Autumn is such a lovely time of the year here in Manningham as we have so many beautiful green spaces to enjoy, such as the area along the Yarra River at Bulleen. This is one of the treasures of our city, home to sporting clubs and reserves, walking and cycling trails and a beautiful natural environment.

At the March Council meeting, we outlined our submission to the Victorian Government’s draft Bulleen Precinct Land use Framework Plan and proposed planning scheme amendment aimed at redeveloping part of the Yarra Valley Country Club in Bulleen.

We generally support the framework, which aligns with our aspirations to protect the Yarra River corridor, provide more recreation spaces and give the public universal access to this key environmental area in Metropolitan Melbourne.

However, we recommended that the State Government not proceed with this current version of the proposed amendment to redevelop part of the Yarra Valley Country Club for residential purposes. We have expressed concerns about development in a sensitive and highly valued river valley landscape. Find out more about our submission.

I’m pleased that we have welcomed the public back to our Council meetings in our chambers at the Civic Centre and it’s been fantastic having the energy of the public attending again and to be able to answer your questions in person.

We are always looking to hear from young people in our community and so I am pleased that we endorsed the next steps for starting up our first Youth Advisory Committee. This group will be the voice of young people and inform our decisions – and we hope to have this in place by the end of the year.

We have good news for residents in bushfire prone areas. You can now reapply for burning off permits to help reduce the vegetation around your home. The best way to manage the fuel load and dead vegetation is to do so all year round. We can supply an extra green waste bin to your property if you need one.

This year our wonderful Heide Museum of Modern Art celebrates its 40th anniversary. They have planned major exhibitions and retrospectives throughout the year to celebrate this milestone.

It’s now easier for you to experience the gallery, as this year Heide is offering free museum entry to all Manningham residents from Monday to Friday and free booked group tours for 10 or more people for Manningham residents during 2021. Visit the Heide website to find out more.

On Sunday 25 April, we also commemorate Anzac Day, with services happening at Doncaster and Warrandyte RSLs, read on to find out event details.

I hope you have a wonderful autumn season and enjoy the best of this weather.

Cr Andrew Conlon

MAYOR