Manningham Council has partnered with two of Australia’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging operators to set up a network of nine public charging stations across the municipality.

The partnership with JOLT Charge and Evie Networks will deliver universal direct current chargers, at key commercial and tourist destinations from early 2025.
These chargers will be situated on council land and powered by 100% renewable energy. Their supply, installation, operation, and maintenance will be fully financed by the private sector at no cost to council.

The public charging infrastructure aims to accommodate the increasing use of electric vehicles, especially following new legislated vehicle standards.

In Manningham, a 2023 community survey revealed strong community support for local public charging facilities and highlighted the dependence of many local EV drivers on public chargers.

Locations for the chargers are being investigated, focusing on areas where the community can take advantage of the 30 to 40 minute charge time to visit local cafes and restaurants, retail outlets, and sporting facilities.

Possible locations include Tunstall Square car park, MC Square and Jackson Court car park, which were identified as preferred sites in the community survey. The final locations will depend on technical feasibility, particularly access to adequate power supply.

This initiative aligns with Council’s commitment to reducing the high level of transport emissions in Manningham, improving local air quality, and enhancing fuel security.

It is another way we are working towards achieving net zero community emissions by 2035, as outlined in the adopted Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP).

Find out more at manningham.vic.gov.au/electric-vehicle-charging.

Since the first reverse vending machine began operating in November, the local community has recycled over 832,161 containers from 15,368 transactions generating over $83,000 in refunds back to our community.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, is sure this will increase with an additional two reverse vending machines now operating at Ted Ajani Centre and Pettys Reserve.

“This is a fantastic achievement for our community and environment,” Cr Lange said.

“In November alone, the Rieschiecks Reserve reverse vending machine captured 41,221 containers increasing to a staggering 274,049 containers in December, demonstrating our community are enthusiastic recyclers!

“We now have a total of five reverse vending machines operating across Manningham, operating at Mullum Mullum Reserve, Pettys Reserve, Ted Ajani Reserve, Templestowe Reserve and Rieschiecks Reserve, with one more still to come from Visy.

“Reverse vending machines will be the most convenient way to recycle and donate funds to our local organisations,” Cr Lange said.

This increase in refund locations will help to reduce litter and improve Manningham’s streets and open spaces. The Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) is also supporting community efforts towards achieving net zero community emissions by 2035 from Council’s Climate Emergency Response Plan.

Find out more about CDS Vic.

Find your nearest refund locations in Manningham.

Residents will continue holding the key to carsharing in Manningham, as more people seek the alternative transport option.

Following a successful 18-month trial in Doncaster Hill and Tullamore Estate, Manningham Council and GoGet agreed to extend their carsharing trial to July 2025.

Carsharing offers individuals the opportunity to access vehicles on demand for short periods of time – with fuel, insurance, registration and maintenance all covered.

Manningham Mayor Cr Carli Lange said she is pleased to see residents benefiting from using car share, while also contributing to improved community outcomes.

“Carsharing can deliver significant health, economic, environmental and community benefits,” Cr Lange said.

“It’s one of the ways we’re working to improve our transport network and provide more sustainable, cost-effective options for our community.

With people driving less and owning fewer cars, we’ll continue to see reduced traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions and on-street parking demand,” she said.

Since the trial launched in November 2022:

• GoGet membership increased by 30% in Manningham to almost 600 members.
• 200+ metres of street parking freed-up
• 118.25 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided in 2023
• 458,000km of private vehicle travel prevented

The most important factors for Manningham residents choosing to join GoGet is to access the wide range of vehicle types. They are also relying on the service to make trips that are inconvenient by other transport modes.

In response to GoGet’s Annual Personal Survey 2023, a Manningham resident said: “Car share availability was excellent for afterhours activities which would have been more difficult through hire car services.”

This initiative has been identified and guided by Council’s Liveable City Strategy 2040, Transport Action Plan 2021 and Doncaster Hill Modeshift Plan 2014.

The extended trial does not preclude other car share companies from operating within Manningham, including peer-to-peer services.

For more information on the GoGet carsharing trial and to view vehicle locations, visit http://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/goget-carshare-trial.

Manningham Council is offering community members the exciting opportunity to pitch their Budget ideas to Councillors.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said the new stage of consultation was inspired by an unprecedented response to Council’s initial Budget survey which was open over summer.

“It was fantastic to hear from more than 650 community members about how they would like the Council Budget spent across the next financial year,” Cr Lange said.

The results are in, with locals reporting the following top six priorities for Council spending (in order):

1. Sport (courts, ovals, fields and pavilions)
2. Parks, reserves and other open spaces
3. Roads and traffic and parking management
4. Maintenance and cleaning of public spaces
5. Footpaths, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure
6. Recycling and waste management

“We’re really keen to hear more about why you’re so passionate about these topics and your ideas for projects and services you would like to see delivered, in these areas, now and in the future.

“If you would like to pitch, please complete an expression of interest form on our Your Say Manningham website before Monday 4 March,” Cr Lange added.

Shortlisted in-person submitters will have three minutes each to present to Councillors at a meeting at the Manningham Function Centre on the evening of Monday 18 March.

Council will shortlist a maximum of six pitches from each of the six priority areas above to be presented and are looking for:

• A range of ideas on diverse topics
• Pitches from individuals and organisations
• Ideas from across Manningham suburbs
• Ideas which will benefit our community

Pitching in person is optional and Councillors will still consider submissions from people who choose not to present or aren’t shortlisted.

“Applications are also open for our Community Grants Program so it may be worth considering whether your community group’s project is more suitable for funding through a community development, arts or festivals and events grant,” Cr Lange said.

The final 2024-25 Budget and 10 Year Financial Plan will be considered for endorsement by Council at its meeting on Tuesday 25 June 2024.

To express your interest in pitching or to learn more, visit Your Say Manningham.

The Manningham Community Panel’s deliberations have begun, with local voices steering the way to a thriving future for Manningham.

Through a series of externally facilitated discussions and learning sessions, panel members will deliberate for over 40 hours. They will determine key priorities for the community and provide a list of recommendations to Manningham Council.

This dynamic and community-driven process will play a crucial role in ensuring that Council’s strategic plans reflect local needs, values and aspirations.

The panel recruitment started with 8,000 envelopes sent randomly to local households. Of those who accepted the invitation, a second random draw resulted in the final 40 individuals chosen.

This second draw was stratified to ensure people selected were representative of Manningham by age, gender, location, living situation and the language spoken at home.

Residents, businesses and community organisations have also contributed to the panel’s work in several ways.

In the Plan Manningham 2025+ survey (between May and July 2024), community provided their top three priority areas for Council to focus its resources for the next four years.

Council also hosted a series of ‘Targeted conversations’. These small group discussions invited people with similar backgrounds or interests together to discuss detailed information around topics that affect their needs and priorities.

Community could also share ideas on how to improve Council services through ‘Individual submissions’.

Council has committed to an open, transparent and rigorous process that puts community interests at the forefront. Community are invited to listen and watch the deliberations.

You can register to be an Observer for any of the panel sessions. Each registration segment is 90 minutes. Registration will ensure you get a spot, however you can also register upon arrival.

The final four panel sessions will be held between November 2024 and February 2025.

Find out more and stay up to date at Your Say Manningham.

A garden along the Yarra River in Warrandyte has been refreshed with locally sourced plants in memory of Darcy Bulman.

Darcy was tragically killed in the catastrophic Hunter Valley bus crash that occurred in June 2023.

It is hoped that this garden will thrive and can be a reminder of Darcy and all the joy she brought into this world throughout her life.

Manningham Council is developing a Stormwater Management Strategy (Strategy) to help identify, manage and reduce flood risk to people, property, infrastructure and the environment.

The Strategy will be informed by Council endorsed documents, existing data, customer requests, flood mapping information and internal stakeholder feedback.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange said: “With a rapidly changing climate, population growth and increased development, effective stormwater management is critical in supporting a healthy, safe and resilient community.”

“As identified in our endorsed Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP), we’re committed to sustainably, mitigating against, and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The management of flood risk is also a significant strategic outcome included in the Yarra Strategic Plan,” Cr Lange said.

“Flooding is an inevitable part of our weather cycle. With more frequent and extreme weather events projected, we need to be proactive and consider how we can improve our preparedness and flood resilience.

“To achieve this, we’re leveraging customer and flood data to help inform the Stormwater Management Strategy – setting priorities to help us sustainably meet the challenges ahead,” Cr Lange said.

The Strategy forms part of Council’s approach to managing flooding and stormwater for a resilient future for Manningham. It will provide clear objectives to help guide stormwater planning and delivery of future projects and infrastructure as part of the long-term Capital Works Program.

It will comprise a two-part document including:

1. Stormwater Management Policy: a framework detailing the methodology and criteria for prioritisation of Council’s future drainage capital works projects.
2. Future Works Plan: a prioritised list of future capital works projects within the municipality.

It will also identify current regulatory obligations relating to stormwater management flood risk and safety controls, considering residual and future flood risk management standards.

Council is undertaking several flooding and stormwater management initiatives, aimed at building a more resilient and liveable Manningham and facilitating robust planning for the future.

Part of this work includes developing a draft Integrated Water Management Strategy, which will respond to emerging water risks and challenges and identify opportunities to adapt to a more water constrained future.

Together with Melbourne Water, Council is also preparing comprehensive flood mapping to better identify and respond to areas of flood risk throughout Manningham.

In August 2022, Council appointed a Flooding and Stormwater Management Community Reference Panel, providing a direct link between Council and representatives of the Manningham community.

In informing Council’s deliberations, the Panel is helping support quality transparent decision making processes, to best place the Manningham community to proactively address emerging water challenges.

Council will consider the draft Stormwater Management Strategy Policy for adoption in August 2024. The Strategy is expected to be completed in late 2024.

For further information on our flooding and stormwater management initiatives, visit the Flooding and Stormwater Management Your Say Manningham page.

An exciting new water play area and improved café will be part of the major redevelopment of the outdoor area at Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre. 

The project's detailed design is now underway, following Council's endorsement of the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan last August.

Our Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, said the community is eagerly awaiting the redevelopment, which will bring Aquarena’s outdoor area up to the centre’s modern, state-of-the-art indoor areas.

“Around 2,500 people visit Aquarena each day, and we love welcoming the regular swimmers, local families, swim clubs, and community and school groups.

The centre is highly valued by the Manningham community and visitors alike,” Cr Lange said.

“This redevelopment will ensure the outdoor space continues to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the community for generations to come.”

We have appointed Co.Op Studios as the architect to design the new space, and bring the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan vision to life. 

“The design process has been informed by the Aquarena Outdoor Masterplan, which involved extensive consultation with community users and industry experts, to guide the redevelopment of the outdoor spaces,” Cr Lange said.

“I want to thank everyone who shared their passion and interest in the future of the outdoor space. More than 800 people provided feedback to inform the development of the Masterplan. We’re excited to be delivering what the community asked for, and more”, she added.

Feedback from the community and stakeholders emphasised the need for more seating, shade, change rooms, a fun water play area, better spaces for schools and clubs, and a sustainable design to reduce environmental impact.

“An enhanced café will now serve both indoor and outdoor areas. The new outdoor change rooms will be only metres from the outdoor pool, and the outdoor pool will now have ramp access and a swim wall to swap between 50 metre and 25 metre lanes,” the Mayor said.

Other enhancements include state-of-the-art landscaping and the electrification of outdoor pool equipment, marking another significant step toward achieving Manningham’s emissions targets. 

“Aquarena is currently our largest gas user. Making the switch from gas to energy efficient heat pumps, we can heat the outdoor area in an environmentally sustainable way,” the Mayor added.

The replacement of the centre's 50-metre outdoor pool will take place at the same time as the redevelopment works.

“Aquarena’s outdoor area has a rich history of over 50 years and has been a source of community pride for generations. For many in our community, this is their backyard – we’re embracing the theme of your backyard to create an inviting space where our community can get active, play, socialise, host events and relax,” Cr Lange said.

“We’re excited to start sharing the draft designs and offering on site consultation opportunities in the coming weeks. We’ll also be connecting with various user groups to keep them informed as the project progresses,” she added. 

The redevelopment works are planned to begin in late 2025, with project completion expected in late 2027.

Project updates will be available on the project's Your Say page. Subscribe to the project to receive updates directly to your inbox.

Sadly, the increase in overt racism seen around Melbourne is also being experienced here in Manningham.

Councillors and Council officers meet with community members regularly and are aware of the current rise in racist vandalism, including offensive graffiti.

There is absolutely no place in our community for hate-based symbols, language or behaviour.

As a community, we all have a responsibility to call it out.

Council stands solid and united in condemning any racist behaviour.

We remove offensive or political graffiti on Council property within one business day of becoming aware and encourage everyone to report instances to Council on 9840 9333 or via our website.

To report vandalism in other locations, please contact Victoria Police on 131 444.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Carli Lange

Manningham Council is creating principles to guide good design for neighbourhood activity centres and is inviting the community to contribute.

With the population expected to increase to more than 140,000 people in the next 12 years, activity centres will play an integral role in accommodating urban growth and development in Manningham.

Consultation is now open for the Activity Centre ‘Design Concepts’ which include objectives under six key themes:

1. Building height
2. Residential interfaces
3. Architectural presentation
4. Public realm
5. Sustainability
6. Access and car parking.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange said, “We want to hear from the community on how we can best accommodate growth and development, while ensuring that our activity centres and surrounding neighbourhoods maintain their liveability”.

“If you’re a resident, chances are you regularly visit at least one of our vibrant activity centres across the municipality,” Cr Lange said.

“We want to ensure that they continue to provide desirable destinations for people to live, shop, work and play – offering a range of retail, office and business opportunities, housing, community and education facilities,” Cr Lange added.

Community feedback will help inform development of the Activity Centre Design Guidelines (Guidelines).

The Guidelines will aim to ensure future development meets the community’s emerging needs and achieves vibrant centres that make a positive contribution to Manningham’s character and neighbourhoods. They will also consider economic, social and environmental outcomes.

When adopted, the Guidelines will be implemented through an amendment to the Manningham Planning Scheme. They will then be used to assess planning permit applications in activity centres.

They will apply across nine neighbourhood activity centres in Manningham, including:

• Bulleen Plaza
• Donburn
• Doncaster East Village (Devon Plaza)
• Jackson Court
• Macedon Square / Plaza
• Park Orchards
• Templestowe Village
• Tunstall Square
• Warrandyte Goldfields

The draft Guidelines will be exhibited for community consultation in 2025.

For more information and to complete the short survey, visit Your Say Manningham

Survey closes on Sunday 16 June.

Survey participants will have the opportunity to enter the draw to win a $100 Westfield gift voucher.

Attend a focus group session

Council is also running two focus group sessions in May to discuss how to best manage growth across our activity centres.

At these sessions, we will also discuss the future of housing across Manningham, as part of our Residential Discussion Paper consultation, and the Victorian Government’s new plan for Victoria.

Manningham Council’s Community Grant Program is now open for local not-for-profit organisations or community groups to apply.

The annual grant program supports local groups and not-for-profit organisations offering grants between $3,001 and $20,000 across three funding streams: Community Development, Arts, and Festival and Events.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Carli Lange strongly encourages community groups and not-for-profit organisations to get involved this year.

“We’ve seen some excellent community outcomes from the grant program, and I hope to see more groups and organisations participating in 2024.

These grants strengthen our community and bring us together by furthering opportunities to connect.” Cr Lange said.

Grants can be used to improve or expand existing programs, or launch new initiatives.

Former grant recipient and President of the Doncaster Junior Football Club, Corey Bakes said the community grant program allowed their club to run a ‘Footy for Fun’ multicultural inclusion program for children from diverse backgrounds.

“With the help of a community grant, we were able to reach over 70 children from over 30 different countries.” Mr Bakes said.

The Community Grant Program is aligned with Council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy to build a healthy, safe, resilient, connected and inclusive community. The three funding streams are designed to support Manningham’s diverse community, bring people together and strengthen relationships.

“Grants also create opportunities for our community to take part in arts, culture, festivals and events. They attract visitors, and support for our local business, benefiting our community as a whole”. Cr Lange said.

Additionally, Council offer Small Grants of up to $3,000 for community strengthening and up to $1,500 for equipment purchases, with applications open all year and assessed quarterly.

Related events
Grant information session - Tuesday 6 February 2024 | 10.00 to 11.00am |Manningham Function Centre, Doncaster.
Grant information session - Monday 19 February 2024 | 6.00 to 7.00pm | Online.
Grant writing workshop – fully booked.

Prospective applicants can subscribe to the grants mailing list or contact the Grants team to receive the workshop recording. Available from Tuesday 13 February 2024.

Bookings for the above sessions are essential to participate.

Grant applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 12 March 2024.

For further information, including grant guidelines and how to apply visit, manningham.vic.gov.au/community-grant-program or call the Grants team on 9840 9333.

This year, Manningham residents have raised more than $20,000 for local schools, clubs and community groups with the support of the Manningham Monster Community Raffle.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange, acknowledged the community effort, and the key role the community plays in fundraising.

"Thank you to our amazing community for your generous support! Because of you, $15,000 will go directly to the groups who participated and $5,000 will support the Manningham Charitable Fund. Your contributions make a big difference." Cr Lange said.

For every ticket sold for $2.00, groups receive $1.50 and the remaining 50 cents is donated to the Manningham Community Fund.

With a prize pool of $10,000 including five $1,000 Coles/Myer gift vouchers, and one $5,000 Coles/Myer gift voucher, the Monster Raffle prize draw was held on Wednesday 17 July.

Manningham residents, Alex and Adeline, were the lucky winners of a $1,000 Coles/Myer voucher.

The couple purchased tickets supporting both Milgate Primary School and 1st Templestowe Scout Group.

“We often participate in fundraising and buy tickets not thinking we are going to win, but so the money can go a good cause.” Alex said.

“My son attends 1st Templestowe Scout Group, and the leaders at the club always work so hard to give the kids a good experience, and Milgate Primary has also been a huge part of our lives with our two children going to school there, receiving such a quality education.

“We’re incredibly thankful for this win!” Alex said.

The Monster Community Raffle is held annually and will open again in April 2025.

“For 19 years, our raffle has been a cornerstone of community spirit. Together, we’ve made a significant impact, and we look forward to many more years of making a difference,” Cr Lange said.

“We are deeply grateful to our raffle partner, the Templestowe Bowling Club, whose support has been key to its success.”

The Manningham Community Fund supports community initiatives including homelessness and affordable housing, education and employment, diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and wellbeing programs throughout Manningham.

A full list of raffle winners is available on the Monster Community Raffle website.  
 

Community is set to benefit from improved safety, connectivity and infrastructure on Templestowe Route, with upgrade works commencing later this year.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange thanked those who contributed to the consultation in November last year.

“We heard from over 150 people through our survey and public session. This valuable feedback has helped us understand the everyday experiences of residents and commuters.

“I’m confident that the introduction of two new roundabouts, reduced speed limits and a new signalised pedestrian crossing can reduce congestion and improve safety around the busy Templestowe Village area.” 

The upgrade will include:

• Two new roundabouts at: 
  • Atkinson Street and Anderson Street intersection
  • Milne Street and James Street intersection
• Speed limit of 40km/hour between the two new roundabouts (through Templestowe Village)
• Speed limit of 50 km/hour from Union Street to Milne Street and Atkinson Street to Porter Street
• A pedestrian crossing with traffic lights at the Wood Street and Anderson Street intersection
• Road resurfacing along the route
• Footpaths, kerb and channel along the route
• Underground drainage along the route

Common questions raised during the consultation included:

Won’t more roundabouts prevent traffic flow, causing more congestion at Templestowe Village? Could we use speed humps instead?

Speed humps would slow traffic, but not reduce traffic congestion. Roundabouts act to reduce congestion by preventing the lane blockages that occur when drivers turning right stop to give way to oncoming traffic. 

What if these changes encourage drivers to divert along Atkinson and Milne streets?

Due to the number of intersections drivers would need to cross on the Atkinson-Milne route, this route would not save drivers time and is unlikely to become the preferred option. 

Can the speed limit reductions be flexible during busy/quieter hours?

We are looking into speed reduction with VicRoads, we will explore options to have flexible speed limits.

How did you choose the location for the signalled pedestrian crossing – did you explore other locations such as near the 7/11?

The location of the new signalled crossing was chosen based on its proximity to the shops and the capacity for the area to accommodate traffic lights. 

“The project’s main works will be delivered in four stages, with the first beginning around mid-year. We will provide more information closer to that time,” Cr Lange added.

This project is funded by Manningham Council’s Capital Works Program, with a $5 million investment from the Australian Federal Government.

For more information, go to Your Say Manningham.