Manningham’s housing growth projections have been reduced by more than 25 per cent, following the State Government’s decision to scale back its proposed targets. 

The revised housing target for Manningham is 28,500 new dwellings by 2051, down 10,500 from the proposed figure released in June 2024.

However, the target is still significantly higher than what Council had been planning for (8,000 dwellings by 2036), increasing Manningham’s existing housing stock by more than 50 per cent.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said: “While the reduced target is positive, we’re still concerned about the impact this will have on Manningham’s character and liveability, particularly without detailed information and meaningful consultation.”

“We’re eager to better understand the thinking and data behind the targets, as well as how the state and federal governments will support the market to provide this additional housing.

“We’ve raised concerns about how the necessary infrastructure and community services will be funded to support these housing targets.

“Our ongoing efforts to engage with the state government, specifically on our draft target number, have been met with silence.

“The state’s decisions have progressed without transparent consultation and adequate consideration of their potential impact, and we have no visibility of how the targets will be enacted,” Cr Diamante said.

In mid-2024 Council undertook extensive community consultation on both its Residential Discussion Paper and Activity Centre Design Concepts.

“We understand the need for housing development in Manningham and are reviewing our Residential Strategy in response to this need with input from our local community.”

The initial phases of engagement aimed to help Council better understand the community’s needs and aspirations for the future of housing and managing growth in Manningham.

As part of the Residential Discussion Paper consultation, more than 70 per cent of respondents said the ‘look and feel of their suburb’ was their main reason for living there.

The community expressed similar values and preferences in their feedback on the Activity Centre Design Concepts. Around half of the survey participants urged the importance of protecting areas in Manningham’s green wedge from development because of the sensitive environment, valued character and amenity, and lack of public transport.

These community’s insights are now helping inform the preparation of the draft Manningham Residential Strategy and draft Activity Centre Design Guidelines, which will both open for community consultation later this year and will now also consider the final housing target.

“Planning needs to ensure that the housing delivered is diverse and provides for a range of incomes, lifestyles and life stages. It should also consider the impact on core infrastructure, the environment, public transport, traffic and more,” Cr Diamante said.

“We’re committed to ensuring that our community’s values are reflected in the plans for Manningham’s housing future, while aligning with the state’s requirements.”

Planning for the provision of infrastructure and community services is a joint responsibility of both levels of government, with each level of government responsible for different infrastructure and community services.

“Like many councils, Manningham also faces significant challenges to long-term financial sustainability due to cost shifting by the state government, rate capping, rising costs, increasing population and rising community expectations.

“To address this, we need to engage with and seek support from other government levels to find sustainable solutions. Rate capping and funding gaps hinder our ability to meet increasing demands and provide essential services and infrastructure.

“We’ve reached out to the state government with the goal of collaborative understanding and planning as we plan ahead for housing in Manningham.  

We want to achieve best outcomes for our community and will await their response with anticipation,” the Mayor added.

Victoria Walks have created 26 digital maps of accessible walks around Victoria, giving people with disability greater access to nature walks.

Walking paths around Victoria have been audited and turned into digital walking maps as part of a project giving people with disability greater access to nature walks. This partnership between Victoria Walks and Scope Australia has been supported by the Victorian Government Access for All Abilities initiative.

So far they have completed 26 digital maps of accessible walks and the walks have been audited by people with disability, for people with disability.

Take some time to explore the great outdoors with some of these wonderful walks in Manningham

• wonguim wilam Accessible Walk
• Westerfolds Park Accessible Walk
• Wombat Bend Accessible Walk

Click here to see the full list of accessible walks in Victoria.

26 February 2025

We’re calling for Federal Government support for a number of priority projects ahead of this year’s Federal election.

At its meeting on Tuesday 25 February, Council set out its advocacy priorities across four key themes of Our Commute, Our Environment, Our Safety and Our Wellbeing.

This includes seeking funding support for seven major projects as well as a series of local sports infrastructure, road and footpath upgrades in Manningham.

Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said Council is calling for Federal Government funding for projects that will benefit the local community.

“We’re advocating for our community and seeking funding support for important local projects that will improve the wellbeing, safety, environment and transport in Manningham.”  

We’re advocating for:

• $15 million for the redevelopment Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre outdoor precinct
• $7.5 million for open space upgrades, some of which include:
• Wombat Bend and Finns Reserve upgrade in Templestowe Lower
• Anderson Park in Doncaster East
• Warrandyte Skate Park
• The Boulevarde playspace at Ruffey Lake Park.
• $5 million for safety improvements at the 5-ways intersection in Warrandyte South
• $3 million for a feasibility study to inform the high frequency busway implementation along Doncaster Road
• $2.5 million for a new building for the Park Orchards Community House and Learning Centre
• $350,000 to support community legal services in Manningham
• the Federal Government to encourage the Victorian Government to make commitments around the North East Link Project.

And we’re seeking funding support for road and footpath upgrades, sports infrastructure projects and LED floodlighting conversion projects.

We want to see a range of improved transport options for our Manningham community.

We’re calling for $3 million to undertake a feasibility study to inform the high frequency busway implementation along the Doncaster Road corridor, between Mitcham Station and Doncaster Park and Ride.

“The North East Link Program (NELP) is having a significant impact on our community and we are continuing our advocacy for the best outcomes for local residents,” Cr Diamante said

As a funding partner of the North East Link Project, we want the Federal Government to encourage the Victorian Government to:

• deliver a Transit Oriented Development when Doncaster Park and Ride is redeveloped.
• improve access and transparency on the Environment Protection Agency air quality data reports.
• install filters within the Southern Portal Ventilation Stack or improve transparency around the trigger for when filters would be required.

As a member of the Eastern Region Group of Councils, we also supports the regional goals and advocacy priorities of:

• Addressing financial stability
• Supporting housing growth
• Building climate resilience
• Transforming movement in the east.

For more information, visit our Advocacy page

UPDATED: 4 April 2025 with new JOLT prices.

Owning an electric vehicle (EV) in Manningham will soon be more convenient.

We’re partnering with Jolt Charge and Evie Networks to roll out nine public electric vehicle charging stations in 2025 – powered by 100 per cent renewable energy.

What is a public EV charger?

Although they’re privately owned, public EV chargers are on public land and available for everyone to use – all day, every day. The universal chargers are accessible to every electric vehicle.

Public EV charging network benefits

Electric vehicle use is booming, with more people switching every day.

• Ensure that EV charging is accessible and practical 

  Many EV owners rely on public chargers to power up while on the go, or because they don’t have the infrastructure at home. A public charging network will ensure that residents living in apartments, rental properties or areas without dedicated parking can access EV chargers.

• Reduce our transport emissions 

  Transport accounts for nearly a quarter of Manningham’s carbon emissions. This rate is higher than other local governments in Melbourne – and nationally. 

  Encouraging more people to use electric vehicles powered by renewable energy will help decrease our transport emissions and reach Manningham's net zero emissions target by 2035. 

• Boost local businesses with enhanced car parking

  It's proven that EV users visit shops and activity centres that provide EV chargers. While charging, they can explore nearby shops, businesses, and recreational facilities. 

• Increase driver confidence 

  EV users can travel confidently in and around Manningham, knowing they can rely on a network of fast chargers to top up on the go.

• Create a cleaner and greener Manningham

  Powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, the charging network will help reduce transport emissions, improve local air quality and reduce noise pollution.

Charger locations

The nine new public EV charging stations will be conveniently located near commercial, recreational and tourist destinations.

The specific locations of the charging bays will depend on access to power supply.

Sites we’re exploring include:

• Doncaster Reserve (near Jackson Court), Doncaster East
• Tunstall Square, Donvale
• Templestowe Village, Templestowe
• Bulleen Road, Bulleen
• Devon Plaza, Doncaster East
• Donburn Village, Doncaster East
• Lawford Road (near Westfield), Doncaster
• Mullum Mullum Stadium, Donvale
• Pines Learning and Activity Centre, Doncaster East
• Donvale Reserve, Donvale
• Warrandyte (location TBC)
• MC Square, Doncaster
• Macedon Square, Templestowe Lower

About the chargers

Each charging station will be operated by either Jolt or Evie.

Both chargers are powered by 100 per cent renewable energy through government accredited GreenPower.

Each provider offers a distinct product and service, giving you more options for charging.

Their services are summarised below.

How much will the project cost?

There will be no cost to us to install and operate the infrastructure. The chargers will be located on our land, however Jolt Charge and Evie Networks will cover all expenses for the chargers, including ongoing maintenance. The chargers are based on a user-pay model, with charging costs at standard market rates. 
 

How are they powered?

The chargers are powered by 100 per cent renewable energy through government accredited GreenPower.

Find out more

Visit the Victorian Government or Electric Vehicle Council website.

Manningham residents have achieved impressive environmental gains since introducing our Food Organics Garden Waste (FOGO) service, cutting the waste sent to landfill by half and more than doubling our organic waste. 

In the first year of FOGO, more than 24,600 tonnes of food and organic waste has been composted – that’s equivalent to the weight of 10 Mullum Mullum Stadiums. 

This significant reduction in landfill is helping reduce climate emissions, contributing to a healthier environment and resilient community. 

It will also minimise the impact of the rising landfill levy, which is set to increase by an estimated 30 per cent in July 2025. 

Manningham’s accomplishments can be attributed to the community’s commitment to working together toward environmental sustainability.

Residents are being encouraged to stay FOGO focused and continue their efforts to protect the environment for future generations.

This involves placing the correct items in FOGO bins and only using the certified lime green compostable liners.

Eligible items for FOGO bins include food waste, grass clippings, prunings, weeds, leaves and other garden waste. Each Manningham household can collect a free roll of 150 compostable liners (approximately one year’s supply) at the Manningham Civic Centre or Council Depot.

For more information, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/FOGO