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

From aspiring gardeners to seasoned growers, there’s a session for everyone at this year’s Home Harvest. 

About Home Harvest

Our monthly gardening program, Home Harvest, teaches you how to grow delicious and nutritious food at home. 

From discovering how to choose the right crops to diving deeper into growing Asian vegetables, there’s a diverse array of topics on offer. 

Your new skills will lead to homegrown produce – and can even boost your physical and mental health. 

It’s also a simple, enjoyable and empowering action you can take against climate change.

Our 2025 program

Sessions run on a Wednesday evening from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, with a food swap commencing at 6.15pm. 

Everyone with an interest in gardening is welcome. No experience necessary.

The first phase of the Melbourne Hill Road drainage upgrade is now complete, and we're preparing for phase two works to start late next year.

Our 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're 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, we will continue the 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.

As part of the Ruffey Lake Park Masterplan, we are developing a tree walk to promote environmental education and appreciation.

About the tree walk

This multi-year project will enhance the park’s natural beauty and provide an educational tour of trees in Manningham. 

The tree walk will feature a mix of indigenous, native, climate-resilient and exotic trees.

Works begin mid-May 2025

To create this walk, we are scheduling staged works. 

Stage one will begin on 13 May 2025 in the space across from the Victoria St Playground. This stage will involve pruning and removing non-indigenous vegetation, woody weeds and trees in poor condition. This will allow space to plant new trees.  

In response to removing low-quality trees, we will plant 10 new trees for every one removed. This replanting effort is on top of our ongoing tree planting program, which has been underway for the past three years.  

We will then focus on preparing the soil from June to November 2025 (stage two).

Stage three will commence in May 2026, with planting additional trees.  

The Ruffey Lake Park Masterplan

The Ruffey Lake Park Masterplan outlines a 15-year vision for the park’s design, development and management. 

Before being endorsed by Council in 2021, the Masterplan’s development involved a comprehensive review of background documents, extensive engagement with the community, and consultation with key external and internal stakeholders.

More than 1,000 community members provided feedback over two rounds of community consultation.

Learn more at yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/ruffey-lake-park. 

We’re temporarily closing the Aranga Reserve dog park to prune trees that are extending onto Heatherwood School’s grounds.

When will the park be closed?

The park will be closed from Monday 6 January to Tuesday 7 January 2025.

Why is the park temporarily closing?

Significant tree limbs are extending onto the grounds of Heatherwood School.

We’re temporarily closing the park to prune these trees, which will help prevent any pontential hazards and keep our community safe.

By closing the park, we’re also avoiding startling your dog with loud machinery.

How will this closure affect me?

If you live nearby, you may notice construction noise during this period.

If you regularly visit this park with your dog, we encourage you to explore our nearby parks and reserves during these days.

Thanks for your understanding.

While it might look like a regular street post, this is a ‘virtual fence’, designed to protect our local wildlife.

Virtual fences are activated by approaching headlights and emit sound and light to deter animals from crossing the road. 

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,” she explained.

By preventing animals from darting onto the road, these fences help protect both wildlife and drivers.

If you see a flashing light along Jumping Creek Road, it’s likely from a virtual fence. We’ve installed 20 in the area to help protect both wildlife and road users.

We know the virtual fences can look suspiciously like cameras, but these lights are alerting animals to your car’s presence and deterring them from crossing the road.  

Please keep our wildlife safe by leaving the fences alone. 

If you spot any damage to the fences, contact us on (03) 9840 9333 or email environment@manningham.vic.gov.au. 

These fences were installed as part of the Jumping Creek Road upgrade. 

For more information on this project, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/jumping-creek-road-upgrade.

Community members will enjoy a safer, more accessible and usable Doncaster Hill Community Garden, with a redesign planned to get underway in June.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said the garden is a treasured place where people come together to grow, share and connect.

“The Doncaster Hill Community Garden plays a vital role in supporting our community,” Cr Diamante said.

“Beyond providing fresh and nutritious food, it nurtures a stronger local food system, social connections and community wellbeing.

“Importantly, it also provides fresh produce to people experiencing hardship through Doncare’s food relief program,” she said.

The works will include levelling uneven ground to reduce tripping hazards and installing raised garden beds at varying heights to support gardeners of all ages and abilities.

New wicking beds, improved composting and better water use will support more efficient and diverse food growing, including culturally significant crops. Security will also be improved through soft fencing, gated access and lockable compost bins.

“We’ve listened to our dedicated volunteers and gardeners, whose insights and aspirations have helped shape the planned improvements to the garden,” Cr Diamante said.

“The result will be a more accessible space that reflects our community values of sustainability, sharing and inclusion,” she said.

The Doncaster Hill Community Garden is a friendly space for anyone interested in growing food, meeting others and learning new skills. It hosts a working bee every second Tuesday, where community members come together to grow and harvest produce.

The garden will be temporarily closed from June to August 2025, while the works take place.

The shed will not be impacted in the redesign.

For more information, visit manningham.vic.gov.au/garden-redesign 

Greater energy resilience and emergency backup power are coming to Mullum Mullum 
Stadium by early 2026, thanks to a new neighbourhood battery.

Manningham Council has secured $277,636 in State Government funding to install a
100kW/200kW behind the meter battery at Mullum Mullum Stadium. This will cover 90 per 
cent of the total project cost.

Connected to the stadium’s 450kW solar panels, the battery will store excess energy to help
power the facility.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante welcomed the funding – highlighting its
positive impact for the community.

“This is an exciting step towards a more sustainable and energy-secure future for 
Manningham,” Cr Diamante said.

“The battery will help improve energy reliability, lower power costs and provide a crucial 
backup power source during emergencies,” she said.

As a Regional Emergency Relief Centre, this battery will also enable the facility to maintain 
critical services during emergencies, supporting the community with immediate support and 
resources when they need it most.

A neighbourhood battery is an electricity storage system that lets you generate, store and 
consume your own renewable energy.

In front of the meter neighbourhood batteries are connected directly to the local electricity 
network. Behind the meter batteries store and consume energy separately from the grid.

Neighbourhood batteries help:

• provide better access to renewable energy
• lower household power bills
• ensure a more reliable electricity supply
• contribute to Victoria’s clean energy transition.

For more details on the 100 Neighbourhood Battery Fund, visit:
energy.vic.gov.au/grants/neighbourhood-batteries/100-neighbourhood-batteries-program-grants 

We’re reviewing our Road Management Plan to ensure local roads remain well-maintained, safe and functional for everyone.

Manningham’s Road Management Plan (RMP) sets our responsibilities, standards and procedures for managing our road network, which consists of more than 680 kilometres of local roads. 

The plan doesn’t include the management of road safety issues or the maintenance of trees, vegetation, nature strips or private assets, such as vehicle crossings.

Proposed changes to the Road Management Plan

As part of our review, we’re proposing some updates to the RMP, including clear, concise language and a streamlined format, consistent with the latest industry-standard template from the Municipal Association of Victoria. 

These changes aim to make it easier for you to understand our road maintenance standards and what you can expect from our services. 

Our Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said community feedback will help ensure the revised plan responds to emerging needs and priorities. 

“Maintaining our roads and footpaths is one of Council’s most important services – helping keep our community safe and connected,” Cr Diamante said.

“I encourage all residents to share their feedback to help us create a plan that will deliver outcomes that matter most to our residents,” she said.

Have your say

You can review the revised Road Management Plan online, or in person at the Manningham Civic Centre at 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.
Have your say before 5.00pm on Thursday 17 April 2025, through:

• an online form at Your Say Manningham. 
• mail submission addressed to Manningham Council, Andrea Szymanski, Manager Infrastructure and Sustainable Operations, PO Box 1, Doncaster 3108 
• email at manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au.

All submissions will be considered before the revised RMP is presented to Council for adoption.

For more information, go to Your Say Manningham.
 

We’re developing a Nature Plan to help protect and enhance our environment over the next 15 years. 

The Plan will set a strategic direction for the future of our biodiversity and tree canopy assets, while also responding to challenges such as urbanisation, habitat loss and biodiversity decline.

It will also look to enhance Manningham’s bushland areas, landscape scale habitat connections, tree canopy, and provide recommendations to allow our natural environment to thrive and communities to live in a cooler, greener environment. 

Make your voice heard 

We want to hear your thoughts on:

• What our top priorities should be in protecting and enhancing our environment?  
• What practical solutions can help address these challenges?
• What type of Council support would be most helpful to you and the community? 

Share your ideas by:

• Completing our online survey
• Registering your interest in a workshop 

To get involved, visit yoursay.manningham.vic.gov.au/nature-plan.
 

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.