With a vibrant food and art culture with a touch of history, Manningham is a special place to be. Retaining many of its cultural links, there’s something for everyone in Manningham: from sacred sites of the area’s First Peoples to the early gold mining settlements.

Local government

Local government in the area dates back to the election of the Templestowe District Roads Board in 1856. The first meeting of the Board was at Upper Yarra Hotel, Templestowe.

Proclamation that the Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe took place on 28 February 1967. Up until 15 December 1994, Doncaster and Templestowe Council administered the area until the creation of the City of Manningham. The new city included Doncaster, Templestowe and small sections of the Shire of Lilydale. Wonga Park and part of north Ringwood also became part of Manningham. Three State Government appointed commissioners managed the city until 24 march 1997 when 8 councillors were sworn into office.

State Government Planning Reforms

Victoria is undergoing transformative change, with the State Government’s release of a number of important planning reforms.

These changes will affect the way that Manningham grows and will have impacts on the character and liveability of our neighbourhoods.

We will continue to advocate to the State Government on the implications of these reforms. We’re urging the State Government to continue to consult with us as we work closely with our communities to ensure these reforms align with their needs.

Plan for Victoria

The State Government released its new statewide strategy, Plan for Victoria, on 28 February 2025.

The Plan for Victoria focuses on directing housing to activity centres close to stations and public transport. With updated planning controls, activity centres and priority precincts have been identified as the key places for the delivery of more homes.

The identified priority precincts are based around the Suburban Rail Loop precincts, including Box Hill and Burwood. The targeted activity centres are focused around the 60 identified activity centres that have both fixed rail and tram infrastructure.

It’s proposed that new planning controls will provide for taller buildings in the core of these centres and lower rise apartments within walking distance of the centre. None of these precincts or activity centres fall within Manningham.

The Plan Victoria is based around five pillars:

1. Housing choice at an affordable price and close to daily needs. This includes the Activity Centre Program – planning for more homes in and around activity centres and the housing targets 
2. Accessible jobs and Services
3. Great Places, Suburbs and Towns
4. Sustainable Environments
5. Self Determination and Caring for Country

Housing targets

On 24 February 2025, the Minister released the final housing targets for each local government area within Victoria, for delivery over the next 30 years.
Following Council advocacy, Manningham’ s housing target has been reduced to 28,500 dwellings, from the original target of 39,000 dwellings.

This revised target will have implications on Manningham’s future residential growth strategy and the identification of areas for increased densities.

Manningham Residential Strategy

We’re currently preparing a draft Residential Strategy that will respond to this target.

The next stage of consultation on the draft strategy will focus on identifying how housing growth and diversity of housing types will be managed in the urban parts of the municipality.

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Townhouse and Low-rise Code

On 25 February 2025, the Victorian Government announced a new Townhouse and Low-rise code to come into effect in all planning schemes.

These changes represent a significant departure to the standards for multi-unit development under ResCode, which have been in place for many years. In addition, where a development proposal is deemed to meet the Code, residents will still be able to lodge an objection to council, however, will be unable to appeal the matter in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Activity Centre Program

On 27 February 2025, the Victorian Government announced the final 25 ‘train and tram zone’ locations to the Activity Centres Program.

This program is part of the Victorian Government Housing Statement reforms to provide capacity for 300,000 additional homes to 2051.

No additional activity centres within Manningham have been identified as part of this announcement.

We’re currently preparing detailed draft Activity Centre Design Guidelines to manage built form outcomes for residential development within our neighbourhood activity centres.

Subscribe to receive project updates and stay informed about upcoming community engagement opportunities at Your Say Manningham.

What happens from here

We expect that the implications of these reforms will become clearer in the coming months.

The changes will have direct impacts on a number of strategic projects being progressed by Council.

We’ll continue to keep you updated on any further changes announced by the State Government.

Explore Manningham's local environment with 20 self-guided walking brochures that showcase the municipality's wealth of natural, historic, cultural and environmental assets.

Offering walks from Bulleen to Wonga Park and everywhere in between, the guides include detailed maps, as well as interesting and informative notes to enhance your walking experience.

We are committed to building a better Manningham that works for all. Find information that will help you with your works – no matter how big or small your renovation or building project.

Get guidance on popular topics like removing trees or building fences to understand land-use, planning, building and infrastructure needs. You can also find links to important mapping and planning resources. 

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Support is available at every stage of your child’s life and development.

The Health and Wellbeing Strategy outlines how we will continue to work with our community and partner organisations to ensure our residents are healthy, safe, resilient, connected and included. Seven priority areas have been identified to promote a Healthy Community:

• improving social and emotional wellbeing
• increasing healthy eating
• increasing active living
• increasing adaptation to the health impacts from climate change
• reducing injury and harm
• preventing family violence
• increasing connection and engagement of community life.

Find the resources below curated specifically for helping parents, guardians and families.

Reconciliation Manningham Group

Reconciliation Manningham is a small, committed group working to advance reconciliation through partnerships between Aboriginal people, Wurundjeri Tribe Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council, Manningham Council and the local community.

The group aims to preserve, protect and promote respect for, and pride in our Australian Aboriginal culture and heritage. They achieve this through offering a host of activities, programs, events and services that directly involve, support and include Aboriginal people.

Through Heritage Week, Reconciliation Week and other key times throughout the year, the group leads local Indigenous heritage walks and history presentations, and are also available to present indigenous history education within local schools. Fascinating information about local sites of significance and the process of reconciliation is presented on their website. New members are welcome.

View the available options below to learn more about your property's rates and valuations.

We support families with children aged from birth to school age. Our specialist staff will guide you through your early parenting years to provide free support for your child’s development, growth, nutrition and general wellbeing.

Learn more about Maternal and Child Health Services.

Is your child unwell? 

To reduce risk of spread of infection, we request that families do not attend if parent or child/ children are unwell.

To reschedule your appointment, please call 9840 9188. 

Information for parents with infants and young children relating to MCH services is found at Maternal and child health services - Better Health Channel.

You may also contact the 24 hour Maternal and Child Health Line on 13 22 29 or contact your local GP.

Attend a Parenting Seminar

Our parenting seminar series provides parents with the tools to be well informed and involved in their children’s lives.

Other useful resources

• Find a community playgroup
• Better Health Child App
• Download the Victorian Government MCH app
• Visit Raising Children website
• Download Kids health information fact sheets
• Call the 24-hour Maternal and Child Health Line