and State Government cost shifting had created a challenging economic environment.

“Despite this, we have continued to focus on ongoing financial sustainability through innovation, efficiencies and responsible spending. We are also seeking alternative sources of income to reduce the dependence on rate income.”

We’re delivering on our Council Plan, including:

• $21 million for a healthy community
• $40 million for liveable places and spaces
• $19 million for a resilient environment
• $6 million for a vibrant prosperous economy
• $33 million for a well governed Council.

Provide your feedback

Visit Your Say Manningham to view the proposed 2024/25 Budget and proposed 10 Year Financial Plan, and complete a short survey to provide your feedback.

Hard copies of the proposed documents and survey are available at the Manningham Civic Centre customer service desk and Manningham libraries.

The final 2024/25 Budget and 10 Year Financial Plan will be considered for endorsement by Council at its meeting on 25 June 2024.

Pick up a copy of our 2025 Community Calendar from the Manningham Civic Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, while stocks last. 

Unable to pick up a copy? 

We're committed to being a financially and environmentally sustainable council. 

We will only be mailing calendars to those experiencing circumstances that prevent them from travelling to a pick up location.

If you are unable to collect a copy, contact us.

We know that navigating large Council websites can be difficult, and sometimes it's hard to find what you need.

Help us make it easier for you

Answer a quick four question survey about your experience with our website. You don't need to provide any personal information to give feedback. 

If you would like to participate further, you can leave your details and we will contact you with additional opportunities to get involved.

The feedback form will be open until Sunday 15 June 2025.

Give feedback now

Are there other ways to get involved?

Yes. If you don't want to complete the feedback form but would like to participate in upcoming user research sessions, register your contact details below.

We are currently seeking community feedback on a proposed upgrade of the northern oval at Warrandyte Reserve to improve facilities for the community, as well as for dogs and their owners. 

We are inviting community members to share their thoughts about the proposal via Your Say Manningham closing on Monday 12 August. 

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said Warrandyte Reserve is a hub for the local community in Warrandyte and popular with dog owners.

“Warrandyte Reserve is enjoyed by many local sports and recreation groups, residents, dogs and their owners.” Cr Lange said.

The proposed upgrades include:

• improvements to the path network between both ovals
• a new shelter at the northern oval with seating and storage facility built in
• a new drinking fountain with dog tap and bowl
• improved fencing to allow easier access into the ovals
• improved drainage and ground condition of the northern oval for better year-round use.

“We're proposing some dog-friendly improvements within the reserve and want to hear your feedback on the concept plan by 12 August,” Cr Lange said.

The proposed improvements at Warrandyte Reserve are supported by the Victorian Government’s New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program. 

We are currently seeking community ideas and input to help develop a masterplan for the future of Stintons Reserve in Park Orchards.

We are inviting community members to share their thoughts and ideas about what they would like to see at the reserve via a community survey, closing on Monday 29 July.

The masterplan will guide the future use, development and upgrade of facilities within the reserve over the next 20 years.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said Stintons Reserve is an important local reserve for sport, recreation and dog exercise activities in Park Orchards.

“This is a much-loved local reserve and we want to hear your ideas as we plan for its future,” Cr Lange said.

“We understand there are a wide variety of user groups and community members that use Stintons Reserve and want to make sure it meets the needs of our growing community now and into the future.

“The masterplan will look at how our community currently uses the reserve along with future uses and potential improvements.”

“I encourage everyone to find out more, get involved and tell us what you would like to see at Stintons Reserve by completing our community survey,” Cr Lange said.

“We want to continue to keep this space welcoming, accessible and inclusive, so that everyone can enjoy it for their health and wellbeing.”

Community input will help inform the development of a draft Stintons Reserve Masterplan, which will be released for public consultation and community feedback next year.

From aspiring gardeners to seasoned growers, there’s a session for everyone at this year’s Home Harvest. 

About Home Harvest

Our monthly gardening program, Home Harvest, teaches you how to grow delicious and nutritious food at home. 

From discovering how to choose the right crops to diving deeper into growing Asian vegetables, there’s a diverse array of topics on offer. 

Your new skills will lead to homegrown produce – and can even boost your physical and mental health. 

It’s also a simple, enjoyable and empowering action you can take against climate change.

Our 2025 program

Sessions run on a Wednesday evening from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, with a food swap commencing at 6.15pm. 

Everyone with an interest in gardening is welcome. No experience necessary.

We’re looking for passionate and dedicated community members to join our Recreation and Sport, and Youth advisory committees.

Our advisory committees provide an opportunity for locals to share expert advice, guidance and ideas to help drive positive change and outcomes for Manningham.

As an advisory committee member, you will:

• play an active role in shaping the decisions Council makes for your community
• gain valuable experience and skills in leadership, strategic thinking and collaboration
• network with other community leaders, learning from their experience
• share your interests and passions with the Manningham community.

Recreation and Sport Advisory Committee (RASAC)

Do you want to make a difference in recreation and sport for the Manningham community? We’re seeking individuals of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds to:

• share their experience and insights
• help improve sporting and recreational outcomes
• ensure Manningham remains an active and vibrant community.

Who can apply

Committees are open to people who live, work, play or study in Manningham. Unfortunately, presidents, secretaries, and treasurers of sports clubs are ineligible to apply.

How to apply

Complete the online Expression of Interest form. 

If you need help to complete the Expression of Interest form, email Recreation at recreation2@manningham.vic.gov.au. 

Before applying, read the Terms of Reference.

Apply now

Manningham Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC)

Are you passionate about the future of young people in Manningham? Join the Youth Advisory Committee to:

• help shape government decisions that impact young people
• be a voice for youth in the community
• influence programs and policies that affect young people
• develop leadership skills and make a lasting impact.

Who can apply

Committees are open to young people between the ages of 15 and 25 who live, work, play or study in Manningham.

How to apply

Complete the online Expression of Interest form.

If you need help to complete the Expression of Interest form, email Children Youth and Family Services at youthadvisory@manningham.vic.gov.au. 

Before applying, read the Terms of Reference.

Apply now

Regardless of which holidays you celebrate; the festive season is a time when we often come together and it’s important to remember that sustainability never takes a holiday. The choices we make during this time have a profound impact on the environment, so here are a couple of tips to make this festive season more sustainable.

Plan your menu

Each year, Victorian households throw away 250,000 tonnes of food. That’s the equivalent weight of 100 Aquarena outdoor swimming pools! The reality is, about one third of all food produced for human consumption becomes waste. Luckily, reducing the amount of food we waste doesn’t need to be difficult, it just takes a bit of planning. 

Firstly, shop at local markets. Buying local produce is generally fresher, lasts longer, has less embodied energy and is usually free of packaging, meaning that you can purchase the quantity you need and reduce your waste from the source. 

Secondly, storing food correctly can also go a long way to reducing the amount of waste you create. Placing food in airtight containers and organising your fridge and pantry can help prevent unwanted spoilage. Too many leftovers? Try freezing them (if it’s safe to do so) or try new recipes that incorporate your leftovers. Not only does this reduce food waste, but it’s also a great way to discover new recipes! 

And lastly, if you must dispose of your food waste, ensure you are using your FOGO bin correctly so that it can be turned into nutrient rich compost.  

Dine wisely

In addition to food, we also produce a lot of waste when cooking and eating. Avoid disposable tableware such as plates, cups and cutlery as most of these can’t be recycled, and instead opt for reusable alternatives and wash them at the end of the day. Did you know you can also make your own bon bons from fabric napkins and a little bit of string? 

It wouldn’t be a summer festive season without a barbeque. If you must use disposable cookware, remember to choose aluminium trays and foil as these can be placed in your yellow lid recycling bin, even if there is a small amount of burnt-on food or oil. Simply remove food scraps and scrunch them into a ball.

Gift consciously

The most sustainable gifts are those that will be used. Making a conscious effort to give your family and friends items that they will actually use is a great way to reduce the amount of waste you contribute to this festive season. Consider shopping for second hand items at op shops or online marketplaces to divert other items from landfill and save some money in the process.

Wrap smart

Now that you’ve got your sustainable gifts organised, you need to wrap them. Did you know Australians use 150,000 km of wrapping paper over the festive season? That’s almost enough to circle the earth four times over! We can significantly reduce the amount of waste we create by ‘wrapping’ gifts in reusable bags or fabric. 

If you must wrap with paper, ensure that it is recyclable because not all wrapping paper can be put in your kerbside recycling bin. You can place any gift wraps made from kraft paper or recycled paper in your yellow lid recycling bin, although you cannot place any wrapping paper made from foil or with other items stuck to them (such as ribbons or bows). Paper cards can also be recycled, but not those embellished with glitter or foil – these must be placed in your red lid garbage bin.

There are many ways to make this festive season a more sustainable one. By making thoughtful decisions and considering the broader impact of your choices, you can celebrate in a way that honours both tradition and the environment.

If you are confused about what to do with an item this festive season, visit our webpage on how to dispose your items.

Manningham Council is seeking community feedback on a concept design for an upgrade at Wombat Bend Playground. 

Wombat Bend Playground is a much-loved regional playground catering to visitors of all abilities – created by the community, for the community. It embraces inclusive design to foster creative development, inspiration and imagination and to encourage the mind to explore.

The concept design developed for the playground upgrade reflects insights gathered from community consultations held in December 2024. The proposed upgrades include:

• a diverse range of play equipment suitable for all ages and abilities
• a dedicated swing zone with five different seat types
• a larger water play area
• a sand play zone with raised tables and a digger
• a refurbished maze zone
• improved access paths for better connectivity and movement
• upgraded amenities, including new seating, picnic areas, drinking fountains, shelters, and BBQs
• enhanced shade and expanded grassed areas
• a new co-located fitness station.

Community consultation now open

To have your say on the Wombat Bend Playground concept design, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/wombat-bend-playground-upgrade.

Council is also holding an onsite consultation session on Sunday 18 May.

Community members are invited to attend between 10:30am and 12:00pm (noon) to discuss the design directly with the project team.

Council values the input of the community in shaping the future of the Wombat Bend Playground and appreciates everyone’s involvement in making the playground a better space for all.

Consultation closes Monday 2 June 2025.

For more information, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/wombat-bend-playground-upgrade

We’re seeking your feedback on a new proposed name for an unnamed laneway in Bulleen that will provide addresses for two new properties created by the subdivision of 48 Templestowe Road.

In recognition of the area’s brickmaking past, we originally proposed to name the laneway ‘Kiln Lane’. The former Bulleen Brickworks was located nearby on Templestowe Road, which contained two large kilns and chimneys. 

After receiving valuable community feedback in May this year, including concerns raised about spelling and correctly hearing the word Kiln, particularly over the phone, we've decided not to proceed with the name Kiln Lane. 

We are now proposing a new name for the laneway, 'Brickmakers Lane'. This name was suggested by community during our consultation and maintains ties to the area’s brickmaking past. 'Brickmakers Lane' complies with Victoria's naming rules for places.

Have your say 

We're seeking community feedback on the new name, ‘Brickmakers Lane’.

Complete our feedback form before 5.00pm on Friday 16 August 2024.

We’ll share the consultation outcomes via the project’s Your Say Manningham page

We’re gearing up to improve bike riding facilities across Manningham over the next 10 years and are seeking feedback on the draft Recreational Bike Facilities Plan.

The draft plan outlines eight proposed locations for new or improved recreational cycling facilities that cater to all ages and skill levels.

Key features include dirt jumps, pump tracks, flow trails, and bike playgrounds. 

Proposed locations: 

Have your say

Review the draft plan and complete our short survey by 5.00pm, Sunday 22 June.

Your feedback will help shape the final Recreational Bike Facilities Plan.

Need information in a different way? 

If you would like this information in a different format, please contact manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au or 9840 9333. 

The masterplan will guide the future use, development and upgrade of facilities within the reserve over the next 20 years.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said Stintons Reserve is an important local reserve for sport, recreation and dog exercise activities in Park Orchards.

“This is a much-loved local reserve and we want to hear your ideas as we plan for its future,” Cr Lange said.

“We understand there are a wide variety of user groups and community members that use Stintons Reserve and want to make sure it meets the needs of our growing community now and into the future.

“The masterplan will look at how our community currently uses the reserve along with future uses and potential improvements.”

Council is inviting community members to share their thoughts and ideas about what they would like to see at the reserve via a community survey, closing on Monday 29 July.

“I encourage everyone to find out more, get involved and tell us what you would like to see at Stintons Reserve by completing our community survey,” Cr Lange said.

“We want to continue to keep this space welcoming, accessible and inclusive, so that everyone can enjoy it for their health and wellbeing.”

Community input will help inform the development of a draft Stintons Reserve Masterplan, which will be released for public consultation and community feedback next year.

For more information and to complete the survey before Monday 29 July, visit YourSay Manningham Stintons Reserve Masterplan. 

We’re seeking feedback on our draft Road Safety Strategy 2025-2035, which identifies road improvements, targeted education and speed zone reviews as our key priorities. 

The draft strategy outlines clear objectives and a detailed action plan to enhance road safety and reduce traffic-related accidents, injuries and fatalities

Our Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said this strategy will guide proactive projects and programs over the next decade.

“We’re committed to improving our transport system as we strive for ‘Vision Zero’— where nobody is seriously injured or killed on our roads,” said Cr Diamante. 

“To plan for safer roads, we first needed to understand the local issues and experiences of road users in Manningham.

“We received more than 200 responses to last year’s community survey, which told us what matters most to our community.

“Now we want to ensure the proposed strategy and action plan accurately reflects community priorities,” she said.

Key proposed actions include:

• road safety audits in high-risk areas
• infrastructure upgrades
• speed limit reviews
• continual road user education
• updates to the Manningham Walking and Cycling Strategy

The draft strategy was informed by feedback from last year’s community consultation, local road safety data, input from road safety partners and aligns with State and Federal strategies.
 

Have Your Say

Provide feedback by completing our survey on the draft Road Safety Strategy 2025-2035 via Your Say Manningham by 21 February 2025. 

Feedback from the community and Councillors will shape the final version of the strategy, which will be presented for Council endorsement in early 2025.

We're crafting our new Council Plan that will last the next four years and we want you to share your views with us.

Your feedback will guide us on creating tailored services, activities and priorities that matter most to you.

If you work, live, study and/or play in Manningham, please share with us your ideas for the future of our City.

Complete the survey and win

The Plan Manningham 2025+ survey is your first step to have a direct say in shaping that future.

The survey takes just five minutes to complete and asks you to identify your top three priorities for Manningham over the next four years.

In addition to shaping the future of Manningham, participants who complete the survey with their contact details will be entered into a draw to win a $150 gift card.

Complete the survey

What are your priorities for Manningham?

Is it vibrant local businesses? Parks and recreation facilities? Sustainable infrastructure? Community safety?

By participating in the survey, you will help us focus on the issues that matter most to you.

Your responses will be used to inform the development of the Council Plan, ensuring it reflects your needs and aspirations.

For more information visit Your Say Manningham or complete a paper copy available at Manningham’s customer service and libraries.

The survey closes on Friday, 12 July 2024.