We’re inviting community members to contribute their insights and ideas to help shape our draft 2026-27 Budget and draft 10-Year Financial Plan. 

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said: “We’re committed to ensuring the annual budget prioritises what matters most to our community, while delivering on our mission to be a financially sustainable council.

“Our council delivers more than 100 services across a diverse range of areas, from waste collection and libraries to community programs and infrastructure,” Cr Diamante said.  

“These services all play an important role in our community and we want to understand which areas our community sees as most important for us to prioritise spending,” she said. 

You can also register your interest to pitch your budget ideas to Councillors at an in-person meeting in early December.

“We want to hear from you about the projects and services you would like to see delivered in Manningham, now and in the future. Your ideas, passion and local knowledge are at the heart of what makes our community thrive,” Cr Diamante said.

Shortlisted in-person submitters will have 3 minutes each to present to Councillors at a meeting on Monday 1 December at the Manningham Council Chamber.

If you would prefer not to pitch your idea in person, your ideas will still be considered as part of the broader engagement process. 

Have your say

You can share your insights, ideas and register your interest to present to Council by completing our short survey by 9 November 2025 at Your Say Manningham.

Your responses will help shape the draft 2026-27 Budget and draft 10-Year Financial Plan. 

The final 2026-27 Budget and 10-Year Financial Plan will be considered for endorsement at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 23 June 2026.

Some ideas may be better suited to our Manningham Community Grant program, which supports eligible organisations to deliver community-focused projects. 

Learn more about the grants program and other ways to get involved.

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.

MC Square in Doncaster will soon undergo an exciting transformation to bring UpSpace to life – a modern co-working business hub designed to empower and grow Manningham’s small business community. 

Located in the vibrant heart of Doncaster Hill, UpSpace takes its name from its elevated setting and purpose, which is to uplift local businesses. 

Our Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said the hub represents a significant step in Council’s ongoing commitment to nurturing local businesses through practical support and collaborative initiatives.

“This purpose-built facility offers small business owners and professionals a place to work, collaborate and access essential resources.” Cr Diamante said. 

“MC Square is already a thriving hub for community services, and the new business space will further enhance its value by providing small, local businesses with a professional base and enhanced opportunities to network.” 

Following an extensive design process, the co-working hub is now in procurement, with construction expected to commence early 2026.

Plans for the facility include: 

• a welcoming reception
• 27 desk spaces 
• a meeting room
• two private focus pods
• guest lockers
• a fully equipped kitchen
• high-speed internet, video conferencing and print facilities
• terrace access with seating, plants and panoramic views. 

In addition to the new co-working hub, upgrades will also be made to the existing MY Hub youth services facility. All services will remain open during the works, with MY Hub temporarily moving to Level 3 at MC Square. 

We proudly hosted our first Annual Grants Celebration on Wednesday 27 August – an evening dedicated to recognising and celebrating the remarkable organisations supported through the 2025 Annual Community Grants program. 

The event brought together community groups, volunteers, and local leaders to acknowledge the vital role of not-for-profit organisations in creating a more inclusive, connected, and vibrant Manningham. 

Our Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said it was an honour to celebrate with the 30 grant recipients and acknowledge the efforts of the many volunteers, organisers and community members behind each project.

“A big congratulations to all our grant recipients and the people who work quietly and tirelessly in the background to strengthen our community,” Cr Diamante said. 

“There’s something really powerful about bringing people together who share the same compassion for our community in Manningham.

“This celebration marks the beginning of a new tradition for Manningham - one that not only recognises the incredible work happening in our community, but also encourages connection, collaboration and continued growth,” Cr Diamante said.  

Each year, we're proud to provide grants that support local initiatives to enhance wellbeing, strengthen social connection, and promote active participation across Manningham. 

This year, we awarded $314,223 in funding through our Annual Grants program, which includes four key streams of Community Development, Arts, Festivals and Events, and Healthy Ageing. 

The 2025 program highlights the diverse and meaningful ways community-led initiatives are making a difference. Some of the projects funded this year include:

• Heide Museum of Modern Art’s Yaluk Langa Learning Programs, designed in collaboration with First Nations artists and educators to deepen cultural understanding among young people through art.
• Onemda Association’s sensory wellbeing spaces, which provide calm, inclusive environments tailored to individuals with sensory processing needs.
• The Rotary Club of Manningham City’s Walk for Youth Mental Health, an initiative that brings the community together to raise awareness, reduce stigma and support young people’s mental health.

These projects are among 30 grant recipients making an impact on the lives of Manningham residents. 

View the full list of grant recipients at our Community Grants page. 

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

Manningham Council proudly hosted its first Annual Grants Celebration on Wednesday 27 August – an evening dedicated to recognising and celebrating the remarkable organisations supported through the 2025 Annual Community Grants program. 

The event brought together community groups, volunteers, and local leaders to acknowledge the vital role of not-for-profit organisations in creating a more inclusive, connected, and vibrant Manningham. 

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said it was an honour to celebrate with the 30 grant recipients and acknowledge the efforts of the many volunteers, organisers and community members behind each project.

“A big congratulations to all our grant recipients and the people who work quietly and tirelessly in the background to strengthen our community,” Cr Diamante said. 

“There’s something really powerful about bringing people together who share the same compassion for our community in Manningham.

“This celebration marks the beginning of a new tradition for Manningham - one that not only recognises the incredible work happening in our community, but also encourages connection, collaboration and continued growth,” Cr Diamante said.  

Each year, Manningham Council is proud to provide grants that support local initiatives to enhance wellbeing, strengthen social connection, and promote active participation across Manningham. 

This year, Council awarded $314,223 in funding through its Annual Grants program, which includes four key streams of Community Development, Arts, Festivals and Events, and Healthy Ageing. 

The 2025 program highlights the diverse and meaningful ways community-led initiatives are making a difference. Some of the projects funded this year include:

• Heide Museum of Modern Art’s Yaluk Langa Learning Programs, designed in collaboration with First Nations artists and educators to deepen cultural understanding among young people through art.
• Onemda Association’s sensory wellbeing spaces, which provide calm, inclusive environments tailored to individuals with sensory processing needs.
• The Rotary Club of Manningham City’s Walk for Youth Mental Health, an initiative that brings the community together to raise awareness, reduce stigma and support young people’s mental health.

These projects are among 30 grant recipients making an impact on the lives of Manningham residents. 

View the full list of grant recipients at Council's Community Grants page.