Mullum Mullum Ward Councillor Paul McLeish has been elected Mayor of Manningham at a Special Meeting of Council held on Tuesday 17 May 2016.

Cr McLeish replaces former Councillor Jennifer Yang following her Mayoral resignation on Saturday 30 April 2016. He will be Mayor for the remainder of the Council term concluding on 21 October 2016.

As a local Donvale resident for more than 13 years, Cr McLeish has a passionate connection to the community and is also a strong advocate for protecting the green wedge and improving public transport within Manningham.

This Mayoral term marks Cr McLeish's second time in the role, having served as Mayor in 2014/15. He has been a Manningham Councillor since November 2012.

Cr McLeish said the Mayoral role was a great privilege and he looked forward to helping Manningham stay in good stead over the coming months.

"I would like to thank my fellow Councillors for the opportunity to again serve our community as Mayor and for again placing their trust in my leadership. I look forward to continuing to work effectively together as a Council for the benefit of our community."

Cr Jennifer Yang has resigned as Mayor and a councillor of the City to Manningham to focus on her official campaign to be elected to the Senate in the forthcoming Federal elections. The elections are expected to be formally announced any day now.

Ms Yang’s resignation became effective on Saturday 30 April.

As a result of her resignation, and in accordance with Council's Meeting Local Law, a Special Meeting of Council will be held on Tuesday 17 May to elect a new Mayor.

In her resignation letter, Ms Yang said that it had been an honour and privilege to serve the Manningham community for the past five and half years. She said that she particularly enjoyed working closely with the community and being an advocate for a diverse range of community issues, including services for senior citizens, young families, migrants and special needs groups.

She also expressed her most sincere gratitude to the community, Manningham Council staff and her fellow councillors for their ongoing support and friendship.

I am honoured and privileged to be your new Mayor for 2021/2022. I’d like to thank my fellow Councillors for choosing me to lead into this next year as we work to recover from COVID-19 and focus on building our future.

It’s been a tough year but together we will bounce back. I commit to working with you all to rebuild our connections and enable and empower one another.

2022 will be focused on delivering on our commitments in our Council Plan, on bringing transparency and accountability. On ensuring Manningham is a place where all feel welcomed. We will be working to protect our local environment and focusing on footpaths, drains and streetscape.

Mental health has always been a passion of mine and I intend to make this a key focus during my time as Mayor. This is where I will dedicate myself to preventing bullying, working with Bully Zero through education, advocacy, and support in our community.

I want us to always hold the mantra to be kind, Be Kind Manningham. It’s a simple thing to do but can have a huge impact on others around us, particularly in times of stress.

We’ve also got a lot of advocacy work to do here at Manningham, a lot of lobbying. I dedicate myself to serve my community and I will serve with energy and devotion.

I am proud of this City and delighted to be the Mayor of Manningham. There is much work to be done in this coming year and I’m excited to get started.

Please contact me at any time – I look forward to working with all of you who have a connection with our great City.

Warm regards,

Cr Michelle Kleinert

Mayor

Long-term resident and passionate community advocate, Cr Michelle Kleinert, was elected as Mayor for the next 12 months, at Council’s Annual Meeting on Thursday 4 November, 2021. Fellow Councillor Deirdre Diamante, another long-term Manningham resident, was elected Deputy Mayor. 

In her second term as Mayor, Westerfolds Ward Councillor, Cr Kleinert said her focus for the year ahead will be to work with the community to rebuild after what has been a tough year.

Cr Kleinert thanked outgoing Mayor Cr Conlon and Deputy Mayor Cr Chen for their work over the past year, acknowledging that it has not been as easy one, however it has been a year that has brought us together in difficult times.

Looking forward, Cr Kleinert also said the coming year will be about delivering on our commitments in our Council Plan, bringing transparency and accountability, working to protect our local environment, update streetscapes, advocate for our community and in particular, work on mental health and preventing bullying, through her work with Bully Zero.

Manningham Council Mayor, Cr Michelle Kleinert said, “This is an honour and a privilege, I do not take this position lightly and I thank my fellow Councillors for voting for me.”

“I know that with my fellow Councillor and Deputy Mayor Cr Diamante, we will be a dynamic team and will help guide the organisation through a big year of recovery.”

“I dedicate myself to serve this organisation and community that I love dearly. I promise to always be the best version of myself and I thank my family and friends for always encouraging this in me, in particular my father, my greatest supporter.”

“I know that together we will all bounce back after this difficult year. I commit to working with our community to rebuild our connections and enable and empower one another.”

“I will have an open-door policy and encourage you all to contact me at any time.”

“As well as ensuring we deliver on the important work of Council through our Council Plan, I will focus on my dedication towards improving mental health and will uphold the mantra, Be Kind Manningham.”

“We’ve also got a lot of advocacy work to do, a lot of lobbying, particularly with elections coming up next year. It will be a busy but rewarding year ahead.”

“I look forward to 2022. I am proud of this City and I dedicate myself to serve my community and to do this with energy and devotion.”

Manningham’s new Mayor Cr Paul McLeish has been elected to lead the community over the next 12 months. 

Cr McLeish is a Mullum Mullum Ward Councillor and was elected as Manningham’s Mayor at its Annual Meeting of Council on Thursday 7 November. 

He has lived in Donvale for more than 15 years and is passionate about sustainable transport and planning for the future of Manningham.

“I am honoured to be elected Mayor by my fellow Councillors and look forward to representing and working with our community over the next 12 months.

“In our role as Councillors, it is our responsibility to listen to and advocate on behalf of our community in Manningham.

“As Mayor, I look forward to continuing to advocate for better public transport options for Manningham, including the suburban rail loop, better bus services and more. We will also continue our advocacy on the North East Link project to achieve the best outcomes for the Manningham community.

“Community engagement, planning for Manningham’s future and improving our services are also key focus areas for our Council and will continue to be a priority in the year ahead,” Cr McLeish said.

Cr McLeish thanked and acknowledged outgoing Mayor, Cr Paula Piccinini for her valued leadership over the past year.

At the same meeting, Cr Mike Zafiropoulos AM was appointed as Deputy Mayor for 2019/20.

For more information, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/annual-council-meeting-7-november-2019

A proposed new Council Meeting Procedure Law for Manningham Council is currently on public exhibition.

The proposed Local Law aims to regulate and control the procedures governing the following:

• Conduct of Council meetings
• The election of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Council representatives on external bodies
• The use of Council’s seal
• The administration of the Council’s powers and functions.

The existing Meeting Procedure Law was made by Council in November 2005.

Under the proposed Local Law, meeting practices will remain largely the same, with some necessary changes required to bring Council in line with current legislation.

To find out how you can make a submission, visit What Matters Manningham.

Submissions close on Monday 2 March at 5.00 pm (AEST).

Manningham Council has appointed Mr Andrew Day as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Day, who is currently the Director of Corporate, Business and Finance at Yarra City Council, will take up his new position at Manningham on Monday 17 September.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Andrew Conlon, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Andrew to Manningham. His appointment was a collective decision of Council after a far reaching and very rigorous search. Finding the most suitable candidate that is both experienced and best positioned to lead the organisation moving forward was front of mind while undertaking this very competitive recruitment process.

“We believe Andrew is best placed to lead Manningham as it navigates the increasing challenges of rate capping on service delivery and meeting community expectations, while also transforming the organisation into a more contemporary customer focused organisation,” Cr Conlon said.

“I am really pleased to be offered this wonderful opportunity to work with Council and the organisation as the Chief Executive Officer of Manningham. I believe my skills and experience perfectly complements the needs of the organisation as we continue to focus on improving service delivery in a financially responsible and sustainable way for the benefit of the city’s vibrant and diverse community, now and into the future," Mr Day said.

Andrew has been the Director of Corporate, Business and Finance at the City of Yarra since 2015 where his responsibilities include finance, information technology, procurement, audit, corporate planning and performance, customer service, corporate records, parking and compliance services.  

He has held a number of executive and senior management positions in local government over the past 13 years, as well as management roles in the not for profit and health sectors. Andrew holds a Master of Business, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is an Associate of the Institute of Internal Auditors Australia.

Manningham Council invites you to virtually attend the online inaugural Meeting of Council to swear in Councillors elect and to elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. 

When: Tuesday 10 November 2020, 7.00pm

Where: This meeting will be held in person, with physical distancing in place.

COVID-19 restrictions: Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, guests will not be in attendance.

Livestream: The meeting will be livestreamed on our website. 

It seems Manningham’s new Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, was always destined for the gown and gavel, having grown up on Council Street in Doncaster.

Cr Diamante was unanimously elected to the position by her peers at last night’s Annual Council Meeting.

In her acceptance speech, the Tullamore Ward Councillor and mother of three, said she would prioritise Council visibility and responsiveness for the community.

“The opportunity to lead this city in public service is amazing, it is a real honour,” Cr Diamante said.

“I want Manningham to continue to be a great place to live, to learn and to grow. I want my children to want to live here, I want my children to want to raise their families here.”

Cr Diamante said councillors had many responsibilities and one of those was to “protect and foster those aspects of this beautiful city, that make it such a great place to live.”

“I strongly believe one of our core roles, is to represent those people who elected us, advocate for them and to be their voice.

“I want to create more opportunities for councillors to visit your wards and speak on matters that are important to you and your community.”

Councillors congratulated the new Mayor and commented on her strong values and determination to listen to the community, keeping an open mind when it came to decisions affecting Manningham.

These sentiments were echoed by Council CEO, Andrew Day, who congratulated the Mayor on behalf of the organisation.

“I can guarantee you that the team who are in the room, the staff and the team beyond that will hook right in behind you and give you the support you need to be as successful as you can possibly be,” Mr Day said.

Councillor Tomas Lightbody was elected Deputy Mayor in his second major achievement of the day, incredibly, having also completed his master’s degree.

Cr Lightbody was congratulated by his fellow councillors for both achievements and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will serve in their new positions for one year.

Councillors also thanked outgoing Mayor, Cr Michelle Kleinert for her tireless leadership, energy, passion and for reconnecting Council with the community following the COVID-19 lockdowns.

During her Mayoral term, Cr Kleinert attended more than 600 key openings and events, welcomed over 1000 new citizens to Manningham and was a strong mental health advocate for the community.

Cr Kleinert said she felt a sense of duty to be a strong leader for Manningham following the pandemic and thanked the community, councillors and the organisation for the “beautiful responsibility”.

Cr Kleinert said she had endeavoured to reconnect, listen and be present and accessible each day of her second Mayoral term, having also served as Mayor in 2016-17.

In congratulating Cr Diamante, Cr Kleinert reflected on advice she received from former Mayor, Ron Kitchingman OAM, who attended the gallery last night: “Keep smiling and enjoy!”

Manningham Council is now seeking community feedback on its draft 2020/21 Annual Budget.

The Annual Budget details the major initiatives and resources needed over the coming financial year.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Paul McLeish, said Council has approved the Annual Budget ‘in principle’ at its meeting on Tuesday 26 May, and are now inviting community feedback.

“In developing this year’s budget, we have focussed on progressing Council’s long term financial plan while providing cost-effective services and delivering infrastructure projects to meet the needs of our community.

“We have a $53 million capital works program to maintain and improve our $2.2 billion of community assets, as part of our $132 million budget which delivers more than 100 services for our community,” Cr McLeish said.

The draft 2020/21 Annual Budget is available for viewing online at yoursaymanningham.com.au/budget

To have your say, make a submission in writing either:

• online at yoursaymanningham.com.au/budget
• by post to Chief Financial Officer, Manningham Council, PO Box 1, Doncaster VIC 3108

Consultation on the 2020/21 Annual Budget closes at 4.00pm on Thursday 25 June 2020.

Council’s proposed $132 million operating budget provides funding to deliver community services, highlights include:

• $12.0 million for the maintenance of roads, drains, footpaths and bridges
• $13.0 million for waste and recycling
• $12.6 million for the maintenance of sportsgrounds, parks and gardens
• $10.2 million for aged and disability support services
• $9.6 million for customer services, Citizen Connect, IT and Transformation
• $6.8 million for health, local laws, animal management, food safety, litter and traffic management
• $5.8 million for planning, maintaining and operating Council’s property and buildings
• $4.6 million for strategic land use and open space planning
• $5.6 million for community services, including maternal and child health, immunisation, pre-schools, community development grants and community planning services
• $4.5 million for libraries
• $3.8 million for statutory planning services
• $2.9 million for economic development, tourism and grants
• $2.2 million for community venues and hall hire

Included within the draft Budget is Council’s extensive Capital Works Program of $53 million which comprises:

• $13.0 million for roads, including $6.7 million for road reseals and refurbishment, $3.7 million as part of the Road Management Strategy to upgrade the road network and $1.0 million for Jumping Creek Road Stage 1A
• $6.0 million for community buildings, including $2.9 million for the ongoing renewal of community buildings, $2.0 million on upgrades to Civic buildings and $1.2 million on the renewal of recreation buildings
• $13.0 million to recreation and community facilities, including $8.0 million for Pettys Reserve Sporting Development Stage 2, $1.2 million for floodlighting, $1.1 million for Rieschiecks Reserve Management Plan implementation, $0.9 million for Domeney Reserve and $0.3 million for Deep Creek Pavilion development
• $4.6 million for drainage improvements
• $3.5 million for parks, open space and streetscapes, including $0.8 million for playspaces development, $0.6 million for Lions Park Warrandyte Rivers Reserve, $0.4 million for implementation of Koonung Park Management Plan, $0.2 million for Tullamore Park upgrade and $0.2 million for Ruffey Lake Park development
• $4.5 million to renew Council’s core IT and telecommunications infrastructure
• $4.2 million to improve footpaths and cycle ways
• $1.2 million for plant and equipment.

To assist our community during COVID-19, Council is delivering the following relief measures:

•  Special payment arrangements for those experiencing financial hardship
• No increase in waste charges despite cost increases to council
• An increase in the Low Income Rate Rebate (an increase from $64.25 to $100)
• Additional support services for older residents
• 50% discount on footpath trading permits in 2020/21
• 50% discount on trader parking permits in 2020/21
• 50% discount on food premises registration in 2020/21
• 50% discount on health premises registrations in 2020/21
• The introduction of a Local Business Development Program
•  Rent and lease relief and subsidies on utilities costs for clubs and community groups
• The introduction of a COVID-19 community relief fund.

The value of the community relief measures listed above are in the order of $3.0 million in 2020/21 (in addition to $0.75 million in 2019/20).

Council services have been impacted by COVID-19 and the financial impacts on services are estimated to be in the order of $2.4 million in 2020/21 (in addition to the forecast impact of $2.7 million in 2019/20).

Factoring in the impacts of COVID-19, Council remains in a financially sustainable position and continues to be debt free.

For more information, visit yoursaymanningham.com.au/budget

The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is conducting a representation review of Manningham City Council. This is your chance to share your thoughts on how your community is represented.

A public information session will be held at 7.00pm on Monday 24 June at the Manningham Civic Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster. 

Preliminary submissions open on Wednesday 26 June and will be open until 5.00pm on Wednesday 24 July 2019.

The VEC review will look at the electoral structure, including the number of councillors whether the council should remain subdivided into wards if subdivided, the number of wards, ward boundaries, and the number of councillors per ward. The review will not consider a council’s external boundaries or whether it should be combined with another council (or separated).

Reviews are generally required at least every 12 years. For more information, visit the Victorian Electoral Commission website.

Manningham Council paid tribute to social advocate and Templestowe local, Dr Jim Poulter, by presenting him the Key to the City at the recent Council meeting on 24 April. 

Dr Jim Poulter was nominated for his contribution to Reconciliation Manningham and as a member of the Manningham University of the Third Age (U3A). 

Manningham Mayor Cr Andrew Conlon said this was the second time Council had presented the Key to the City.

“Council doesn’t take bestowing this honour lightly,” he said. 

“Jim has made a significant contribution to the reconciliation movement, working closely with Aboriginal Elders and organisations in producing educational materials on Aboriginal history and cultural practices.

“We are honouring his lifetime of service to our City and State.”

He has published 25 books and sold more than 70,000 copies over 30 years. This includes several acclaimed Aboriginal-themed children’s books and scripting of the documentary film, The Fighting Gunditjmara in 1983.  

Jim was also the founding board member of Doncare and the Manningham Community Health Centre. 

Since retirement, Jim continues to contribute to the community, giving more than 50 talks each year on Aboriginal history and heritage and conducting regular history walks along the Yarra in Manningham.
 

The Manningham community has lost one of its most respected, dedicated and much loved residents with the passing of former Mayor and Councillor, Bill Larkin OAM, on Sunday.

Billl dedicated his life to the City of Doncaster and Templestowe and Manningham with more than 46 years of service to the local community and thirty years as both a Councillor and Mayor (Doncaster and Templestowe 1979-89, Mayor 1983/84 and 1988/89, and Manningham Councillor 1997-08 and Mayor 2004-05).

Manningham Mayor Cr Paul McLeish said that in 1959, when Bill and wife Helen moved to Doncaster East, there were few constructed roads, no kindergartens or aged care facilities, limited shopping and sporting facilities.

"Bill was one of the key drivers for the development of local infrastructure for a rapidly growing community and adopted the motto ‘We want, We lobby, We build’.”

"Much of the Manningham we know today is as a result of Bill’s tireless community work driving the establishment of facilities such as the Kevin Heinze Garden Centre, the Pines Learning Centre, Doncare, Manningham Recreation Centre Association, U3A and the Manningham Centre Association.”

"Bill was also actively involved in a campaign to lobby the State Government to extend the Eastern Freeway to Springvale Road (now a vital piece of local road infrastructure) and played an important part in the creation of the Doncaster Hill strategy,” Cr McLeish said.

In recognition of his many achievements Bill was awarded the ultimate honour of Freeman of the City, which is the highest form of recognition that Council can bestow upon an individual in recognition of their high service of public duty, outstanding community contribution or exceptional activity that has significantly promoted the municipality. Bill was also acknowledged by the community with the Order of Australia, the Centenary Medal and a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship.

"Bill has played a vital role in the development of this community as a volunteer, Councillor, lobbyist, resident, friend and loving parent. His input, dedication and energy will be sadly missed but his enormous legacy will live on for many decades. On behalf of the entire Manningham community, I extend our sympathies to Bill’s wife, Helen and the Larkin Family,” Cr McLeish said.

Following on from recommendations by the Independent Panel and Advisory Committee, Manningham Council has adopted Amendment C101 to the Manningham Planning Scheme.

This now awaits the approval of the Minister for Planning, the Hon. Matthew Guy, to enable the Eastern Golf Course site to be redeveloped.

Consulting firm Urbis requested the planning control changes on behalf of Mirvac in January 2013.

A proposed Development Plan was also submitted to show how the entire site would be developed.

Following on from the public submission period, Council requested the Minister for Planning appoint a joint Independent Panel and Advisory Committee (PAC) to consider the submissions received in relation to the Amendment and proposed Development Plan.

The PAC report recommended that with some minor changes, Amendment C101 is appropriate and reflects the importance of the site to accommodate new residential development.

Mirvac is proposing that the site be developed with between 790 and 1005 different types of homes, with just over 20 per cent of the site set aside for public open space.

The Development Plan retains significant native vegetation and provides for the protection of ‘Tullamore’, the stables and three heritage trees.

Manningham Mayor Cr Jim Grivokostopoulos said the Development Plan for the Eastern Golf Course also provides pedestrian and cycling paths as well as urban design qualities.

“Manningham Council recognises the significance of the Eastern Golf Course to the City and has been working hard to ensure the right balance between development and the community.”

“The proposed Development Plan incorporates features that promote energy efficiency, water conservation and improved storm water quality,” Cr Grivokostopoulos said.

Newly elected Manningham Mayor, Cr Andrew Conlon, has pledged to draw on his understanding of Manningham and its residents to guide Council in his next 12 months as Mayor. 

The mayoral announcement was made following a vote at Manningham’s Special Annual Meeting of Council on Thursday, 9 November. 

In his acceptance speech, Cr Conlon thanked his family for their support and acknowledged the work of departing Mayor, Cr Michelle Kleinert. 

Cr Conlon said he was looking forward to serving as Manningham Mayor and thanked his council colleagues for entrusting him with the responsibility.  

“Council’s values include working together, pursuing excellence, being accountable, respectful and empowered,” he said.  

“With our values in mind, I am looking forward to working collaboratively and governing with integrity, transparency and accountability. 

“It’s important we listen to our community and represent them in decisions affecting their day-to-day lives.” 

Cr Conlon said he was also passionate about planning for a better Manningham. 

“I believe Manningham is one of the best places to live and I know by working together we will keep it that way,” he said.   

Departing Mayor, Cr Kleinert, congratulated Cr Conlon on his appointment.  

“I would like to thank the community for their support during my time as Mayor,” she said.  

“The past year has been exhilarating and I have truly enjoyed every moment, meeting community members and representing them in Council decisions.” 

“I look forward to continue working with businesses and residents in the Heide Ward and serving alongside Mayor, Cr Conlon.” 

Cr Andrew Conlon was first elected as Councillor in 2016 and has lived in the Mullum Mullum Ward for more than 13 years, originally in Park Orchards and currently in Warrandyte.    

Manningham City Council’s Executive team got a glimpse of what life is like for homeless youths at this year’s Sleep at the ‘G event – and raised almost $2,000.

In its fifth year, the Melbourne City Mission initiative sees Melbournians exchange their creature comforts to ‘sleep at the G’ for one night and raise awareness and funds for youth homelessness.

Manningham City Council CEO Warwick Winn said even after the event, Council staff continued to donate and support the cause, collecting spare change around the office. 

“This shows and demonstrates the generous nature and how in touch with community issues Council staff are,” he said. 

“The final amount raised was more than four-times our initial goal!” 

This year was the first time anyone from Council’s executive team had taken part in the significant event. 

Every night across Victoria, more than 7,000 young people are affected by homelessness. 

“It is one of the most severe forms of disadvantage and social exclusion for a person and is especially frightening and traumatic for young people,” Warwick said. 

“The temperature dropped to single digits but it’s one night of the year for us to identify with what it’s like to sleep on the streets and make a difference.

“Council management felt it was important to be able to help those who might not be able to help themselves.”

Manningham City Council will discuss its 2013/2014 Annual Report at the Council Meeting to be held on Tuesday 28 October 2014, commencing at 7.00 pm in the Council Chamber, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.

The Annual Report will be discussed in accordance with the requirements of Section 134 of the Local Government Act 1989.

Manningham City Council has received a copy of the Auditor’s Report under Section 9 of the Audit Act 1994. A copy of the Auditor’s report is included in the 2013/2014 Annual Report.

Copies of the 2013/2014 Annual Report will be available for inspection at:

• Civic Centre (Customer Service Desk) at 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, between 8.00 am and 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday

• Public libraries within the boundaries of the City of Manningham, during library opening hours

• On Council's website.

Manningham Council’s 2015/2016 Annual Budget and Strategic Resource Plan and Annual Initiatives 2015/16 have been adopted in principle and are on public exhibition until 21 May.

Manningham Mayor Cr Paul McLeish said “More than two years have passed since this Council was first elected, and in that time there have been new opportunities, pressures and challenges which continue to influence Council’s decision making.”

“These include the effects of a weaker global and national economy, Federal and State government revenue reductions, continued pressure from cost shifting, increasing construction costs, increasing demands in frontline service delivery and community expectations.”

“In this challenging environment, this Council has been implementing strategies to cap the growth of operating expenditure. Limiting the growth of operational expenses has in turn limited rate rises, while still preserving our investment in community assets.”

“To that end we have been very successful, and I am pleased to note the total rates and charges bill for the average residential property in Manningham for 2015/16 will increase by only 3.53 per cent ($64.15) or $1.23 per week.”

“This is the lowest increase in more than a decade and continues the downward trend we established from the outset of our council term,” he said.

Manningham Council’s draft 2015/16 Annual Budget, allocates $86 million to deliver services and a further $34.5 million to the capital program.

“Through the capital program budget, we will continue to invest in the renewal and upgrade of our community assets, and the development of the City's infrastructure”

Some highlights are:

• Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre upgrade $5.16 million
• Upgrade of Tindals Road $2.40 million
• Road related refurbishments including reseals and resurfacing $4.77 million
• Drainage improvements to protect properties from inundation $2.96 million
• Refurbishment and upgrade of Council's community buildings $2.33 million
• Planning and design of the new Mullum Mullum Highball Stadium $0.70 million
• Mullum Mullum linear path upgrades - Park Road to Heads Road $1.39 million

Cr McLeish said that through the 2015/16 Budget and Strategic Resource Plan, Council will continue to deliver high quality, responsive, value for money services.

The major initiatives outlined in the Strategic Resource Plan for 2015/16 are:

• The implementation of the Live Well in Bulleen Community Strengthening Project to promote better health outcomes and minimise social isolation and disadvantage.
• The completion of the remaining one kilometre of the Mullum Mullum Creek Linear trail.
• The continuation of Council's advocacy for improved public transport options for Manningham including heavy rail to Doncaster.
• Concept planning and community consultation for the Mullum Mullum Stadium.
• The final stage of the Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre redevelopment including the construction of new indoor pool, expanded health club and the redevelopment of the entrance foyer and the skybridge from the carpark.
• The investigation of options to centralise Council's customer call centre to improve service delivery.

Cr McLeish said “Council has a strong track record of taking a responsible and transparent approach to managing its finances, in line with community expectations, and setting a sustainable approach to delivering services and infrastructure improvements.”

“However, the State Government’s intention to introduce rate capping  from mid 2016 will place considerable financial pressure on all Victorian councils. Rate capping will constrain revenue levels and this will impact service delivery as well as our ability to maintain and improve infrastructure in the municipality.”

“Setting annual rates cannot be seen in isolation from other non-CPI cost drivers. State and Federal Governments contribute to the pressures for increases in your rates through the impact of long term cost shifting, grant reductions and increased charges. For example: Library funding contributions from the State Government have continually declined over the past decade as a percentage of total operating costs from 40 per cent in 2002 to 17 per cent in 2014/15.

“If the State were funding libraries at the 2002 ratio of 40 per cent, Council would be able to decrease its call on rates by $640,000.”

“There is limited information on how rate capping will work and thus to what extent it will impact Council and the community. The State Government will be consulting stakeholders, through the Essential Services Commission, to develop a framework for rate capping. Manningham will be making a submission,” he said.

Public Consultation

Copies of the draft Annual Budget and Strategic Resource Plan are available on Council’s web site, at the Civic Centre, Municipal Depot and public libraries in the municipality.

The public exhibition period commences on Thursday 23 April 2015 and concludes on Thursday 21 May 2015.

Residents are invited to make a written submission:

• online at Your Say Manningham
• by post to:

Manager Finance,
Manningham City Council,
PO Box 1, Doncaster 3108

Written submissions must be received by Council by 5.00 pm on Thursday 21 May 2015.

• Submissions received will be reproduced in Council papers that are publicly available.
• Submissions should clearly state whether you also wish to make a verbal presentation to a Committee of Council in support of your written submission.

A list of all submissions received will be presented to a Committee of Council on Tuesday 2 June 2015 and verbal presentations will be heard at that time.

The 2015/16 Annual Budget and Strategic Resource Plan are scheduled to be considered for adoption by Council on Tuesday 23 June 2015.

For more information about the draft budget, please contact Council’s Finance Services Unit on (03) 9840 9333.

If you have a question about how to lodge a submission, please contact Council’s Strategic Governance Unit on (03) 9840 9333.

Following a period of extensive community consultation, Manningham Council has endorsed the Green Gully Linear Park Management Plan that will guide the future use, development and maintenance of the popular Templestowe park.

The vision for Green Gully Linear Park is:

• To protect and improve the natural environment and habitat corridor of the Linear Park;
• To promote community health by encouraging greater participation in park activities, and to improve cyclist and pedestrian connections.

Manningham Mayor Cr Jim Grivokostopoulos said that in line with this vision, Council has developed a Management Plan that will see new capital works funding of $1.4 million to protect and improve the park.

“The majority of the recommendations of the draft Management were well received and in particular there was support for the extension of the Green Gully Trail, to link directly with the Mullum Mullum and Main Yarra Trails.”

“The plan also includes the upgrade of the children’s playspace, the provision of fitness equipment, an automated toilet, new barbecue facilities, additional planting and seating and expanded car parking with an automated gate to restrict vehicle access to limited hours.”

Cr Grivokostopoulos said that during the consultation period Council was made aware of a range of community concerns about some of the proposed improvements resulting in a number of alterations to the original draft plan.

“We should be very proud of the new Management Plan that will implement our vision to make Green Gully Linear Park safer, more accessible and available for the enjoyment of the entire Manningham community.”

We have installed mini recycling stations at some locations around Manningham to make it easier to recycle common household items that you cannot put into your bins.

When these items - like small e-waste, batteries, globes and ink cartridges - reach the end of their life they can be harmful to the environment if they are sent to landfill. Our processor is able to recycle between 93 and 98 per cent of these products.

On this page:

• What can be recycled at these stations?

• How to place items inside the slot?

• Where are they located?

• How are the items recycled?

Place items loosely into their relevant slot during opening hours of their locations.