
Manningham has one of the largest networks of open space in metropolitan Melbourne covering approximately 17 per cent of the municipality and including more than 300 parks.
Manningham has one of the largest networks of open space in metropolitan Melbourne covering approximately 17 per cent of the municipality and including more than 300 parks.
This includes recreation parks, sporting reserves, natural areas and neighbourhood parks.
Our unique natural environment provides a sanctuary to 56 threatened animal species and is home to 22 per cent of Victoria’s known plants, including 11 species of state significance and four species of national significance.
A large section of the eastern half of Manningham is designated as a ‘Green Wedge’ area for the protection of our natural and rural environment.
As an environmentally forward thinking Council, we believe the decisions we make today have the potential to change the future for generations to come.
Protecting our environment and biodiversity is a shared responsibility and together with the support of our partners and community, we are actively working to preserve and enhance our city’s natural resources to ensure they will survive and thrive for generations to come.
Learn about what Manningham are doing in your local green spaces to gain a better understanding of the world around us.
A large section of the eastern half of Manningham is designated as a ‘Green Wedge’ area for the protection of our natural and rural environment. Learn about the area and what we're doing to protect it.
We plant new trees within Manningham as part of our tree planting program. We also maintain trees in residential areas, parks, and reserves. Find out about our Tree Management Plan and how to request an additional street tree for planting.
Our city is fortunate to include a wonderfully vibrant and richly diverse natural environment, a sanctuary for a variety of animals and plants including endangered species.
Sadly, the growing challenges posed by a growing population, urban development, pest animals, weeds and climate change threaten its ecological sustainability.
Protecting our environment and biodiversity is a shared responsibility and together with the support of our partners and community, we are actively working to preserve and enhance our city’s natural resources to ensure they will survive and thrive for generations to come.
With a designated Green Wedge area and one of the largest networks of open spaces in metropolitan Melbourne, our ongoing efforts to protect and support our natural environment are achieved by building and sharing our knowledge of innovative ways to sustainably care for our environment, and by encouraging a stronger connection between our community and nature.
We also do this by supporting a response to climate and energy sustainability issues, improving how we accommodate and integrate our natural environment alongside our built environment, using environmental best practice in the care and maintenance of our open spaces, and through a range of environmental initiatives, resident support programs and community stewardship.
We encourage our residents to protect and nurture the local environment.
Residents can get involved in a variety of ways including using composting systems to reduce waste, joining your local Landcare group, controlling weeds and pests and attending nature walks and seminars throughout Manningham.
See the links below to find practical ways you can be part of a sustainable solution to preserve the beauty of Manningham for many generations to come.
Manningham is widely recognised as an innovator and leader in local water management. The challenges posed by climate change require a collaborative and integrated approach by Council and the community to develop long-term sustainable solutions to managing water supply and protecting our waterways.
In partnership with lead water agencies, Council is committed to the:
Greywater (all non-toilet household wastewater) can be a good water resource during times of drought and water restrictions, but its reuse can have health and environmental risks.
Greywater is domestic wastewater from the laundry, kitchen and bathroom. Toilet wastewater is known as blackwater and is not suitable for domestic treatment. Greywater with low levels of contamination can be used on your garden. Rinse water from your washing machine is the most suitable greywater to divert to your garden provided you use low phosphorus detergents.
You will need a septic tank permit to install a permanent system to collect, treat and reuse greywater. The system must be EPA approved.
No permit is needed for a simple, temporary diversion system. A permanent diversion system (that doesn’t store water for more than 24 hours) needs to be installed by a licensed plumber.
To apply for a septic tank permit, return the completed application form along with detailed plans and the appropriate fee to:
Approvals and Compliance Unit
Manningham Council
PO Box 1, Doncaster
Victoria 3108
For more information, please refer to the EPA's septic tanks code of practice for design options for the installation of septic systems . A permit must be granted prior to any works commencing by a registered contractor or plumber.
For more information about using greywater and some simple health rules to follow, please see the Related downloads.
Installing a tank to capture rainwater from your roof is a great way to supply water for uses including flushing toilets and watering your garden. Rainwater tanks can also help you save money on your water bill.
For more information view or find out about the Building Permit requirements.
Through bushland weed control and planting regimes, we keep waterways intact by promoting riparian vegetation to secure riverbanks keeping the shape and flow of rivers intact while stopping erosion. This program includes conserving natural habitat for local wildlife and increasing native vegetation along and in creeks and rivers
Weed control consists of multiple methods, taking into consideration what the weed is, the area it's situated, what other weeds or indigenous species are around it, and habitat requirements. The weeding is conducted by our Bushland Management Team to minimise damage and maximise positive environmental impact in removing pest plants from riverbanks.
Through various Landcare groups and events, Manningham Council, Melbourne Water, and community volunteers help revegetate local waterways with indigenous species and increase conservation action. If you are interested in joining one of these groups, please consider our Citizen Science Programs.
All new homes are now required to achieve a house energy rating of five stars for building fabric and have either a solar hot water system or a rainwater tank. For this purpose, rainwater tanks must have minimum capacity of 2000 litres.
On average, 30% of all household water usage is in the shower. Installing a water efficient showerhead can save around 11,000 litres of water per household each year and reduce the energy required to heat the water - reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Bring in your latest Yarra Valley Water bill and old showerhead to our customer service and pick up a free water efficient showerhead.
Waterwatch is a citizen science program for monitoring waterway health.
Waterwatch volunteers get involved in exploring and protecting their local waterways by collecting water quality data that contributes to scientific research, management planning and on ground actions that improve the health of our waterways.
Manningham volunteers have been collecting and undertaking surveys and observations for over 10 years. The information collected has been helping improve local waterway health.
Waterwatch is a citizen science program for monitoring waterway health. In Manningham, Waterwatch has been connecting local communities with waterway health and sustainable water issues since 1993.
In 2007 a group of concerned volunteers initiated the Manningham Waterwatch Monitoring Network. This group continues to monitor the health of our local waterways and has carried out over 10,000 water quality measurements at more than 40 sites across the municipality. The data collected is used to assess the health of Manningham's waterways and identify what is currently impacting stream ecology.
In addition to water quality monitoring, many volunteers are affiliated with local action groups including Landcare and ‘friends of’ groups which undertake stream rehabilitation programs that contribute to catchment and waterway health.
Citizen scientists are people who want to make a difference to the environment and their community. You can join this movement by taking part in programs like Waterwatch, you can email to let us know you're interested at manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
Native Splendour is a gardening guide to Manningham's local plants. It is designed to help you find plants that will enhance your garden and are perfectly suited to local climate and soils. It includes tips for planning and planting your garden.
The Manningham Land Management Guide aims to help small property owners improve management of their land to the benefit of the local environment.
An Urban Forest is essential for maintaining the health and wellbeing of the community and environment, and is critical in mitigating future climate extremes through innate cooling and the provision of canopy shade.
Our Tree Management Plan guides the management of public trees within Council managed lands throughout the municipality, with the objectives of maintaining and improving the health and structure of public trees and increasing canopy coverage and interconnectedness.
Should you have concerns about the health and safety of native wildlife, please contact Wildlife Victoria emergency response by phone on 8400 7300 or visit the Wildlife Victoria website.
We offer a range of involved citizen science activities such as:
Get involved in Citizen Science activities.
Equiculture, short for equine permaculture is a holistic horse property management program.
It encompasses sustainable farm and pasture management techniques designed with equine welfare and natural behaviour in mind. The program is delivered digitally, with participants able to learn at their own pace. Fifteen modules teach participants all about healthy soil and pasture, managing weeds, mud and erosion, property design and layouts as well as managing for optimal equine health.
The program is internationally renowned and is already used by many properties throughout Nillumbik and Banyule. Completion of the Equiculture course can also be incorporated into the Pony Club Australia K or C* certificates.
The LEAF program provides applicants with a site visit to educate the landowner about their property’s assets and how to manage threats.
Amongst the many things taught, the program includes:
LEAF grants provide financial assistance and education to control pest plants and animals. These include weeds and rabbits, who pose significant threats to the productivity of a property's production zone, such as grazing, and to the integrity and conservation of bushland ecology.
To apply for assistance, or for more information about Land Management Grants, view the Apply for assistance to preserve your bushland page.
The RELEAF grant is a more generous grant for properties with high ecological values. Receiving this grant requires a commitment to a three year land management plan.
Sites of biological significance are areas of remnant indigenous habitat which can be local, regional, state and national areas.
This brochure, produced by the Manningham, Whitehorse, Banyule and Nillumbik Councils, illustrates some of the mosses, liverworts, hornworts, fungi and lichens within Melbourne's Middle Yarra region and surrounds.
Weeds are plants that invade and thrive in environments in which they do not naturally occur.
Environmental Weeds threaten natural ecosystems, can invade native plant communities and compete with them for space, nutrients and sunlight, resulting in a reduction of plant diversity and loss of habitat for native animals.
The Arthur Rylah Institute Advisory list of environmental weeds in Victoria can provide advice on environmental weeds on your property and throughout Manningham.
By law, landholders are required to control or eradicate noxious weeds, as proclaimed under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.
Agriculture Victoria's website contains more detailed information on noxious weeds and how you can protect your property.
Our Land Management Guide can help you develop your ongoing weed control plan. We also have a Manningham Weed Identification Booklet to help you better identify environmental weeds and understand the various methods of control.
For advice on controlling pest plants on your property, please contact us.
The PPP aims to reduce introduced weeds in Manningham to protect natural assets on both public and private land. This will result in enhanced biodiversity and better habitat values for threatened species such as the Brush-tailed Phascogale, known to breed in the area. An equally important aim is to engage and educate land owners about the natural values of their properties and provide advice and skills to care for the land.
New provisions have been introduced to ensure our native wildlife do not get entangled in fruit tree netting.
From 1 September 2021, these provisions will mean that any netting used to protect household fruit trees, vegetable gardens or other fruiting plants must have a mesh size no greater than 5mm x 5mm or less at full stretch. Any existing household fruit netting that does not meet this specification must be replaced with appropriate netting.
It is also recommended that white netting is used to make it easier for nocturnal animals to see and avoid at night.
An alternative to netting is placing fruit bags over individual branches. This reduces the risk of wildlife entanglement and leaves excess fruit available for hungry birds and flying foxes.
For more information visit Agriculture Victoria's website.
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
We celebrate all forms of life big and small in our community, learn about the most common creatures and our guidance around them.
Should you have concerns about the health and safety of native wildlife, please contact Wildlife Victoria emergency response by phone on 8400 7300 or visit the Wildlife Victoria website.
Please read the below document to understand why providing water for our wildlife is important for the local environment and provides many benefits for your local bird and bug species:
Bees play an important role in pollinating flowering plants and it is estimated that 1/3 of the human food supply depends on insect pollination, most of which is accomplished by bees, especially the domesticated European honey bee.
As urbanisation increases, humans inevitably encounter bees in their natural environment and see bees as a threat to their safety. Bees are not aggressive in nature and only sting if provoked.
Residents are encouraged to utilise an apiarist to remove bee hives and swarms as bees can be relocated to areas such as Kinglake where bee populations were devastated by recent fires. Please refer to The Beekeepers Club Inc. (Melbourne) for a list of local bee removalists (some may charge a call out fee).
You can also contact the 'Bee Help Line' on 1902 241 059 for further advice (call costs 2.20 per minute / higher for mobiles).
Eradication through a licensed pest control operator should only be considered if the swarm / hive is inaccessible to an apiarist and safety is of concern.
If a swarm or hive is found on Council land or in a neighbouring property, please contact Council on 9840 9333.
Residents can keep bees providing they are registered with the Department of Primary Industries and comply with the Apiary Code of Practice which lists safe management practices and statutory planning requirements.
Birds are an important part of our local ecosystem. They pollinate our plants and spread seeds across the landscape. Some birds help to keep our insect, rodent and spider populations low, and others fish in our creeks and the Yarra River.
You might notice that birds enjoy coming to your backyard or local park to feed. It's important that we provide habitats for these birds, so that they can continue to be a part of our ecosystem and keep these birds healthy.
You can learn more about which birds call Manningham home in our Backyard Diversity video series. There's videos on the Southern Boobook Owl, Tawny Frogmouth, Laughing Kookaburra, Gang Gang Cockatoo & Barn Owl.
Birdlife Australia run an annual Aussie Backyard Bird Count, you can join in on the fun and contribute with any birds you spot in Manningham by visiting their website. Together in 2019 we produced a map of some rare sightings in Manningham, amongst the 3.4 million birds recorded across Australia for the count.
Manningham's Aussie Backyard Bird Count maps can be found here:
Please don't feed birds, it can result in overabundant populations or dependance on humans.
Feeding sometimes leads to unfriendly behaviour from our birds for you and your neighbours, as they can't distinguish between which humans will give them food and which humans won't. For more information about feeding wildlife, please read the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning's factsheet.
We can continue to provide habitat for our beautiful birds by planting native flowering plants in our backyards, as well as providing them with a bird bath, so that they can clean their plumage.
Nest boxes also help birds to find a place to raise their young, where hollows in trees may be scarce.
We can also protect our birds by ensuring that we keep our domestic pets inside, as often they will hunt and hurt our native wildlife when left outside.
For more information, visit Birds in Backyards, a research, education and conservation program of BirdLife Australia.
Manningham is home to a variety of frog species, living in our rivers and creeks, ponds and even in our backyards. With good land management practices and reduction of pollution in our waterways, we can ensure our frog species continue to enjoy Manningham as a vital part of the local ecosystem.
Below is a recording of our Frogs of North East Melbourne webinar for the 2020 Spring Outdoors series. The webinar was presented by David De Angelis.
Get involved in local citizen science by recording frog species in Manningham with the Melbourne Water Frog Census App.
Melbourne Water Frog Census is an easy to use app to record audio and identify frog species by their call in local waterways, parks, and on your own property.
Available for both iOS and Android.
More information, including activities for schools, is available at the Melbourne Water website.
Possums can survive in suburban areas because our streetscapes and gardens are similar to the possum's preferred natural environment.
Some problems that may be associated with possums include:
The best way to keep a possum out of your roof is to secure your roof and provide an alternative home such as a nesting box.
If you have a possum in your roof, you will need to block the access points. In the evening when the possum has left the roof in search of food, climb into the roof and try to locate its nest. Remove the nest and block any possible entry points so the possum cannot return. You may wish to leave a light on in the roof space for a few days to discourage the possum's return.
It is illegal to handle or interfere with possums except when they are in your roof or other buildings. Brush tail possums can be trapped in appropriate traps by the householder or a licensed wildlife controller, however it is illegal to trap the Common Ringtail Possum without a permit.
Trapped possums must be released that day on the same property, in their own territory, within 50 metres of the capture site. Breaching any of these regulations carries a penalty of up to $5000.
For more information on possum control, please visit the Department of Energy and Primary Industries.
If you have concerns about native wildlife, refer to the information below or visit Wildlife Victoria.
These carnivores are fantastic for keeping the balance in natural systems and reducing rodent populations. However, these birds are at risk of toxicity and death by commonly available rodent baits.
Ideally, we should use traps rather than baits. If baits are necessary, choose products that use first generation anticoagulant rodenticides (FGAR) that contain active constituents such as Warfarin or Coumatetralyl and are less harmful to our native wildlife.
Second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) are more acutely toxic than first generation and can be lethal to local predator species that consume poisoned rodents. Even at low doses, these compounds can accumulate in birds of prey over time, making them less efficient hunters and more likely to be hit by cars.
The good news is that everyone of us can make better choices when managing rodents in and around our home. Use traps or non-chemical repellents, and remember for chemical baits always check the label's "Active Constituents" for FGAR compounds that are less harmful, such as Warfarin or Coumatetralyl. If the bait contains the harmful SGARs Brodifacoum, Bromadiolone, Difenacoum, Difethialone, or Flocoumafen, leave it on the shelf.
To find out more about predator friendly choices for managing rats and mice on your property, go to Birdlife Australia or download the Bird-friendly rodent control brochure.
See how you can control invasive species in Manningham to protect native wildlife and preserve our local environment
Deer are an emerging problem in Manningham with a variety of impacts for landowners including property damage, destruction of bushland and potential for road accidents. We have been working with the local community to try to prevent the spread of deer into new areas, and to minimise the impacts of deer throughout our local area. We are also collaborating with the State Government on the Victorian Deer Control Strategy.
Assistance is available to landowners through our Local Environment Assistance Fund (LEAF), including financial assistance for Deer Control.
You can help by recording sightings and evidence of deer in your local area into the FeralScan website or App - which is a free community pest animal mapping and monitoring tool.
European wasps can be of particular concern to health and safety when they are disturbed and become aggressive. European wasps can sting multiple times and can cause severe allergic reaction which can be life threatening to some people.
Call an ambulance (000) immediately if:
Residents should remain vigilant if there is an increase in number of wasps around the property and speak with neighbours in an attempt to locate a possible nest. Nests are usually found at ground level in protected locations.
Owners are responsible for the removal of wasp nests on their property and should contact a licensed pest control operator to safely and quickly eradicate the nest.
If a nest is found on Council land or on a neighbouring property, please contact us.
It is the responsibility of each property owner to control and eradicate vermin (including rabbits, rats, mice and foxes) on their land.
Residential areas are an important food source for foxes. They forage around rubbish bins, picnic sites, compost heaps feeding also on fruit and pet food left outside. Domestic fowl, livestock and guinea pigs may fall prey to foxes if not adequately enclosed.
Foxes are generally nocturnal animals, resting during the day in many forms of shelter which may be: under houses, sheds, outbuildings or in hollow logs, rock piles, drainpipes, car bodies, under blackberry and gorse patches.
In fact, foxes may be living in your backyard or garage without you knowing it.
A fox removed from its territory will quickly be replaced with another. It is more effective to eliminate the attraction to foxes.
Council offers funding assistance for landowners wanting to undertake fox control on their property.
Apply for assistance or contact Council on 9840 9326.
For more information on fox control go to the Department of Environment and Primary Industries.
People concerned with Indian Myna populations in their neighbourhood can receive information on control options by contacting the Environment team.
The Queensland Fruit Fly (Bactrocera tryoni) is one of Australia’s worst horticultural pests and has recently been found in Manningham.
Queensland Fruit Flies feed on a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and, when left unchecked, cause serious problems for the home gardeners and commercial growers. The female fly lays her larvae (eggs) in fruits and vegetables causing them to rot. A list of common fruits identified as fruit fly hosts can be found on the Agriculture Victoria website.
Further advice on managing Queensland Fruit Fly can be found on the following websites:
Rabbits are one of Victoria’s most destructive and problematic pest animals, causing environmental damage by:
Effective rabbit control requires a variety of measures, not just one or two. There is no quick fix solution and landholders need to be persistent. The Rabbit Control in Urban and Peri-urban Areas brochure explains control options and how to plan a successful rabbit control strategy.
Financial assistance to help control rabbits is available through LEAF grants. If you do not meet the LEAF criteria you can apply for fox and community rabbit control grants.
State legislation requires all landowners to take measures to control rabbits. Control is defined as taking action to minimise impact and prevent spread.
Ideally, we should use traps rather than baits. If baits are necessary, choose products that use first generation anticoagulant rodenticides (FGAR) that contain active constituents such as Warfarin or Coumatetralyl and are less harmful to our native wildlife.
Second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) are more acutely toxic than first generation and can be lethal to local predator species that consume poisoned rodents. Even at low doses, these compounds can accumulate in birds of prey over time, making them less efficient hunters and more likely to be hit by cars.
The good news is that everyone of us can make better choices when managing rodents in and around our home. Use traps or non-chemical repellents, and remember for chemical baits always check the label's "Active Constituents" for FGAR compounds that are less harmful, such as Warfarin or Coumatetralyl. If the bait contains the harmful SGARs Brodifacoum, Bromadiolone, Difenacoum, Difethialone, or Flocoumafen, leave it on the shelf.
To find out more about predator friendly choices for managing rats and mice on your property, go to Birdlife Australia or download the Bird-friendly rodent control brochure.
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
Much of the eastern half of Manningham (more than 4,000ha largely east of the Mullum Mullum Creek) is designated a special ‘Green Wedge’ area for the protection of natural and rural values.
Maintaining the Green Wedge is a high priority, as expressed through several policies and protections in our planning scheme.
We have adopted the Green Wedge Infrastructure Design Guide which aims to ensure sympathetic engineering works in this environmentally sensitive area.
We provide educational programs to our community including:
Living in a green wedge is a bit different to living in a suburban area. There are different responsibilities for residents living in this part of Manningham. Download the documents below to understand what is required.
If you live on a property that is within our designated Green Wedge, you may be eligible to apply for assistance to preserve your bushland.
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
The health and resilience of nature is essential for the long term health of our environment and community. Threats such as habitat loss, weeds, pest animals, vegetation removal, climate change and the need for fire prevention, pose significant challenges for safeguarding our environment and biodiversity.
However nature has an astonishing capacity to rebound, so by actively working to protect our environment, support biodiversity and reduce the threats, we have the ability to give nature the chance it needs to recover and thrive.
What we are doing:
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
Our natural environment is fundamental to the health and wellbeing of our community. Stewardship of this environment is a shared responsibility and we are actively working to raise awareness and build greater community understanding and participation in preserving our natural spaces.
We do this by encouraging and supporting residents and local environmental groups through a range of programs and activities to learn about and become actively involved in protecting and caring for our natural environment and biodiversity.
What we are doing:
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
Each year we offer a series of land management grants that support the preservation of Manningham’s natural bushland and the productivity of rural land.
These grants are designed to help property owners with land care education, land stewardship, pest and animal control and ecological improvement works.
To apply for assistance to preserve your bushland read the land management grant criteria below. If you meet any of these criteria, complete the online form using the button above or download the application form in the Related downloads section.
Depending on where your property is located, you may be eligible for a LEAF grant to match your spending dollar for dollar on approved works, up to a certain limit.
LEAF Category | Eligibility criteria |
---|---|
Category A Grants of up to $1000 are available to fund approved works. |
|
Category B Grants of up to $1000 are available to fund approved works. |
|
Category C Grants of up to $500 are available to fund approved works. |
|
Deer control costs under LEAF
Each year deer control will be funded up to two thirds of the total cost, to a maximum of $2,000, when carried out in accordance with the Wildlife Act 1975 and the LEAF checklist requirements. Deer control grants are in addition to LEAF and RELEAF grants. |
RELEAF grants offer extra financial assistance to landholders that have large areas of remnant vegetation and are looking to manage their properties for biodiversity improvement, protection and conservation.
Successful RELEAF grants recipients will receive two thirds of the total cost to conduct approved works, to a maximum of $4,000 (i.e. maximum rebate of $4,000 possible where total cost is $6,000). Applications will be assessed on:
Please see the list below for eligible works and their priority level. Applications will be assessed based on the priority of works.
If your property is not eligible for LEAF or RELEAF, you can still claim funding for fox, rabbit and deer control.
If you are working with a Rabbit Action Group, funding of up to $500 per annum is available on a dollar for dollar basis.
Each year, eligible residents can access funding for up to two-thirds of the total cost of deer control, to a maximum amount of $2,000.
This grant is available in addition to LEAF and RELEAF grants. The control must be carried out under the Wildlife Act 1975 and the LEAF checklist requirements.
You can apply online for a deer control grant or download and complete the Land Management Grants application form.
If you have any questions about the deer control grant, please get in touch with our Environment Team on 9840 9333, or at environment@manningham.vic.gov.au.
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
Join us at Currawong Bush Park to learn about local wildlife and come face to face with local animals of Manningham.
Recommended for children aged 5 to 12 years, the Manningham Junior Ranger Program is designed to get young environmentalists out and active in our local environment.
Activities include:
Participant information:
Deer are destroying our most valuable assets. What can we do about it?
Did you know:
Speakers from Middle Yarra Landcare Network, Manningham Council and guest speaker John Harris from Wildlife and Ecology, Melbourne will talk about what can be done to minimise the impact deer have on our precious environment.
A one-day practical seminar visiting sites around Warrandyte that have had their local native vegetation restored using a range of techniques.
Join your land restoration guides, Alan Noy and Glenn Jameson on the land and for a short summary session in the study room.
They will take you on a local journey observing and discussing practical aspects of revegetation design, local vegetation patterns, choosing plants, maintenance, and long-term management of natural vegetation.
Visit sites where our community is attempting to reconcile the loss of biodiversity and learn how we can be part of that reconciliation process through the revegetation of the land.
Celebrate National Tree Day in 2023 by planting a tree with us at Ruffey Lake Park.
Bring along your family and friends for a morning planting native trees and vegetation to help protect the park's natural environment.
Our team will be on hand to direct you. They'll provide guidance and advice on how and where to plant the plants to provide the best habitat outcomes for the site.
What to bring
We'll provide all the tools, equipment, and plants. All you need to bring is a personal water bottle and any snacks.
Where to meet
The planting site will be along Ruffey Creek, between Ruffey Lake and the Victoria Street Entrance.
To get there, enter through the Victoria Street entrance and walk down the path on the southern side of Ruffey Creek, until you reach the footbridge over Roseland Grove Drain.
Please note: if extreme weather occurs, then the planting may be cancelled.
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events by subscribing to our Environment Newsletter.
Stuart Myers of Equiculture is delivering this full-day workshop on keeping horses and land healthy and happy.
The Equiculture program is loved by horse owners throughout Australia (and beyond!) as an evidence-based approach to keeping horses and land healthy.
Topics covered:
There is also a two-part evening workshop in Yarra Glen if you are unable to attend the full-day workshop.
The Equiculture program is loved by horse owners throughout Australia (and beyond) as an evidence-based approach to keeping horses and land healthy.
Topics covered:
What you will learn
Practical land management advice for horse owners.
What you will get
Tools and ideas to implement sustainable horse property management strategies.
The Manningham Junior Ranger Program is designed to get young environmentalists out and active in our local environment.
Go on a bush park discovery walk with Environment Officers as they explore why Currawong Bush Park is known as the best little wilderness in town.
Survive a live wildlife show presented by Wild Action, the Zoo that comes to you.
Experience nature as a place to play, imagine, relax and explore.
Important information:
Meeting place:
Currawong Bush Park, Environment Education Centre.
This event is part our Manningham Spring Outdoors Series, where we offer a range of fun outdoor activities across Manningham.
You can also check what’s happening across other Councils by visiting the Spring Outdoors website.
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
We love our furry friends. Find out what you need to do or know to be a responsible pet and animal owner in Manningham.
View our lost pets database via the Manningham Pound or report a missing pet
Find out what to do if a barking dog is being disruptive to the community.
We celebrate all forms of life big and small in our community, learn about the most common creatures and our guidance around them.
Check out all parks suitable for dogs to run free or dogs to remain on their lead.
Stuart Myers of Equiculture is delivering this two-part evening workshop on keeping horses and land healthy and happy.
The Equiculture program is loved by horse owners throughout Australia (and beyond!) as an evidence-based approach to keeping horses and land healthy.
Topics covered:
Please note: this is a consecutive two-part program, not the same program on both days. Participants must attend both evening sessions.
There is also a full-day workshop in Hurstbridge if you are unable to attend the two-part evening workshop.
Knowing if you need a permit is important before you start any work. Below is a guide to help you get familiar with any requirements that may affect your project
Most changes to property or land need approval of some sort - whether it's removing a tree, constructing multiple dwellings, undertaking works and/or extending a heritage property, displaying signs or constructing new buildings.
All developments follow a vast range federal, state and local government legislations. These legislative instruments are there to guide and benefit our whole community - whether it's due to safety, protecting our environment or history, accessibility, or cohesion and character.
For property and developments, our most important guiding controls include:
Here are some common projects that need approval - but do contact us even if your project is not listed here:
New to building or renovation?
For advice on all things renovation and construction, visit the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).
Every dream project is different with its own needs and challenges. Here are the steps to give you a rough guide on the process, timeframes and costs when starting any project.
You can also view:
If you don't need a planning permit you can proceed straight to building permit
After you apply you can also
We do not issue building permits so you will need to contact a building surveyor to organise a building permit.
You will need the permit to ensure what you're hoping to construct or change is done right and to building code standards.
You may need permits for connecting to infrastructure, protection of public assets and more. Often you will find out which permits you need throughout the process, so it is always best to discuss your plans with us or industry professionals.
Some common permits include:
Hoping to build sustainably?
We've created a list of resources to help you build a sustainable, energy-efficient home or commercial building.
View resources