Your local business is critical to our vibrant and thriving economy. Find permits, guides, news and other resources for starting a new business, running existing businesses, or growing your business.
For your business
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Starting a new business is both exciting and challenging. Find permits, guides, news and other resources for starting a business.
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Running a business from home can be a perfect way to balance family commitments. Or you might be starting out and wanting to minimise overheads. We have resources available to help your home based business.
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Find out if you need a footpath trading permit when placing tables and chairs, displays and signs on our footpaths.
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Find out which permits and registration you will need to set up a hairdressing, beauty salon, day spa, make-up business or gym.
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Find out what the mandatory requirements are for setting up a food business, whether it's a café or homemade preserves.
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Find out if you need a permit for your business. This includes new and existing businesses and those looking to expand.
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Find out what the regulations are for operating an accommodation business in Manningham, including hotels and bed and breakfasts.
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We've compiled a list of useful websites and tools to help guide you through the essential steps of setting up and running your small business.
Our strategy
Our Economic Development Strategy (EDS) is a six-year plan to support businesses and employment in Manningham.
Find Your Local
Find Your Local helps our community discover and explore the many unique products, services, food experiences and outdoor adventures that are all here in Manningham.
Follow us on Instagram @findyourlocalmanningham and send us details of your business so we can feature you on our page!
How can we help?
The Economic Development team is here to support you setting up and growing your business. We are your point of contact for business enquiries and support, permit information, workshops and events.
Contact us at business@manningham.vic.gov.au or on 9840 9333.
Stay in the loop
Subscribe to our monthly eNews to receive the latest business news, tips, upcoming events and networking opportunities.
Follow our Manningham Business Facebook page.
Get the latest from Manningham Business
The Manningham Business E-News is distributed monthly. It is a great way to stay up to date with local business news and to see what events are happening in Manningham.
Subscribe to our monthly E-News
Before embarking on building, renovating, tree removal/lopping or any other works, it is important to ascertain whether you require a permit.
Why do you need to get planning and building approval?
Planning permits and building permits serve different purposes.
A planning permit is required to ensure that your project complies with the relevant zoning and overlay controls applicable to your property and to ensure that your project considers its impact on the surrounding area with respect to character, built form and materials, surrounding neighbours, traffic, environmental impacts and community need.
A building permit focuses on the technical aspects of construction and safety ensuring that your project complies with the relevant building codes and regulations.
Links to the relevant controls are:
What types of projects need a permit?
Here are some common projects that need approval - contact us even if your project is not listed here:
- multi-dwelling developments and apartments
- construction of a new single dwelling or dwelling extension
- buildings and works, including some internal changes to a building
- demolition/partial demolition and new works to buildings in a Heritage Overlay
- garages, carports, sheds, pergolas, decks, verandahs
- removing trees and vegetation
- new land uses such as a childcare centre, medical centre etc...
- earthworks
- Septic tanks
- tennis courts
- swimming pools and spas
- fencing
- business identification signage on a building or property
- subdivision of land
- covenant removal/variations
- liquor license for a restaurant/cafe
- consent for any works or tree removal and the like if your land has a Section 173 agreement.
- tables and chairs and/or signage on the footpath
- asset protection
You have a dream project - where to start
New to building or renovation?
For advice on all things renovation and construction, visit the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).
Every dream project is different with its own needs and challenges. Here are the steps to give you a rough guide on the process, timeframes and costs when starting any project.
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Contact us to discuss your project with us to confirm if you need a planning permit
You can also view:
- Apply for a planning property enquiry
- Apply for pre-application advice
- Learn about the planning permit process
If you don't need a planning permit you can proceed straight to building permit
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If we confirm that you need a planning permit, start the application
After you apply you can also -
Get a building permit before you start construction
We do not issue building permits so you will need to contact a building surveyor to organise a building permit.You will need the permit to ensure what you're hoping to construct or change is done right and to building code standards.
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Apply for any other permits you need before you start works
You may need permits for connecting to infrastructure, protection of public assets and more. Often you will find out which permits you need throughout the process, so it is always best to discuss your plans with us or industry professionals.
Some common permits include:
Hoping to build sustainably?
We've created a list of resources to help you build a sustainable, energy-efficient home or commercial building.
View resources
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.
Solar Savers is a trusted local government initiative that’s helped households and businesses go all-electric since 2019. This initiative is supported by us and is available to all Manningham residents.
Why use Solar Savers
Solar Savers takes the hard work out of going all-electric. They can help you install quality and affordable rooftop solar, batteries, hot water heat pumps and reverse cycle air conditioners.
Solar Savers can provide you with:
- information about eligibility for Council, State and Federal discounts, incentives and interest-free loans
- a quote from a trusted supplier
- ongoing advice and support from quoting through to installation
- reliable products, a quality installation and an industry leading 15-year workmanship warranty.
Subsidies and rebates available
Through Solar Savers, we provide additional support in the form of subsidies.
All Manningham residents |
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For pension concession card holders |
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Council subsidies are only available for systems purchased through Solar Savers.
Homeowners may also qualify for other Victorian and Federal Government incentives.
Get a free quote
Contact Solar Savers to obtain a quote from a trusted supplier, including expected energy and cost savings (for solar and batteries).
You will have the opportunity to discuss the quote with the installer and Solar Savers to ensure the system is suitable for you.
Contact Solar Savers:
- Online - Solar Savers
- Email - info@solarsavers.org.au
- Phone - 1300 548 598
Local success stories
Manningham residents are going all-electric and reaping the rewards. Read about how they made the switch, as well as their top tips.
Ken and Joan from Donvale
For country-raised Ken and his wife Joan, purchasing solar and a battery system simply made good sense.
Now, the Donvale residents are saving more with stable renewable energy.
Find support with our online resource directory
On this page
IMMEDIATE HELP
For Emergencies | call 000
IMMEDIATE HELP
SuicideLine Victoria | 1300 651 251
Suicide Victoria offers free professional online counselling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people at risk of suicide, concerned about someone at risk, bereaved by suicide and people experiencing emotional or mental health issues.
Lifeline Australia | 13 11 14
Lifeline provides mental health support and emotional assistance on the phone and online.
Kids Helpline | 1800 55 1800
Kids Helpline is a free phone and online counselling service for young people aged between 5-25 years.
Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636
Beyond Blue provides support programs to address issues related to depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental illness.
Nurse on Call | 1300 60 60 24
Nurse-on-call helpline provides health advice from registered nurse, 24 hours a day.
Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) | 1300 721 927
The Outer East Crisis Assessment Treatment team provide mobile assessments to people in psychiatric and short-term home treatment as an alternative to hospital.
Sexual Assault Crisis Line (SACL) | 1800 806 292
SACL is a state-wide after hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault.
Safe Steps | 1800 015 188
Safe Steps is a specialist support service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing family violence specialist support to anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence.
General Information
Mental Health Foundation Australia provides a range of networks, services, advocacy, events, and support groups for the community to seek support on mental health illness.
Translating and Interpreting Service provides access to services for people with limited or no English language ability. Phone 131 450
Ask Izzy is a mobile website that connects people who are in crisis with the services they need right now and nearby.
PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood.
MensLine Australia is a national 24 hour, 7 days a week men’s helpline offering support, information and referrals for men with emotional health, family and relationship concerns. Phone 1300 78 99 78
Parentline is a phone service for parents and carers of children from birth to 18 years old. Confidential and anonymous counselling and support on parenting issues is provided. Phone 13 22 89
NEAMI is a not-for-profit organisation providing mental health, homelessness and suicide prevention services.
SANE provides mental health support, information, resources and online forums for family and friends. Phone 1800 187 263
Find support with our range of online resources for wellbeing and mental health support.
Caregivers and Parents
Local services
State services
National services
Depression and Anxiety
State Services
For women and new mums
For men and new dads
National services
Eating Disorder
National Service
Family Violence and Sexual Assault Services
Local Services
State services
National services
First Nations People
Local services
Victorian services
National Services
Food Relief
Local Services
Gambling
State Service
Grief
National Services
Legal support
Community legal centres work with residents to prevent problems, progress fair outcomes and support the wellbeing and resilience of communities. Community legal support providers for Manningham include:
LGBTQIA+
National services
Parents and carers of children who identify LGBTIQA+
Allies
State service
People with a disability
National Services
Multicultural communities
National Services
Suicide Information
State Services
National Services
Loneliness
Local Services
National Services
Physical Activity
State Services
National Services
Young people
Local services
National services
This content was correct as of September 2024 and will be reviewed frequently.
If amendments are identified or you know of another mental health service to be considered, contact us.
Manningham Community Fund is a charitable fund account of the ...
Manningham Community Fund is a charitable fund account of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation. The fund is a separate legal entity from the City of Manningham.
The Fund has been established to raise much-needed funds to help community organisations with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR)* status support the needs of people living in Manningham. It does this by encouraging tax-deductible donations, gifts and bequests that build up the fund corpus in perpetuity. Each year the fund earns income (in the form of interest) which can then be available to the community in the form of grants.
The Manningham Community Fund supports and distributes funds to community organisations to create a positive change in the community.
Apply to the Manningham Community Fund
The Manningham Community Fund supports and distributes funds to community organisations in Manningham. It operates under the umbrella of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, which has been supporting charities across the Melbourne metropolitan area since 1923.
The Manningham Community Fund will accept applications for grants up to the maximum value of $10,000. There's no minimum amount you can apply for.
Activities must be based in the City of Manningham.
Funding is available annually to community organisations that have:
- Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status as covered by Item 1 in the section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997
- Endorsed as a Taxation Concession Charity (TCC)
How to apply
Not for profit organisations with DGR (1) status that deliver activities to benefit the Manningham community will be invited to apply.
Please read through the guidelines to make sure you are eligible to apply.
Applications are now closed.
Subscribe to the Community Grants program mailing list to stay connected and be informed about the latest grants opportunities.
2024 Grant Recipients
Organisation | Project | Amount |
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Doncaster Community Care and Counselling Centre Inc | Emergency Food Relief | $4,032 |
Kevin Heinze Grow | Growing together: peer group counselling for young carers | $10,000 |
St John Ambulance Australia (Victoria) Inc | CPR training equipment for St John Manningham Division | $6,691 |
Donate to the Manningham Community Fund
Donating to the Manningham Community Fund enables us to offer grants to charitable organisations to create a positive change in the community.
The fund is a separate legal entity from the City of Manningham.
It aims to raise much-needed funds to help community organisations with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR)* status that support people living in Manningham. It does this by encouraging tax-deductible donations, gifts and bequests that build up the fund corpus in perpetuity. Each year the fund earns income (in the form of interest) which can then be available to the community in the form of grants.
* A deductible gift recipient (DGR) is an entity or fund that can receive tax-deductible gifts.
Donate online
Online donations can be made on the Manningham Community Fund Donations page of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation website.
Visit the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation website for more information.
Manningham Council will open a new youth hub at MC Square in Doncaster this August to support young people across Manningham.
MY Hub will open its doors on Thursday 8 August 2024 as a dedicated space for young people aged 10 to 25 in Manningham to find support, resources, and referrals from Manningham’s Youth Services (EACH) team.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Carli Lange said Council is committed to supporting all young people in our community.
“Our young people are the future of Manningham. We want to make sure everyone has the resources and support they need to thrive locally,” Cr Lange said.
“MY Hub will be a welcoming and empowering space where young people can find the help they need to grow, connect, and thrive in our community.”
The services available at MY Hub will include:
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Free mentoring support, guidance, and advice for young people aged 10 to 25
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Leadership and community engagement opportunities
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Youth programs for schools and local community groups
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Support for community service providers and businesses
“In my discussions with Manningham Deputy Mayor and chair of the Manningham Youth Advisory Committee Councillor Laura Mayne, she said it will be a great new space for Manningham and encourages everyone to check out the new youth hub” Cr Lange said.
“Our goal is to create a welcoming space where young people can access the support they need, engage with their community, and build a bright future,” Cr Lange said
The youth hub is a key action in Council's 2021-2025 Council Plan, which prioritises better support and services for young people.
“Creating a youth hub is a major initiative that reflects our community's desire for better youth support services. We are committed to ensuring everyone can access these resources easily and be part of a healthy and safe community,” Cr Lange said.
Located on level one of MC Square in Doncaster, MY Hub will join a range of other community services that make MC Square a central hub for the Manningham community, including Whitehorse Manningham Libraries, Manningham Art Gallery, Doncare, Doncaster Maternal and Child Health Service, Doncaster Kindergarten, and Early Years at MC Square.
For young people, parents, or carers looking for support, visit MY Hub at MC Square in Doncaster or reach out via the website below.
Project updates will be available on the Manningham Council website below.
Manningham residents are invited to a free two-hour workshop on equality, inclusion and respect presented by Intertwine.
Whether you're supporting young people who are queer, trans, neurodivergent, disabled, racialised or any combination of the above, we would love to see you.
Suitable for parents or guardians, educators, school wellbeing staff, service providers and interested community members.
The workshop will feature interactive activities, colourful slides and lots of time for Q and A.
Watch this brand-new webinar by Psychologist and author Steve Biddulph.
Recorded in his home in Tasmania, Steve Biddulph presents a whole new way to understand your own mind and listen to its’ deep-down signals.
Described as therapy meeting neuroscience, this talk explores the new concept of ‘supersense’ – the feelings beneath our feelings. This concept helps guide parents to a more awake and free way of living every minute of their lives.
The webinar will cover the following:
- Calming anxiety in parents and kids
- Helping children manage their emotions well
- How to know what is right for you
- Being at ease in a difficult world
This pre-recorded online event does not allow for questions at the end.
We'll provide Instructions on how to access the webinar within the booking confirmation.
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:
- Stormwater Management Policy: a framework detailing the methodology and criteria for prioritisation of Council’s future drainage capital works projects.
- 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.
Increasing pedestrian movement
We plan the construction of our city’s footpaths, shared paths and trails by identifying the routes that pedestrians use more often on their journeys.
We use community feedback and other key areas to identify this network and locate where new footpaths are needed and plan for their construction.
Works to build a new footpath are prioritised by:
- the pedestrian demand
- the type of road
- its location relative to various facilities within the community
- the proximity to public transport.
Timeframes for new footpath projects can be affected by factors such as major road projects or large scale developments throughout Manningham.
Completed projects
Come along and learn from therapeutic horticulturist Shani Shafrir, who will discuss the health benefits of gardening and how being in nature and engaging in gardening activities can support a healthy mind, body and soul.
Shani will also discuss how gardening and garden spaces can become age-friendly and support healthy ageing through design and management techniques.
The seminar begins at 6.30pm, or join us from 6.15pm for our monthly food swap, where you can bring and trade homegrown produce, cuttings, seeds, gardening magazines, jars, ferments and more!
About Home Harvest: Home Harvest is a free, complete home gardening program that runs monthly from February to December. It aims to educate and inspire residents to grow their own organic, nutritious and delicious produce at home. The series hosts seminars, question and answer time, on-site activities and food swaps!
Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
As part of our commitment to addressing climate change, we encourage our community to adopt more sustainable practices. One way we support this is through grants and rebates that promote sustainability.
Learn about the support available for individuals and groups working on projects that help improve the sustainability of Manningham's natural environment.
Creating a clean and renewable future
As part of our climate change response, we're focused on building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. We're reducing emissions in Council operations, managing energy, water, and waste responsibly, and empowering our community through awareness, education and support to do the same.
Support to electrify your home
Support is available to help you go all-electric. Use the links below to find out about discounts, loans and rebates on offer through Local Government, State Government and Federal Government initiatives.
Grants and initiatives from other organisations
State and federal governments, along with their partners, offer various loans, financial support, and incentives for sustainability projects.
For individuals
- Conservation Covenants - Trust for Nature
- Victorian Landcare Grants - Victorian Government
- Electric vehicle duty concession - State Revenue Office
- Electric vehicle registration discount - Vic Roads
- Solar for apartments - Solar Victoria
For community groups
- Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways Program - Melbourne Water
For businesses
- Business Renewables Buying Group - City of Yarra
- Victorian Energy Upgrades - Victorian Government
Experience the thrill of our brand new ninja warrior course. Swing, climb, and conquer exciting obstacles at Ruffey Lake Park.
The ninja warrior course provides an exciting opportunity to test your physical prowess whilst having fun!
Join us for a come and try session with the team from A Space, as they explain how to use the new facilities. There will be coaches on hand to offer help and instructions, and to guide you through the obstacles.
Competitions will run throughout the session, with prizes available.
So come on down and challenge yourself, have fun, and unleash your inner warrior!
Noral Reserve has been upgraded to include a fantastic new playground and park for everyone to enjoy.
Places and spaces
- Planting of canopy trees to provide shade
- Low planting beds for colour, texture and nature play opportunities
- A paved path to improve access for all abilities
- Seating area and picnic table for resting and socialising in the reserve
- New drinking fountain
- A new playspace, which includes a combination of traditional play equipment, such as a play unit, swings rocker and spinner, as well as nature based play opportunities
- Timber animal sculptures and playful animal footprints along the path
- Landscaping, including rocks and timber logs for climbing and balancing
- Improvements to the entrance, including new signage.
Bring your dog
On lead reserve.
Bus Service
295 SmartBus service (stops outside Noral Reserve on Greenridge Avenue, Templestowe.)
Report an issue
Have you noticed something unsafe like a broken tree branch or damaged playground that needs our attention?
Organising a large event?
Some types of events, such as festivals or school's cross country runs need a special permission to be held on public land.
Depending on the type of business you're running, you may need one or more business permits.
Not sure what permits you might need? There are a few things you can do to work out what permits you need:
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Try out our business permit self assessment tool
- Contact us to discuss your business idea
- Find a summary of all common permits and fees related to your business.
When do I need a permit?
You may need to get approval from Manningham Council to do certain business activities. It depends on your business type and what you are trying to do.
Want to make changes to your business operation? Find out about planning requirements.
Need to build or extend your property to accommodate your business? There are building regulations and permits to be aware of. Some works that will require permits include:
- alternations and structural works
- buildings with heritage overlays
- free standing or adjoining buildings.
From hairdressing and make-up artists to pilates and yoga studios, it’s important that client safety is kept as a top priority. Have a look at some of the permits and regulations needed to operate a healthy business for you and your clients.
Apply for a trader parking permit to park in a shopping centre.
Any business that sells or manufactures food or drink must be registered with their local council and follow regulations to ensure that the food they sell is safe to eat. This includes restaurants and cafes, market stalls and mobile food vans.
If you plan to sell or serve alcohol at your business, you will need to apply for a liquor licence with the Victorian Government.
If you want to offer outdoor dining, goods for sale on the footpath, or display an A-frame advertising board, you will need a permit.
Registration is required for any home based or commercial business that includes accommodation services.
Filming on Council land, including student, commercial, community, not-for-profit and still photography, may require a permit.
Subscribe to the Manningham Business eNews
Victoria is poised for transformative change with the State Government’s release of several proposed planning reforms.
These changes will have significant and lasting impacts, which could drastically alter the character and liveability of our neighbourhoods.
While we acknowledge the need for more housing, we’re concerned that these reforms have progressed without transparent consultation and adequate consideration of their potential impact.
We’re urging the State to consult with us, as we work closely with our communities to ensure any reforms align with their needs.
Summary of proposed changes
In September 2023, the State Government released its Housing Statement (2024- 2034), which seeks to address housing supply and affordability.
A range of significant planning reforms were proposed to increase housing delivery:
- Replacing the metropolitan strategy, Plan Melbourne 2017-50, with the Plan for Victoria to include regional areas and housing targets for each Local Government Area.
- Increasing development across 10 activity centres in Metropolitan Melbourne to deliver 60,000 additional homes. None of these locations are within the City of Manningham, with the nearest locations being Ringwood, Preston and Camberwell Junction.
- Reducing red tape and streamlining the planning process when assessing planning permit applications for residential development and making it easier to subdivide land into two lots.
- Removing or reducing third party appeal rights, which will ultimately limit a resident’s ability for a Council decision to be reviewed at Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Further proposed changes
Since these changes were released, the State Government has announced further reforms, including:
- An expansion of the State Government’s Activity Centre Program, with 25 centres announced on 20 October 2024. These centres are intended to support medium and high-density housing in well serviced areas of Melbourne’s inner suburbs. An additional 25 ‘train and tram zone’ activity centres will be announced by the end of 2024. No centres within Manningham have been identified however, there is potential for the State Government to further expand the program in the future.
- A broader statewide reform of developer contributions is commencing with the 10 identified activity centres, subject to a ‘simple developer contribution pilot’ that will come into effect from 1 January 2027.
- The release of huge plots of land for thousands of new homes in Melbourne's outer north, west and southeast for 27 new greenfield areas in coming years.
- Changes to the rules around subdivision of residential land – removing the need for an approved planning permit and making it easier to subdivide and develop land for residential development.
Our response to proposed changes
In response, Manningham has provided submissions to the reforms as outlined below.
Plan for Victoria
This draft plan sought feedback on key policy directions including housing, transport, liveability and sustainability.
It proposes a draft target of 39,000 new dwellings in Manningham by 2051, representing a 76 per cent increase over the next 26 years or around 1,500 dwellings per year.
This target significantly exceeds the rate of growth that currently informs the preparation of our Residential Strategy.
Our submission reinforces that:
- the settlement pattern of Manningham results in restricted development opportunities in the eastern parts of the municipality. The suburbs to the west of the Mullum Mullum Creek have accommodated most of the housing growth in the municipality to date
- we are concerned that accommodating 39,000 new dwellings will result in further concentrated change in the western part of the municipality, due to constraints in the east
- the Plan for Victoria must seek to improve Manningham’s public transport system and prioritise bus network improvements, to enable our local economy to expand and prosper as the population grows
- any housing target needs to achieve an appropriate balance between increasing growth in areas serviced by infrastructure and protecting areas of environmental and visual significance
- increased housing density needs to be supported by infrastructure, including public open space, roads, footpaths and community facilities any additional infrastructure should be sustainably funded through appropriate mechanisms at the local and state level.
Changes to the way apartments and townhouses will be considered and approved
These reforms represent an overhaul of ResCode, which is the planning rule for single or multiple dwelling developments that require a planning permit (including lots under 300 square metres and apartment developments up to a height of four storeys).
Proposed changes include the removal of neighbourhood character considerations, which we anticipate could have a significant impact on the look and feel of our suburbs.
It also includes a proposal to remove third-party appeal rights. This means that an objector to a multi-unit application cannot appeal Council’s decision if all relevant standards are met.
While we acknowledge that there are opportunities to improve Victoria’s existing planning controls and processes, better planning outcomes are achieved by considering neighbourhood character and involving the communities in the planning process.
Activity Centres Program
We provided a submission on the designation and draft structure plans for the 10 metropolitan and major activity centres, with specific comments on the plans for the Ringwood activity centre which affects land abutting Manningham.
This forms part of the State Government’s Activity Centre Pilot Program.
A key focus of these structure plans is the designation of ‘walkable catchments’ within an 800m radius of the activity centre, where increased residential development (heights and density) will be encouraged.
Our submission focused on the significant implications of this work on all activity centres across metropolitan Melbourne.
It’s essential that a range of funding and delivery mechanisms are established by the State Government to ensure the continued delivery of vital open space, services and infrastructure to support a rapidly growing population and vibrant and functional activity centres.
What you can do
You can advise the Victorian Government on whether you support or oppose these changes.
Provide your feedback to the Victorian Government:
- on Plan for Victoria, including the housing targets, by emailing planforvictoria@transport.vic.gov.au*
- on all other proposed planning changes, by emailing the Minister for Planning at sonya.kilkenny@parliament.vic.gov.au.
*Submissions closed on 30 August 2024, but we still encourage you to provide feedback.
Have your say when consultation opens for Manningham’s draft Residential Strategy and Activity Centre Design Guidelines in 2025.
The Red Gum Café located in the Manningham Uniting Church and Community Centre, has now been accredited by Dementia Australia as being Dementia Friendly.
The Red Gum Café has been established as an accessible and safe environment for people living with dementia, and their carers and families, with staff having successfully undertaken training to help people living with dementia to enjoy social and community connections.
The café is open Tuesday to Friday, 9.00am to 3.30pm, and on Saturdays from 9.00am to 2.00pm.
A support group for carers assisting people living with dementia currently meets in the café on the first Friday of every month, at 1.30pm.
Please note: The Friday group is established and no new participants will be added. New additional meeting days and times will be arranged for those wanting to attend and connect.
Please contact the Church Hub to express your interest to join a new group.
Warrandyte Community Church, in conjunction with the local churches of Warrandyte, presents the Warrandyte Community Carols.
Come and enjoy the festive atmosphere at Stiggants Reserve. Celebrate Christmas by singing carols, mingling with friends and enjoying the positive ambience.
Local singers and musicians will perform for the wellbeing of local residents.
Bring a picnic or buy food and drinks from the food trucks on site.
Santa will visit with a lolly toss for children, supported by the local CFA.
A special community arts project led by Manningham resident, Grace Dlabik. ...
This exhibition is no longer showing in the Manningham Art Gallery.
kose karu kin is a special project led by Manningham resident, Grace Dlabik. Connecting indigenous women and non-binary folk through clay making using memory, embodiment, nurture, nourishment, and connection. kose karu kin invites you to view the cyclical nature of the materials used in this project, from raw clay, and traditional practices, to shared experiences within community.
kose karu kin (detail view). Photo by Dan Elborne. Image courtesy of Grace Dlabik.