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 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.
Citizen Science
Learn about what Manningham are doing in your local green spaces to gain a better understanding of the world around us.
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 and maintaining our natural environment
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.
Protect, Preserve, Enhance
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:
- Sewer Backlog Program rollout
- Doncaster Hill Smarter Water Planning
- Living Rivers Stormwater Program
Grey Water
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.
Permits and safe use of greywater
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.
Rainwater tanks
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.
Biodiversity
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.
Sustainability
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.
Water saving showerheads
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 program
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.
Volunteer to be a citizen scientist
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
Related downloads
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Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
Native gardening
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.
Weed management
Identification and control of common weeds in Manningham.
Land management
The Manningham Land Management Guide aims to help small property owners improve management of their land to the benefit of the local environment.
Tree Management
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.
Help for native wildlife
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.
Citizen Science - frogs, birds, water and flora
We offer a range of involved citizen science activities such as:
- Waterwatch.
- Aussie Backyard Bird Count.
- City Nature Challenge.
- Melbourne Water Frog Census.
Get involved in Citizen Science activities.
Managing horses - in person equiculture course
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.
Biodiversity Incentive Program - LEAF
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:
- Education about bushland management techniques
- Ways to manage pastures for soil conservation and horticulture
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
Sites of biological significance are areas of remnant indigenous habitat which can be local, regional, state and national areas.
Mosses, liverworts, fungi and lichens
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.
Environmental Weeds and Pest Plants
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.
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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.
Bee removal
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.
Keeping bees
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.
Our local species
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:
How to protect our birds
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.
Spring Outdoor Series
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.
Frogs of North East Melbourne Webinar
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.
Frog Census
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:
- Noise: possums are often quite rowdy when they are moving within house roofs and walls. They can also be quite noisy when mating or during territorial disputes
- Household damage: possums can create urine stains, unpleasant odours and occasional physical damage when living inside buildings
- Damage to gardens and trees: possums are largely vegetarian and will graze on many different types of trees and shrubs including natives and exotics. This is usually only a problem when they over graze and in some cases defoliate plants
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.
- Possums - Refer to the Yellow Pages
- Injured wildlife (including birds) - Help for Wildlife 24-hour service 0417 380 687, or Wildlife Victoria 24-hour service 13 000 94535.
- Foxes - Refer to Department of Sustainability and Environment on 9296 4400
- Snakes - Refer to the Yellow Pages. In case of imminent danger, call 9840 9333. We may be able to provide details of local snake catcher services relevant to your location within the municipality.
- Dead animals - We will collect dead animals that are located on Council land. If you need assistance for a dead animal located on your property, please refer to the Yellow Pages.
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.
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:
- A child is stung more than 5 times.
- An adult is stung more than 10 times.
- Anyone is stung in the mouth or throat.
- There is a severe allergic reaction (even if from only 1 sting).
- There is history of allergic reactions to bee or wasp stings.
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.
What You Can Do
A fox removed from its territory will quickly be replaced with another. It is more effective to eliminate the attraction to foxes.
- Lock up chickens, ducks, guinea pigs and pet rabbits in a roofed enclosure at night
- Clean up food scraps, pet food left outside and excess fruit dropped by fruit trees
- Always cover your compost heap or use a compost bin
- Never make foxes pets by feeding them
- Remove blackberry and other weed thickets, which provide cover for foxes
- Do not feed wildlife
- If you see a fox in the area, let your neighbours know so they can take action
Funding and Assistance
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 Agriculture Victoria.
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.
Steps to take to protect your garden from Queensland Fruit Fly
- Monitor your garden for Queensland Fruit Fly activity
- Clean up old fruit and vegetables from around the base of plants
- If you find affected fruit either boil, microwave or freeze the affected fruit before disposing. Do not put untreated produce in the compost or waste bin as this will facilitate spread
- Let your neighbours know if you have found Queensland Fruit Fly and suggest taking action together
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:
- Destroying indigenous vegetation
- Competing with native animals for food and habitat
- Causing erosion, soil loss, and creek and river bank destabilisation
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.
Legal Responsibility
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.
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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:
- seminars
- field trips
- walks aimed at protecting native vegetation and preventing the proliferation of pest related damage.
Living in the Green Wedge
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.
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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.
Our achievements so far
- Undertook bushfire mitigation works, weed and pest animal control across our bushland reserves.
- Planted over 10,000 plants and embarked upon extensive ecological restoration across our parks and reserves annually.
- Provided over 50 Local Environment Assistance Fund grants to residents for revegetation, weed and pest animal control, annually.
- Supported over 5,000 volunteer work hours annually across Landcare and environmental friends groups to protect biodiversity.
- Successfully advocated for state funding for pest deer control.
- Supported private properties in biologically significant areas with bushfire mitigation and the reduction of woody weeds.
Turning our environment protection goals into action.
What we are doing:
- Maintaining bushland, reserves, parks and open spaces with weed and pest animal control and ecological restoration and revegetation.
- Growing indigenous plants, trees and grasses in the council Nursery as part of the city’s revegetation program.
- Supporting private landowners with advice and grants — Local Environment Assistance Fund (LEAF) — to remove threats and revegetate.
- Supporting private landowners with woody weed removal — to assist with bushfire mitigation.
- Continuing to deliver on the Green Wedge Action Plan and Bushland Management strategy to control and monitor pest deer, protect biodiversity of bushland reserves and map vegetation loss.
- Consulting with the Country Fire Association and other emergency management agencies to improve the balance between bushfire prevention and protection of our biodiversity.
- Providing guidance and advice through the — The Biodiversity Impact Assessment Committee (BIAC) — to protect trees, vegetation and biodiversity across capital works, urban planning and government agency projects including North East Link.
- Assisting with permit applications and managing statutory compliance with vegetation removal to reduce illegal activity and preserve Manningham’s Green Wedge.
- Raising awareness and educating our community on environmental sustainability and biodiversity protection through a range of activities, events and programs.
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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.
Our achievements so far
- Supported over 5,000 volunteer work hours annually across Landcare and environmental friends groups to protect biodiversity and enhance our natural environment.
- Established and continue to support the Doncaster Hill Community Food Garden where local volunteers grow fresh produce donated to local charities.
- Conducted a range of community education programs, workshops and events to engage locals to participate in the care, restoration and protection of the local environment.
- Supported Waterwatch program volunteers monitor water health and quality of over 29 waterway sites across Manningham.
- Facilitated community involvement in the Aussie backyard bird count, Frog Census, NatureSpot and Platyspot.
- Hosted National Tree Day events.
- Providing residents free energy saving advice and solar installation services in partnership with the Solar Savers Program — Register for a free solar and/or battery quote and get access to state and local government rebates and subsidies.
Building awareness, educating and connecting our community with nature.
What we are doing:
- Facilitating the Spring Outdoors Program in collaboration with Nillumbik and Banyule Councils. The program offers over 50 resident programs including webinars on local frogs and bird species as well as a 10-week Sustainable Gardening webinar series by Sustainable Gardening Australia during lockdown
- Supporting the Doncaster Hill Community Food Garden where local volunteers grow fresh produce most of which is donated to local charities and community food banks. The garden is open to residents with a passion for growing food, meeting neighbours and lending a hand to plant, water and tend the garden.
- Introducing residents to our local biodiversity and ways to protect our native species and natural environment in an engaging wildlife and environment video series — Manningham’s Backyard Biodiversity — produced in collaboration with Wild Action Zoo.
- Fostering community partnerships and supporting biodiversity and environment protection work of Landcare, local environment and friends groups
- Offering Manningham Schools Environmental Education Program and the Doncaster Hill Community Garden School Holiday Program with education focussed activities dedicated to learning about our natural environment and the importance of protecting biodiversity.
- Hosting the Lead to Sustain Conference, offering young people in our community the opportunity to learn how to become more sustainable in their choices and to lead by adopting more sustainable actions for the future benefit of our local community. The conference includes activities dedicated to supporting biodiversity and ecology, saving water, reducing waste, recycling and reducing energy consumption.
- Providing residents guided walking tours so that they may connect with and learn about the natural environment and biodiversity in their local area.
- Offering a Resource Smart Schools Program assisting schools to embed sustainability into everything they do including ways to promote biodiversity, minimise waste, save energy and water, and take action on climate change to benefit their school and the community.
- Providing the Smarter Living Program a webinar series in collaboration with Whitehorse Council - dedicated to managing household waste and living more sustainably.
- Facilitating the Manningham’s Citizen Science program — providing residents the opportunity to participate in collecting and cataloguing biodiversity data in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count, Frog Census, NatureSpot and Platyspot even during lockdown walks.
- Offering the Equiculture Horse Management Course focusing on horse management with an emphasis on sustainable property management and responsible horse ownership.
- Providing a range of learning programs and events such as the annual Learning for Sustainability Conference — in collaboration with 5 member councils across the Eastern region — Eastern Alliance for Sustainable Learning (EASL).
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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 stewardship
- pest and animal control
- ecological improvement works.
Who can apply for a grant
To apply for assistance to preserve your bushland you must live in a designated zone, near a wildlife corridor or waterway, or have previously participated in this program. Read the land management grant criteria below for the full details.
How to apply for a grant
If you meet any of these criteria, complete the online form or download an application form.
Local Environment Assistance Fund (LEAF)
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. |
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Category B Grants of up to $1000 are available to fund approved works. |
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Category C Grants of up to $500 are available to fund approved works. |
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Resourcing Extra Local Environmental Assistance Fund (RELEAF)
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:
- biodiversity merit
- the size of the habitat zone, minimum 5,000m2 (0.5ha)
- the priority of the works
- the property owners ability to manage a habitat zone into the future, including a voluntary three year action plan agreement
- property eligibility.
Approved works for LEAF and RELEAF grants
Please see the list below for eligible works and their priority level. Applications will be assessed based on the priority of works.
High priority works include:
- integrated rabbit control that includes warren destruction
- integrated environmental weed control
- integrated pest animal control
- revegetation to an appropriate standard for:
- enhancing identified habitat corridors or significant locations
- enhancing identified strategic ‘gaps’ in corridors or other strategic locations
- conservation of threatened species
- preventing and/or rehabilitating soil erosion.
- fencing of core and buffer habitat, high priority revegetation, or waterways and dams to prevent stock access/grazing
- other ‘significant’ habitat improvements on a case by case basis including ecological burns
- wetland enhancement
- earthworks for erosion control/prevention
- works for threatened species conservation.
Other works include:
- integrated rabbit control including at least two of the following methods:
- baiting using a licensed contractor
- harbour reduction and warren collapse.
- fumigating:
- ferreting
- long-netting
- monitoring.
- seed collection, propagation, and/or planting of indigenous species
- pasture management improvements including:
- integrated weed management
- contour fencing
- fencing and revegetation of gullies and building stock crossings
- manure management including harrowing, collection and composting
- building of sacrifice yards
- reseeding with local native grass species
- management to enhance native pastures.
Pest animal control grants
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.
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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:
- 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 Reptile Encounters
- Experience nature as a place to play, imagine, relax and explore.
Participant information:
- Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to start time.
- Come prepared and dress for the weather on the day. Please wear closed-toed footwear.
- Don’t forget to bring a snack and water bottle for morning tea.
- In the event of extreme weather, this event will be cancelled.
- Currawong Bush Park is protected habitat, dogs are not permitted in the park at any time.
Deer are destroying our most valuable assets. What can we do about it?
Did you know:
- deer are a serious threat to our bushland habitat. They destroy saplings and mature trees and compete for food with our native wildlife
- they are trashing our most important assets, our private properties, bushland, market gardens and farmland
- deer are ruining our waterways and endangering our drinking water
- deer threaten our community safety and are a serious collision risk on our roads
- deer can carry pathogens and harbour diseases which can be transmitted to our domestic stock and animals.
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.
Celebrate National Tree Day in 2024.
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 help and provide advice on planting for the local habitat.
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 at Mullum Mullum Creek, walk 100 meters upstream from Reynolds Road Bridge, Donvale.
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events by subscribing to our Environment Newsletter.
Related events
Celebrate National Tree Day in 2024.
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 help and provide advice on planting for the local habitat.
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 at Ruffey Lake Park. along the creek at the bottom of Church Road entrance. Parking available Victoria Street entrance.
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events by subscribing to our Environment Newsletter.
Related events
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 2024 by registering for the following 2024 National Tree Day community planting sessions at 9.00am to 11.00am Ruffey Lake Park.
Bring along your family and friends and help plant native trees and vegetation to protect the park's natural environment.
Our team will provide advice on how and where to plant the plants to support local habitat.
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
Ruffey Lake Park, along the creek at the bottom of Church Road entrance, Park available at the Victoria Street entrance.
Please note this year's National Tree Day also has a second location at:
11.00am to 1.00pm Mullum Mullum Creek, walk 100 meters upstream from Reynolds Road Bridge, Donvale.
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:
- Horse health, behaviour and welfare
- Grazing management for pasture and soil health
- Managing equine obesity and laminitis
- Manure and parasite management
- Property designs for healthy horses and healthy land
- Reducing farm labour to increase quality time with your horses
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:
- horse health, behaviour and welfare
- grazing management for pasture and soil health
- managing equine obesity and laminitis
- manure and parasite management
- property designs for healthy horses and healthy land
- reducing farm labour to increase quality time with your horses.
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:
- Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to start time.
- Come prepared and dress for the weather on the day. Please wear closed-toed footwear.
- Don’t forget to bring a snack and water bottle for morning tea.
- In the event of extreme weather, this event will be cancelled.
- Currawong Bush Park is protected habitat, dogs are not permitted in the park at any time.
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.
Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
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:
- Horse health, behaviour and welfare
- Grazing management for pasture and soil health
- Managing equine obesity and laminitis
- Manure and parasite management
- Property designs for healthy horses and healthy land
- Reducing farm labour to increase quality time with your horses
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.