Manningham’s leafy streets are a defining feature of our vibrant community. As our neighbourhoods continue to evolve, it’s more important than ever to protect and strengthen our tree canopy.

Why every tree counts in Manningham

Canopy trees are large, mature trees that provide shade. They reduce urban heat, support biodiversity, enhance air quality and create healthy environments for everyone.

With the largest loss of tree cover in Manningham occurring on private land, every tree matters – and your garden is one of the most powerful places to start. By planting and protecting canopy trees at home, you can help rebuild local tree cover and support our community’s long-term environmental health.

How to choose the right canopy tree for your garden

Manningham’s diverse landscapes mean different areas are better suited to different tree species.

Wondering which tree suits your garden best? Indigenous species are perfectly suited to our local climate and soils, and also improve biodiversity. Native Splendour provides a list of trees and shrubs indigenous to Manningham.

Alternatively, explore our Precinct and Tree Character Mapping Guide – a helpful tool to match your location with the ideal tree species.

Simply identify your precinct, then browse the recommended tree palette for your area. If you're looking to plant a canopy tree, be sure to check the column marked ‘Large’ for options that offer generous shade and long-term impact.

Things to keep in mind when selecting your tree

• Growth and space: Select a tree that will have the space to reach its natural size. Consider how close the tree is to buildings and other structures. If you’re unsure about the underground utility infrastructure in your garden, check out Before You Dig Australia (BYDA). 
• Supporting wildlife: Native trees provide food and shelter for local wildlife and boost biodiversity. Explore our gardening guide, Native Splendour, to find a list of our indigenous trees and shrubs.  
• Seasonal changes: Evergreen trees keep their leaves all year long, providing consistent greenery, while deciduous trees drop them seasonally – allowing for more winter sun. With both providing benefits, it’s a matter of preference.  
• Soil type: Different trees grow best in different soils. Consider whether your soil is sandy, clay-based or well-draining – and choose a tree that suits.  

We deeply appreciate your efforts in helping us preserve and grow our urban forest. 
 

Manningham Council has welcomed more than $450,000 in Victorian Government funding to support three major recreation and leisure projects, including the Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre outdoor redevelopment.

Mayor Cr Deirdre Diamante met with North-Eastern Metropolitan MP Sonja Terpstra, and the new Federal Member for Menzies, Gabriel Ng, MP, at Aquarena this week for the funding announcement. The three projects that have received support through the 2024-25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, are:

• Aquarena outdoor redevelopment: $250,000
• Domeney Reserve sports field LED floodlight upgrade: $162,937
• Manningham Recreation Strategy: $40,000.

“We’re grateful to receive this critical financial support through Sonja Terpstra and the Victorian Government’s 2024-25 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund,” Cr Diamante said.

“This funding will go toward important projects that benefit the health, wellbeing and safety of our community in Manningham.

“Aquarena has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. From learn to swim lessons in the old outdoor 25m pool, to hot summer days climbing those endless stairs to the car park. Aquarena is part of the fabric of Manningham.”

Sonja Terpstra said, “The Allan Labor Government is delivering on its promise to upgrade Aquarena at Doncaster. As a seasoned swimmer myself, I couldn't be more excited about what this means for locals in Doncaster and surrounding suburbs who love to swim.

“We're also investing $162,937 for LED lighting at Domeney Reserve in Park Orchards and $40,000 towards Manningham Council's recreation strategy. These investments ensure our community sporting facilities are modernised and accessible, which means more people can enjoy playing local sport right on their doorstep.”

The redevelopment of the outdoor precinct at Aquarena will see a new 50m outdoor pool, family zone with interactive water play, splash pad and toddler pool, spectator seating, change rooms, a new café and more.

At Domeney Reserve, the sports field floodlighting will be upgraded to a minimum of 100LUX to meet the needs for evening AFL play. This will improve facility capacity and participant safety and ensure the lighting meets appropriate standards.

A new Manningham Recreation Strategy will help guide the future provision of community-based sport, recreation and leisure opportunities for residents over the next 10 years.

Image: Federal Member for Menzies Gabriel Ng, MP, Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante and North-Eastern Metropolitan MP Sonja Terpstra at Aquarena for the funding announcement.

We’re gearing up to improve bike riding facilities across Manningham over the next 10 years and are seeking feedback on the draft Recreational Bike Facilities Plan.

The draft plan outlines eight proposed locations for new or improved recreational cycling facilities that cater to all ages and skill levels.

Key features include dirt jumps, pump tracks, flow trails, and bike playgrounds. 

Proposed locations: 

Have your say

Review the draft plan and complete our short survey by 5.00pm, Sunday 22 June.

Your feedback will help shape the final Recreational Bike Facilities Plan.

Need information in a different way? 

If you would like this information in a different format, please contact manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au or 9840 9333. 

Manningham residents are invited to come together and celebrate Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 2 March, with a clean up event at Koonung Creek Linear Park from 10.00am to 1.00pm.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante encourages the local community to get involved.

“Clean Up Australia Day is coming up and a great way to take collective action to help our parks, waterways and wildlife.”

Manningham is home to a variety of parks and reserves as well as rivers and creeks that connect to larger water systems. Unfortunately, litter is being found in many of these areas, which can endanger waterways and wildlife.

When our waste ends up on the ground, it doesn’t just stay there – it washes into local waterways, especially during rainy or windy weather.

This litter can disrupt water quality and create hazards for our aquatic life, making it harder for plants and animals to thrive. Wildlife can also mistake plastic bags, food wrappers or small debris for food.

Clean Up Australia Day is a chance to take positive, practical action.

“By keeping litter out of our natural environment, we can create a cleaner, healthier Manningham for all.”

Event details

Sunday 2 March 2025

10.00am to 1.00pm

Koonung Creek Linear Park, 105 Leeds Street, Doncaster East, enter via Boronia Reserve

Gloves, litter collection gear, and a barbecue lunch will be provided. Registration is required.

"It’s incredibly rewarding to get outside, connect with nature and work together to make a positive impact – plus, the free barbecue is always a bonus!” Cr Diamante said.

For more information about this event or to register, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/events/clean-australia-day.

We love our pooches in Manningham. You've told us which dog friendly parks get your dog's wag of approval and here are your top 5 revealed.

Get out and about and test out one of the top 5 on your next walk.

5. Finns Reserve

Perfect for dogs who love a long walk. 

Duncan Street, Lower Templestowe

The surrounding bushland trails of Finns Reserve will let you and your dog be one with nature and keep away from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

In open spaces near Wombat Bend enjoy a game of fetch or tug of war. Don't forget that you will need to keep a distance of 15 metres from the playground.

Visit Finns Reserve - Wombat Bend.

4. Banksia Park

Perfect for your morning walkies

3 Templestowe Road,  Bulleen

Located near the Yarra River and managed by Parks Victoria, the off leash area at Banksia Park gives you stunning views while both you and your pooch stretch your legs.

If your furry friend wants to run off lead, the Cherry Blossom Loop of Banksia Park is fenced so you can easily keep your eye on dogs who may like to wander. 

You can also pop a leash on your pet and take a walk around the rest of Banksia Park. Bring a rug and a bite to eat and enjoy the picnic perfect park.

Visit Banksia Park.

3. Aranga Reserve

The perfect place for your dog to show off to their doggy friends.

Eastway Avenue, Donvale

This is a great place for you to train your furry companion, for socialisation or agility training.

Aranga Reserve is Manningham's dog activity hub. The fully fenced dog activity centre will help keep your dog safe while they socialise with the other dogs.

Energetic pups can jump, crawl and climb using the range of agility equipment on offer at Aranga Reserve

Why not make it a family outing, and bring a picnic to eat at the nearby picnic tables and let your children have fun on the playground.

Visit Aranga Reserve.

2. Warrandyte River Reserve 

Yarra Street, Warrandyte

Head to Warrandyte for your next dogs' day out and let them take in the sights and smells that beautiful Warrandyte has to offer.

Sit by the tranquil and picturesque Yarra River and simply watch the world go by. Or explore the walking trail with your canine companion, enjoying the natural bush area.

Finish your day with a treat at one of the many local cafes - a great day out for humans and dogs.

Visit Warrandyte River Reserve.

1. Ruffey Lake Park 

Enough space for your dogs to roam to their heart's desire - it’s the park that has it all

There are plenty of walking tracks throughout the park or if running wildly through the grass is your dog's thing, then Ruffey Lake Park is all their doggy dreams come true.

If all that running has made you and your pooch thirsty, then refresh at one of the pet friendly drinking fountains.

With plenty of playgrounds, barbecues, picnic tables and toilets, you can make it a full day outing with the whole family.

To protect vegetation in the park, there are some areas that are fenced, so please remember to keep your dog out of these areas. Plan your next trip to Ruffey Lake Park with your dog.

Visit Ruffey Lake Park. 

Did you know there are 20 virtual fence posts positioned along Jumping Creek Road, between Nelson Drive and the entrance to Warrandyte State Park’s Jumping Creek Reserve, to protect local wildlife and help reduce roadkill?

Installed by Manningham Council as part of the Jumping Creek Road upgrade, these innovative virtual fences are designed to save animals’ lives by releasing sound and light when a car approaches.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said the initiative is an important step towards addressing wildlife road fatalities.

“These virtual fences are a fantastic way to protect our local wildlife, especially in areas where animals frequently cross the road,” Cr Diamante said.

“We strategically placed these fences near Jumping Creek, as animals use creeks as habitat corridors.” 

“You will see the fence posts along the side of the road… and we encourage residents to be aware and help us keep our wildlife safe.”

While they might look like street posts, these virtual fences play a crucial role in enhancing road safey for both wildlife and drivers. 

Local wildlife rescuer, Katja Gutwein, has seen the benefits of these fences firsthand.

“The virtual fence is a low-cost solution that has drastically reduced wildlife fatalities and improved safety for all road users,” Ms Gutwein said. 

If you spot any damage to the fences, contact Manningham Council on 9840 9333 or email environment@manningham.vic.gov.au. 

The fences were installed as part of the Jumping Creek Road upgrade, which aims to improve road safety for all road users.

For more information on this project, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/jumping-creek-road-upgrade.