Manningham Council is seeking feedback on its proposal to update the open space contribution rates for subdivisions of three or more lots, to ensure the community continues to have sufficient public open space now and into the future. Under the Subdivision Act 1988, any developer seeking to subdivide land into three or more lots is required to provide an open space contribution to Council. The contribution is to compensate for the increased demand for open space caused by the subdivision and is assessed as a percentage of the property’s site value. It can be provided in the form of land, money or a combination of both.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Michelle Kleinert said the proposed contribution rates would allow Council to plan for better open space across the City.

"We know our community in Manningham values parks and open spaces and we want to ensure that as we plan for the future, we are able to continue to incorporate open space into areas where growth is anticipated," she said.

Council’s proposal, known as Amendment C123 to the Manningham Planning Scheme, includes introducing an eight per cent open space contribution for subdivisions in high growth areas and a five per cent open space contribution in the remainder of the municipality, where less change is forecast.

The contribution rate of eight per cent for high growth areas applies to Doncaster Hill and residential areas surrounding activity centres along main roads, near prominent intersections and/or commercial areas and within The Pines Activity Centre.

A mandatory five per cent public open space contribution has been in place for the Doncaster Hill precinct since 2005; this is now proposed to be increased to eight per cent.

For the remainder of Manningham, open space contribution rates have been applied on a case by case basis ranging from two to five per cent for subdivisions of three or more lots, this is now proposed to be set at a mandatory five per cent.

Community members are invited to provide feedback on the proposal by making a submission, either:

• Online at www.yoursaymanningham.com.au/amendment-C123

• By post to The Manager City Strategy, Manningham City Council, P O Box 1, Doncaster Victoria, 3108

Submissions close on Monday 13 November 2017.

For more information, visit www.yoursaymanningham.com.au/amendment-C123