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.
Responding to climate change
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
Protecting our environment and biodiversity is a shared responsibility. 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.
Land management grants
Each year we offer a series of land management grants. These grants are designed to help property owners with tree planting, weed removal and pest animal control. Find out if you're eligible to apply.
The Green Wedge
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.
Tree management
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.
Guides
Protecting our environment and biodiversity is a shared responsibility. We are actively working to preserve and enhance our city’s natural resources to ensure they will survive and thrive for generations to come.
Land management grants
These grants are designed to help property owners to care for their land, including tree planting, weed removal and pest animal control.
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.
Want tips on how to be your most stylish self in the most sustainable way? Award-winning eco stylist and educator, Nina Gbor of Eco Styles will share her restyling tips.
Learn how to stylishly (re)use the items in your closet to look and feel amazing with any size and on any budget, while reducing your carbon footprint and textile waste.
Nina will also talk about:
- how to find your personal style
- how to find preloved treasures in op shops and online
About Nina Gbor
As the founder of Eco Styles, Nina Gbor is an award-winning sustainability advocate, ethical fashion speaker, climate activist, writer and educator.
Nina has a master’s degree in International Development and is a former sustainable fashion tutor in short courses at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. She coined the phrase ‘get off the fashion trendmill’ which means individuality and self-knowledge should be the premise for consuming clothing, not fashion trends.
Follow Nina on Insta @eco.styles for inspiration on secondhand and sustainable style hacks.
Maroondah City Council is hosting this event in collaboration with Knox City Council, Whitehorse City Council, Yarra Ranges Council, and Manningham Council.
We are committed to recognising, valuing and protecting the natural environment and ecological processes that life depends on. We support and encourage using Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) principles for land use planning and development, design and construction.
The benefits of Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD)
We encourage you to consider ESD principles in the early stages of your development proposal.
Benefits of ESD include:
- easier compliance with building requirements
- a reduced need for heating, cooling and lighting
- reduced costs over the lifespan of the building
- reduced running costs, improving long-term affordability
- improved amenity and liveability
- more environmentally sustainable urban areas
- integrated water management
- improved urban ecosystem health
- improved energy performance of buildings.
When do the ESD principles apply?
The Manningham Planning Scheme requires medium and large scale developments to meet specific ESD objectives and standards.
What are the ESD application requirements?
Clause 22.12 - Environmentally Sustainable Development defines the requirements for medium and large residential and non-residential developments.
The following tables also outline the ESD application requirements.
The fact sheets and links below provide further information about the application requirements.
Accommodation - mixed-use with a residential component
Type of development | Application requirements | Example tools |
---|---|---|
| Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA) | |
| Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) Green Travel Plan (GTP) |
Non-residential buildings
Type of development | Application requirements | Example tools |
---|---|---|
| Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA) |
|
| Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) Green Travel Plan (GTP) |
If you don't know which category your development fits into, please refer to the following resources:
If you are still unsure, please contact us.
Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process (SDAPP)
Planning permit applications for medium or large developments, as defined in Clause 22.12 - Environmentally Sustainable Development, must include information on how the proposal meets the ESD objectives.
You will need to consider each of the 10 Key Sustainable Building Categories when preparing your application. More information about these categories can be found below.
Depending on the scale of your project, you may need to engage an ESD consultant or qualified sustainability professional. They can help you meet the ESD requirements and prepare the necessary documentation.
Sustainable Design Assessment fact sheets
We have a series of fact sheets to assist you in meeting the requirements of Clause 15.01-2L Environmentally sustainable development – Manningham. The fact sheets cover each of the Key Sustainable Building Categories.
They provide an outline of:
- the category
- why it’s important
- strategies to improve the performance of a building (including best practice standards)
- Council requirements.
Key Sustainable Building Categories
Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) tools
The ESD tools fact sheet explains what ESD tools are, why you should use them and which tool to use for SDAPP.
The following list provides links to the ESD tools described in the fact sheet above.
- BESS - Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard
- STORM - Stormwater Treatment Objective - Relative Measure
- MUSIC - Model for Urban Stormwater Improvement Conceptualisation
- Green Star - Green Building Council of Australia certification
- NatHERS - Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme
- NABERS - National Australian Built Environment Rating Scheme
On-site Stormwater Detention guidelines
The On-site Stormwater Detention (OSD) guidelines help developers and engineering consultants meet the technical requirements for engineering plans.
All stormwater management features must adhere to these guidelines. This includes:
- rainwater tanks
- rain gardens
- on-site stormwater detention systems.
Contact us if you need help.
As part of the Inspired Living Series, Jesse Glascott and Elle Paton will discuss sustainable building design and tiny homes at the Manningham Function Centre.
Jesse Glascott, is co-founder of the Sustainable Building Alliance, Director of G-Lux Builders and architect of the iconic Warrandyte Panel House. Jesse will discuss what goes into designing and building net zero sustainable homes.
Elle Paton is co-founder of the Australian Tiny House Association. Tiny homes are prefabricated, transportable dwellings that can provide off-grid, eco-friendly and low cost solutions. Elle will share her story of what its like to live in a tiny house.
Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events
The Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings at the iconic Manningham Function Centre.
The series will introduce you to a diverse line-up of local and international keynote speakers offering unique insights on how we can all shift to a greener future.
Topics range from permaculture to sustainable fashion. Each speaker will inspire and motivate simple, positive lifestyle choices, connection to nature and growing a thriving community in the midst dynamic change.
As part of the Inspired Living Series and National Recycling Week, Nina Gbor and fellow panel members will discuss sustainable fashion in a circular economy at the Manningham Function Centre.
Nina Gbor:
Nina is a sustainable fashion educator, international speaker, sustainability consultant, and Founder of Eco Styles. Nina is also the Director of the Circular Economy and Waste Program at The Australia Institute and has been featured on the ABC's War on Waste. Nina will talk about her journey into sustainable fashion and discuss the collaborative effort needed to address sustainability challenges in the fashion industry.
Danielle Kent:
Danielle is the General Manager, Industry Transformation at Seamless. Seamless is a clothing stewardship scheme that aims to transform how clothing is made, used, reused and recycled in Australia to create clothing circularity by 2030. Danielle has been lead on the design and development of Seamless with a Consortium of organisations and the Australian Fashion Council. She has extensive experience in strategy and complex change management as a consultant, and a full range of government experience at state and federal level.
Courtney Holm:
Courtney is a circular fashion systems designer, thought leader and entrepreneur. She founded experimental circular fashion label A.BCH in 2017 and built it into a world leading example of what circular fashion could aspire to. In early 2024, she made a strategic decision to step away from making new clothes in order to focus on industry wide solutions. Courtney is the founder and CEO of Circular Sourcing - a climate tech platform turning surplus textile waste into resource. Courtney's expertise is in circular design for clothing, material flows and circular systems design. The heart of her practice is industry transformation for sustainable and equitable futures.
Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events
The Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings at the iconic Manningham Function Centre.
The series will introduce you to a diverse line-up of local and international keynote speakers offering unique insights on how we can all shift to a greener future.
Topics range from permaculture to sustainable fashion. Each speaker will inspire and motivate simple, positive lifestyle choices, connection to nature and growing a thriving community in the midst dynamic change.
Find out how solar power and solar batteries will improve your home, save you money and generate a clean future for the environment.
This webinar will include:
- how solar power and battery systems work
- buying good quality solar and battery products
- what to look for in a solar and battery quote
- how to find a good installer
- how government rebates help.
Our presenter, Ian Moxon, is a seasoned sustainability consultant with over 15 years of experience in this field. He’ll share his extensive knowledge and valuable industry insights into the benefits of installing solar power and solar batteries at your home.
This event is part of our Inspired Living Series. This series showcases an exciting range of fun and sustainable activities and events for all ages, supporting sustainability at home, in the community and at work.
Bookings are essential.
Home Harvest Manningham is a monthly home gardening seminar series that will teach you how to grow your own delicious fresh food at home.
Karen Sutherland from Edible Eden Design will talk about the best way to maintain and prune your fruit trees during winter for long lasting thriving fruit trees.
Food swap from 6.45pm, session starts at 7.00pm.
Registration is recommended but not required.
This event is part of our Inspired Living Series. This series showcases an exciting range of fun and sustainable activities and events for all ages, supporting sustainability at home, in the community and at work.
Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
Have a FOGO question? We’ve got the answer.
Not quite sure how the new FOGO service works?
Drop in to one of our casual online Q and A sessions where our friendly staff will be available to answer any of your queries.
Our strategies and action plans detail how we deliver outcomes for the community and Manningham. Planning is developed in consultation with the community in line with our community engagement policy.
Manningham’s 2040 Community Vision
Manningham is a peaceful, inclusive and safe community. We celebrate life with its diverse culture, wildlife and natural environment. We are resilient and value sustainable and healthy living, a sense of belonging, and respect for one another.
Strategies
Action plans
Home Harvest Manningham is a monthly home gardening seminar series that will teach you how to grow your own delicious fresh food at home.
Want to be able to garden without spending a fortune? Maria Ciavarella from My Green Garden will show you how to utilise things you already have to garden and save money.
During this seminar you will discover innovative ways to create a sustainable garden without breaking the bank. Maria will share tips and tricks to help you save money while still achieving a beautiful and eco-friendly garden.
This session will cover how to:
- repurpose everyday items
- recycle organic waste
- make the most of your garden space.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to embrace sustainable practices and save money in the process.
As a special treat, all attendees will participate in a tomato seeding activity with a heritage or heirloom seed variety from the Bulleen Art and Garden range.
The community food, seed and garden swap takes place at 6.45pm, 15 minutes before each session.
Registration is recommended but not required.
This event is part of our Inspired Living Series. This series showcases an exciting range of fun and sustainable activities and events for all ages, supporting sustainability at home, in the community and at work.
Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
有关于FOGO的问题吗?我们有答案。
不太清楚新的 FOGO 服务如何运作?
欢迎参加我们的在线问答环节,我们友善的工作人员将回答您的任何疑问。
有關於FOGO的問題嗎?我們有答案。
不太了解新的FOGO服務如何運作?
歡迎參加我們的網上問答環節,我們友善的工作人員將回答您的任何疑問。
Have a FOGO question? We’ve got the answer.
Not quite sure how the new FOGO service works?
Drop in to one of our casual online Q and A sessions where our friendly staff will be available to answer any of your queries.
Please note: this session will be run in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.
Home Harvest Manningham is a monthly home gardening seminar series that will teach you how to grow your own delicious fresh food at home.
Manningham has more than four seasons. Duncan Cocking from Leaf, Root and Fruit will deep dive into succession planning for local conditions.
Duncan will discuss the patterns that he sees in nature and how easily you can begin observing them too. Use these observations to inspire your gardening activities by working with nature rather than against it. Learn how to refine your succession planting and ripen that elusive Christmas tomato. Create your own action plan for your vegetable patch.
Topics covered include:
- the seasons of Melbourne/Manningham
- being an observant gardener
- Phenology
- timing of planting and succession planting
- growing Christmas tomatoes, creating an action plan.
Food swap from 6.45pm, session starts at 7.00pm.
Registration is recommended but not required.
This event is part of our Inspired Living Series. This series showcases an exciting range of fun and sustainable activities and events for all ages, supporting sustainability at home, in the community and at work.
Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
Learn how to identify our local eucalypt trees and find out how understanding where they grow can help you to read the landscape.
If all the trees and bush look a bit the same to you, this short walk and talk could change the way you see the world!
Join experienced local naturalist and ecologist Alan Noy to guide you through the process.
To celebrate National Recycling Week, we are hosting an online Q and A session about all things waste.
Not sure what item goes into each bin?
Get confused about what can and cannot be recycled?
Would you like to know more about what is happening the in the waste industry?
Come along to our friendly Q and A session so we can answer all of your queries and dispel any myths!
For over 150 years, Longridge farm was grazed by cattle. Now, under Parks Victoria management, it is recovering with plant regeneration and the return of wildlife.
The ridge offers spectacular views to the north, and the rapids are some of the prettiest on the Yarra.
- Distance: 5km
- Time: 3 hours
- Rating: Difficult
Wear sturdy shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Bring a water bottle and a snack
Meeting point advised on registration.
To celebrate National Recycling Week, come along to our information session about all things waste.
Not sure what item goes into each bin?
Get confused about what can and cannot be recycled?
Would you like to know more about what is happening the in the waste industry?
Come along to our friendly session so we can answer all of your queries and dispel any myths!
As part of the Inspired Living Series, join us on Thursday 23 May to find out what is happening to our local weather patterns and biodiversity.
Our presenter line up includes weather and biodiversity experts Nate Byrne, Professor David Karoly and Dr Greg Moore.
Nate Byrne, is the weather presenter on ABC News Breakfast, meteorologist, oceanographer and science communicator. Nate will discuss the latest climate modelling and how it’s predicted to affect Melbourne’s weather.
Professor David Karoly is an internationally recognised climate change expert. David will explore the latest climate science and how we can help reduce the increasing risk of catastrophic climate change.
Dr Greg Moore is a member of the National Trust of Victoria’s Register of Significant Trees member and inaugural president of the International Society of Arboriculture, Australian Chapter. Dr Moore will discuss how Manningham’s changing climate is impacting local biodiversity.
Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events
The Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings at the iconic Manningham Function Centre.
The series will introduce you to a diverse line-up of local and international keynote speakers offering unique insights on how we can all shift to a greener future.
Topics range from permaculture to sustainable fashion. Each speaker will inspire and motivate simple, positive lifestyle choices, connection to nature and growing a thriving community in the midst dynamic change.
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.
View all our services to help you dispose your unwanted items, learn how to recycle and more.
Manage your waste
Book a hard rubbish collection
Looking to get rid of large unwanted household items. Find out what we can collect.
Container Deposit Scheme in Manningham
Victoria’s first Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) is now operating across Victoria, including sites in Manningham.
Soft plastics recycling put on hold
We are working with other Victorian Councils to lobby the State Government for soft plastics processing facilities.
Recycle at your local mini recycling station
We've installed mini recycling stations so you can recycle common household items that cannot go into your bins.
Find your local transfer stations (tips) and recycling centres
View a list of our closest transfer stations (tips) and recycling centres.
How to dispose of items
Find out how to dispose of your unwanted items using the Alphabetical listing