Manningham Council property purchase sets the stage for new community house

Manningham Council has signed the contract to purchase 576-578 Park Road, Park Orchards as part of its planning for a new Park Orchards Community House and Learning Centre.

A priority action in Council’s Community Infrastructure Plan, discussions and advocacy have already commenced for the replacement of this popular neighbourhood house and it is hoped that this significant investment by Council will be the catalyst for investment from other levels of government.

Manningham Mayor, Deirdre Diamante, said the existing community house needs replacing to bring programs and services together.

"The Community House is widely used and offers a variety of programs and services in learning, fitness and art for all ages, and includes a well-loved childcare facility.

“The current building is coming to the end of its useful life, has limited accessibility and is too small to cater to all programs. These limitations have resulted in programs moving to different locations and spread across multiple local venues.

“By bringing these programs together into one building with better access and more space, we can improve efficiency and better support the community’s growing needs.”

The location of the new property, adjacent to the existing Community House at 572 Park Road, will allow for more space for the variety of programs on offer.

“Located in the heart of Park Orchards, as part of a community and education precinct and near public bus transport, the site will maintain convenient access to childcare, schools, recreational areas, and shops.” Cr Diamante added.

The purchase of 576-578 Park Road is part of Council’s long-term planning to replace this important neighbourhood house for Park Orchards.

Neighbourhood houses are predominantly funded by government grants and additional state and commonwealth government funding will be needed to deliver this new community facility.

“We have purchased this property as part of our long-term plan for the community house and local area. We’re pleased to be able to secure a site for a new centre in Park Orchards and will continue to advocate for State and Federal funding to deliver it.”

The purchase was funded by Council’s Strategic Fund which is part of its 10 Year Financial Plan 2024/25 to 2033/34.

For more information, visit Your Say Manningham.

We have signed the contract to purchase 576-578 Park Road, Park Orchards as part of its planning for a new Park Orchards Community House and Learning Centre.

A priority action in our Community Infrastructure Plan, discussions and advocacy have already commenced for the replacement of this popular neighbourhood house and it is hoped that this significant investment will be the catalyst for investment from other levels of government.

Our Mayor, Deirdre Diamante, said the existing community house needs replacing to bring programs and services together.

"The Community House is widely used and offers a variety of programs and services in learning, fitness and art for all ages, and includes a well-loved childcare facility.

“The current building is coming to the end of its useful life, has limited accessibility and is too small to cater to all programs. These limitations have resulted in programs moving to different locations and spread across multiple local venues.

“By bringing these programs together into one building with better access and more space, we can improve efficiency and better support the community’s growing needs.”

The location of the new property, adjacent to the existing Community House at 572 Park Road, will allow for more space for the variety of programs on offer.

“Located in the heart of Park Orchards, as part of a community and education precinct and near public bus transport, the site will maintain convenient access to childcare, schools, recreational areas, and shops.” Cr Diamante added.

The purchase of 576-578 Park Road is part of our long-term planning to replace this important neighbourhood house for Park Orchards.

Neighbourhood houses are predominantly funded by government grants and additional state and commonwealth government funding will be needed to deliver this new community facility.

“We have purchased this property as part of our long-term plan for the community house and local area. We’re pleased to be able to secure a site for a new centre in Park Orchards and will continue to advocate for State and Federal funding to deliver it.”

The purchase was funded by our Strategic Fund which is part of our 10 Year Financial Plan 2024/25 to 2033/34.

For more information, visit Your Say Manningham.

The first phase of the Melbourne Hill Road drainage upgrades is now complete, and Manningham Council is preparing for phase two works to start late next year.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante said the completion of phase one marks a significant milestone for the project.

“Phase one has tackled key safety and flooding issues for locals, while also enhancing the local habitat through planting of species of native vegetation to provide shelter and food as well as contributing to the overall biodiversity.”

This major project, covering approximately 35 hectares of residential area, aims to reduce flood risk to protect local properties and businesses.

Commencing earlier this year, with the installation of underground drainage along the roadside, widening of the road, and removal of deep depressions and driveway culverts.

We are now preparing for the second phase of construction, which will focus on upgrading the drainage systems within easements on private properties. This phase will improve stormwater management and provide flood protection for properties by addressing surface water runoff.

“We’re looking forward to the next stage of construction starting next year, as it will provide essential flood protection for properties along Melbourne Hill Road,” the Mayor added.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 and take approximately one year to complete. However, the schedule may be affected by weather conditions and the potential relocation of underground service assets.

In the meantime, Council will continue its planting program, supporting the establishment of new native plantings over the coming years.

For further information and the latest project updates, visit Your Say Manningham.

Women’s and girls’ sport is set for a boost in Wonga Park with the local netball facility to undergo a major redevelopment.

Manningham Council has secured a $1.47 million grant to upgrade the Wonga Park Netball Facility through the Australian Government’s Play Our Way program.

This funding is in addition to $450,000 allocated in Council’s 2024/25 capital works budget to deliver a new pavilion, lighting and to reconstruct the netball courts.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, welcomed the funding announcement, describing it as a huge win for women and girls’ sport and the Wonga Park community.

“We’d like to thank the Australian Government for their support in providing quality facilities for women and girls in Manningham that help reduce barriers and increase participation in sport and physical activity,” Cr Diamante said.

“Advocating for more inclusive and equal community facilities is a key part of Council's role and we’re thrilled that we’ve been able to achieve this significant win in collaboration with Wonga Park Netball Club.

“This is going to make a huge difference to the club and players – providing toilets, change facilities and storage at the courts. New lighting will also allow the club to train in the evenings,” the Mayor added.

Wonga Park Netball Club spokesperson, Jeanette Morriss, said the funding announcement was a fantastic early Christmas present for the club.

“We are just so excited. It’s going to be amazing for women and girls in sport and will create a much safer and inclusive space for our 150 players,” Ms Morris said.

“We would like to thank the Federal Government for the funding and the work Councillors and Council staff have done in advocating on our behalf,” she said.

Women’s and girls’ sport is set for a boost in Wonga Park with the local netball facility to undergo a major redevelopment.

We have secured a $1.47 million grant to upgrade the Wonga Park Netball Facility through the Australian Government’s Play Our Way program.

This funding is in addition to $450,000 allocated in Council’s 2024/25 capital works budget to deliver a new pavilion, lighting and to reconstruct the netball courts.

Our Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, welcomed the funding announcement, describing it as a huge win for women and girls’ sport and the Wonga Park community.

“We’d like to thank the Australian Government for their support in providing quality facilities for women and girls in Manningham that help reduce barriers and increase participation in sport and physical activity,” Cr Diamante said.

“Advocating for more inclusive and equal community facilities is a key part of Council's role and we’re thrilled that we’ve been able to achieve this significant win in collaboration with Wonga Park Netball Club.

“This is going to make a huge difference to the club and players – providing toilets, change facilities and storage at the courts. New lighting will also allow the club to train in the evenings,” the Mayor added.

Wonga Park Netball Club spokesperson, Jeanette Morriss, said the funding announcement was a fantastic early Christmas present for the club.

“We are just so excited. It’s going to be amazing for women and girls in sport and will create a much safer and inclusive space for our 150 players,” Ms Morriss said.

“We would like to thank the Federal Government for the funding and the work Councillors and Council staff have done in advocating on our behalf,” she said.

Following a review and community research on Manningham Matters, we are pleased to introduce a refreshed design for the magazine with our February 2025 issue.

Last year we held a series of focus groups with community members about the magazine and based on your feedback, we’ve made some changes to the design and content of your community magazine.

The February issue features a great mix of Council and community news, we hope you enjoy reading about what’s happening in Manningham.

Some of the new and updated features include:

• a refreshed magazine cover design for Manningham Matters
• a new way to read stories and news in your language – we have full length stories now available on our website which you can access using the QR code on the magazine cover 
• an updated and more prominent What’s On events calendar
• regular information about events and activities at local neighbourhood houses and libraries
• a new Council meeting round up feature
• stories that continue to celebrate our community and share our community’s voice.

Take a read of this month’s Manningham Matters, distributed from Monday 17 February.

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

Road improvements, targeted education and speed zone reviews are key priorities in Manningham’s draft Road Safety Strategy 2025-2035.

Manningham Council is seeking feedback on the draft strategy, which includes clear objectives and a detailed action plan for implementation. It aims to enhance road safety - reducing traffic-related accidents, injuries and fatalities.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said it will serve as a roadmap for proactive projects and programs over the next decade.

“We’re committed to improving our transport system as we strive for ‘vision zero’ – where nobody is seriously injured or killed on our roads,”

“To plan for safer roads, we needed to first understand the local issues and experiences of road users in Manningham,” said Cr Diamante.

“We received more than 200 responses to last year’s community survey, which told us what matters most to our community.

“Now we want to ensure the proposed strategy and action plan accurately reflects community priorities,” she said.

The proposed actions include:

• conducting road safety audits in high-risk areas
• upgrading infrastructure
• speed limit reviews
• continual road user education
• updating of the Manningham Walking and Cycling Strategy.

The draft strategy was developed using local road safety data, input from road safety partners and aligns with State and Federal strategies.

Community to have their say
Have your say on the draft Road Safety Strategy 2025-2035 by completing the survey via Your Say Manningham, until 21 February 2025.

Feedback from community and Councillor consultations will inform the final version of the Road Safety Strategy. It will be presented for Council endorsement in early 2025.

For more information, go to Your Say Manningham – subscribe to the project to receive email updates.
 

We’re seeking feedback on our draft Road Safety Strategy 2025-2035, which identifies road improvements, targeted education and speed zone reviews as our key priorities. 

The draft strategy outlines clear objectives and a detailed action plan to enhance road safety and reduce traffic-related accidents, injuries and fatalities

Our Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said this strategy will guide proactive projects and programs over the next decade.

“We’re committed to improving our transport system as we strive for ‘Vision Zero’— where nobody is seriously injured or killed on our roads,” said Cr Diamante. 

“To plan for safer roads, we first needed to understand the local issues and experiences of road users in Manningham.

“We received more than 200 responses to last year’s community survey, which told us what matters most to our community.

“Now we want to ensure the proposed strategy and action plan accurately reflects community priorities,” she said.

Key proposed actions include:

• road safety audits in high-risk areas
• infrastructure upgrades
• speed limit reviews
• continual road user education
• updates to the Manningham Walking and Cycling Strategy

The draft strategy was informed by feedback from last year’s community consultation, local road safety data, input from road safety partners and aligns with State and Federal strategies.
 

Have Your Say

Provide feedback by completing our survey on the draft Road Safety Strategy 2025-2035 via Your Say Manningham by 21 February 2025. 

Feedback from the community and Councillors will shape the final version of the strategy, which will be presented for Council endorsement in early 2025.

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.
 

Last night, 25 March, a petition to remove from permanent display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags from all Manningham flagpoles and the cessation of holding a Welcome to Country ceremony and statement of the Acknowledgement of Country before any Council meeting or function, with 12 signatures was tabled at the Council meeting. The Council vote was to enable the petition to be tabled, and it did not provide any position on the matter.

In accordance with our Council meeting procedures, all petitions are formally tabled at the meeting, and Council votes to receive it.

Manningham Council's use of the Welcome To Country ceremony, statement of Acknowledgement of Country and the flying of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are strategic elements of our Council Plan, endorsed Manningham Reconciliation Action Plan and Flying Flags In The Civic Precinct Policy; and designed to provide a roadmap for Manningham's own commitment to reconciliation.  

No decision has been made to change this current endorsed position.

Valuing free speech means listening to different views regardless of whether we agree or disagree with a position.

In line with our commitment to transparency and our standard procedures, we will respond to the lead petitioner and include that response in the Agenda papers for the April Council Meeting.

Deirdre

Our Sustainability and Environmental Education Day – SEED – will launch in May, empowering students with sustainability knowledge and skills.

The one-day school incursion will cover biodiversity, composting, waste and Wurundjeri Cultural Awareness education. 

Up to 800 students from eight primary schools will learn how to apply sustainability initatives in their homes and local area.

This initiative aims to provide the next generation with vital skills for living sustainably. 

This free school program will be delivered by Manningham Council officers, in partnership with Chooktopia and the Wurundjeri Corporation Education Unit.

UPDATED: 28 March 2025 new date for community workshop

A new Arts Action Plan is set to guide future arts, culture and local history services, programs and activities in Manningham.

To inform the plan, artists, creatives and community members are invited to provide feedback to Council on what’s important to them about arts, culture and local history, and the types of programs they would like to see in the municipality.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said arts, culture and local history enriched community life by providing opportunities for expression and creativity, social connections and a sense of identity and belonging.

“Whether it’s visual arts and exhibitions, theatre, music and live performances, writing and literature, or photography and film - arts and culture touches everyone,” Cr Diamante said.

“Our local history dates back thousands of years from the traditional owners, the Wurrundjeri Woi-wurrung people, through the days of European settlement to our present multicultural community.

“Creative industries also form an important part of our local economy.”

Feedback can be provided by completing an online survey, or attending an online community workshop on Wednesday 8 April 2025, 6.00pm to 7.30pm.

More information is available at Your Say Manningham. Feedback closes Friday 25 April 2025.

The Manningham Community Panel has reached a significant milestone, charting a course for the future after delivering its final recommendations to Council.

Manningham Mayor Councillor Deirdre Diamante said the Panel’s insights will be invaluable in ensuring that the Council’s strategic plans are grounded in the community's needs and aspirations. 

“By listening to the voices of our community, we’re ensuring that our decisions and actions reflect and align with what matters most to our residents,” Cr Diamante said.   

 

“The Panel has played a crucial role in this process, comprising members from diverse age groups, cultural backgrounds and geographic locations that represent the unique tapestry of our community. 

 

“This collaborative approach will help enable us to create a more inclusive, resilient, sustainable and vibrant community for all.”

The Panel was established to identify Manningham's key priorities, challenges and opportunities – to help guide the Council’s strategic plans. This includes the Community Vision 2040, the four-year Council Plan, and the 10-year Asset and Financial Plans.

Throughout the process, Panel members deliberated for approximately 1,680 collective hours and heard from over 50 speakers from Council and community. 

They handed over their recommendations to Council at the final meeting on 1 February 2025. They span several themes including community safety, transport, open spaces and more. 

“Over the coming weeks, we’ll prepare a response to each of the panel’s recommendations, including how they will be implemented or the reasons for not supporting any recommendation,” Cr Diamante said. 

 

“We’re sincerely grateful to the panel members for their time and efforts during this dynamic process and committed to implementing the panel’s recommendations to the fullest extent possible. We’ll ensure their insights are carefully considered in all our decision-making as we plan ahead for Manningham,” the Mayor added.

For further information and stay up to date, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/help-shape-manninghams-future

UPDATED: 28 March 2025 new date for community workshop

We’re developing a new action plan to guide future arts, culture and local history services, programs and activities in Manningham.

We want to hear what’s important to you about arts, culture and local history, and the types of programs you would like to see in our municipality.

Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said arts, culture and local history enriched community life by providing opportunities for expression and creativity, social connections and a sense of identity and belonging.

“Whether it’s visual arts and exhibitions, theatre, music and live performances, writing and literature, or photography and film - arts and culture touches everyone,” Cr Diamante said.

“Our local history dates back thousands of years from the traditional owners, the Wurrundjeri Woi-wurrung people, through the days of European settlement to our present multicultural community.

“Creative industries also form an important part of our local economy.”

Share your thoughts by:

• completing our online survey at Your Say Manningham
• registering to attend our online community workshop on Wednesday 8 April 2025, 6.00pm to 7.30pm

Visit Your Say Manningham for more information and to have your say. 

Survey closes Friday 25 April 2025 at 5pm.

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.

Updated: 22 January 2025

Improving the quality of our roads and stormwater drainage systems are some of the ways we’re building a better Manningham.

We're upgrading Oban Road in Ringwood North and Donvale to improve road and footpath safety and reduce flood risk.

Where is it?

This project will be delivered in two stages.

Stage one 

Construction will occur along Oban Road, between property 321 and the Glenvale Road intersection, Ringwood North. 

• stabilisation of the existing to improve pavement resilience
• localised pavement widening
• maintenance improvements to the existing kerb and channel
• new asphalt surface
• additional minor asphalt works along Beckett Road

Stage two

Construction will occur along Oban Road, between Glenvale Road and Smedley Road, Donvale.

• installation of underground stormwater drainage
• kerb and channel
• road widening in some sections
• weed removal
• new asphalt surface
• footpath upgrades, between Barnsdale and Smedley roads.

This project will be delivered under our 2024/25 Capital Works Program.

Why is it needed?

These works will deliver significant safety and environmental benefits.

Improvements include resurfacing the road to reduce potholes, rutting, and cracking, ensuring smoother and safer travel. Widening certain sections will provide sufficient space for vehicles to pass safely, minimising the risk of accidents. 

Installing underground drainage will effectively manage stormwater, reduce flood risks, and prevent road damage. Additionally, removing weeds will promote native biodiversity by controlling invasive species and supporting the local ecosystem.

When will the works happen?

• Stage one works will begin in early to mid-2025.
• Stage two works will begin after the stage one works, later in 2025.

These schedules are subject to weather conditions and third party approvals.

How will the works affect me?

Works will occur between 7.00am and 5.00pm on weekdays and 9.00am and 3.00pm on Saturdays.

During these times, you may notice:

• construction noise
• minor traffic delays 
• road closures with access granted to local residents
• reduced on street parking
• temporary disruptions to driveway access – we will contact affected properties directly.

Please follow the directions of staff and signs to move safely around the area.

We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work to improve the drainage in your area.

At the 27 May Council Meeting the draft Council Plan, draft 2025-26 Budget, draft 10 year financial plan and the draft Revenue and Rating Plan were tabled.  These have been developed in line with our newly endorsed Community Vision 2040 to help shape the future of Manningham.

These draft strategic documents are now available on Your Say Manningham website and will be presented for endorsement at the 30 June Council Meeting.

Our draft Asset Plan 2025-2035 and the Council Plan Action Plan will be made available at an upcoming Council meeting.

Our strategic documents are informed by extensive community engagement conducted throughout 2024-25.  

Many people have helped shape our community’s future. We’ve been planning for the next four years, and we’ve done it by listening closely to our community.

At the heart of this work was the deliberative community panel – a collaborative effort that brought together 37 community members to play a crucial role in helping determine key priorities for Manningham.

Extensive community consultation informed both our strategic planning and the Community Panel’s deliberations, ensuring that our plans are grounded in our community's priorities, needs and aspirations.

This consultation included a community-wide survey last year where we heard from 1,260 community members about what matters most to you and which three areas you think Council should focus on. We also held a series of targeted conversations with key groups and residents including young people, older adults, multicultural communities and partners.

On top of that, many community members sent in their own ideas and suggestions through individual submissions, showing us how Council services can improve and how we can build a better future together.

These community insights gave us a strong and balanced view of our community's wants and needs. It directly shaped our strategic planning and the work of our Community Panel.

Given the depth and quality of feedback received during this process, a separate public submission process will not be held for this year’s strategic plans.

We thank everyone who contributed. We’re all part of the plan and your voices are shaping the future of our community.

Find out more by visiting our Your Say Manningham website.

At the 27 May Manningham Council Meeting, the draft Council Plan, draft 2025-26 Budget, draft 10 year financial plan and the draft Revenue and Rating Plan were tabled. These have been developed in line with Manningham's newly endorsed Community Vision 2040 to help shape the future of Manningham.

These draft strategic documents are now available on the Your Say Manningham website and will be presented for endorsement at the 30 June Council Meeting.

The draft Asset Plan 2025-2035 and the Council Plan Action Plan will be made available at an upcoming Council meeting.

The strategic documents are informed by extensive community engagement conducted throughout 2024-25.  

At the heart of this work was the deliberative community panel – a collaborative effort that brought together 37 community members to play a crucial role in helping determine key priorities for Manningham.

Extensive community consultation informed both Council's strategic planning and the Community Panel’s deliberations, ensuring that the plans are grounded in the community's priorities, needs and aspirations.

This consultation included a community-wide survey last year, where 1,260 community members shared what matters most to them and which three areas they thought Council should focus on. Council also held a series of targeted conversations with key groups and residents including young people, older adults, multicultural communities and partners.

On top of that, many community members sent in their own ideas and suggestions through individual submissions, showing how Council services can improve to build a better future together.

These community insights provided Council with a strong and balanced view of the community's wants and needs. It directly shaped its strategic planning and the work of the Community Panel.

Given the depth and quality of feedback received during this process, a separate public submission process will not be held for this year’s strategic plans.

This approach is in line with Council's Community Engagement Policy as required by the Local Government Act.

Find out more by visiting the Your Say Manningham website.