We advocate for you

Advocacy is an important way for us to provide a voice for the community on issues that matter. This is an essential role of local government.

We are advocating to influence state and federal governments to fund important priority projects around planning, transport, infrastructure and services.

We are calling for Federal Government support for a number of priority projects ahead of this year’s Federal election.

This includes seeking funding support for seven major projects as well as a series of local sports infrastructure, road and footpath upgrades in Manningham.  

What we are asking for

Council calls on the Federal and State Government for significant funding.

Other advocacy issues

A rail line to Doncaster

The Victorian Government's proposed underground rail link will connect suburbs from Cheltenham to Werribee.

The Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) includes a Doncaster Station. However construction may be over ten years away.

Manningham is the only municipality without a tram or train line.

Car ownership per household is considerably high and daily public transport use for employment purposes is below the metropolitan average.

What’s next?

We will continue to work with the Suburban Rail Loop Authority and the Department of Transport to advocate for improved public transport services to Manningham.

The State Government has now commenced works for the North East Link Program (NELP).

The project will include construction of the North East Link Tunnels, which will connect the Metropolitan ring road (M80) and Eastern Freeway (M3), as well as:

• the completion of the Ring Road in Greensborough 
• an overhaul the Eastern Freeway
• Melbourne’s first dedicated busway
• the North East Trail – more than 34km of walking and cycling paths.

North East Link is split into five construction packages, with the following three located in Manningham:

• Central/tunnels
• South
• East

Manningham Council is continuing to work diligently alongside North East Link Program and State Government on all aspects of the project. We are committed to representing community interests with the aim of mitigating impacts, as far practicable, to the community.

Environment

Tree planting

NELP will plant two replacement trees for every tree removed during construction of the project.

A key objective for Council is to ensure that the loss of tree canopy and vegetation is minimised and mitigated. We're working closely with NELP to identify appropriate locations for early tree planting to occur to allow the new canopy to establish. Some early planting has already occurred across various locations in Manningham, including Katrina Reserve (Doncaster) and Finns Reserve (Lower Templestowe).

Council has planted more than 500 trees since 2022 within various reserves in Manningham on behalf of NELP. We will continue to support the early planting program.

Find out more.

River Red Gum, Bulleen

The historic 300 year old River Red Gum on Bridge Street in Bulleen is in close proximity to major North East Link works and must be protected. This tree is a local landmark, pre-dates European settlement and is an important example of our environmental heritage.

We will continue to regularly attend when works are being undertaken near the tree to ensure that appropriate mitigation measures are undertaken.

Air quality and noise

We are continuing to advocate to NELP and other State authorities to ensure that all appropriate measures are taken to mitigate the air quality impacts of the project on the health and wellbeing of the local community.

We are also working closely with NELP to ensure that noise associated with construction is mitigated as far as practicable. Any noise emitting works that may exceed noise levels are also planned to occur either during the day or early in the night, as far as practicable.

Affected residents are also notified prior to the works that noise may occur during a time period with a direct NELP contact provided to them to call where concerns are raised.

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.

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

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.

We operate and have established a large number of internal advisory groups and other committees. We are also a member of or associated with a number of external bodies and committees.

The table below shows the members appointed to each committee. These appointments are reviewed on an annual basis.

All current appointments were made by Council on 26 November 2024.

Congratulations to the winners of the Manningham Community Awards, which were announced on 16 September 2025.

The awards program celebrated individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond in making Manningham a better place to live, work and visit over the past 12 months.

The awards recognise achievements in 8 categories, with one of these category winners named Manningham Citizen of the Year.

More than 70 nominations were received for the 2025 awards, highlighting many outstanding achievements across the community. Thank you to everyone who helped shine a light on those who go above and beyond.

Nominations for the 2026 Manningham Community Awards will open in March. We look forward to learning about more of the incredible people and groups who contribute to the Manningham community.

Citizen of the Year

Selected by the judging panel from the eligible category award winners for their outstanding contribution to the Manningham community in the past 12 months. 

Leon Moore
 

Doreen Stoves Excellence in Volunteering  

Recognising an individual who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to volunteerism.

Winner: Leon Moore

Leon established the Laughing All Abilities Really Friendly Singers (LAARFS). The choir, which meets weekly, has more than 70 members, who live with chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer and dementia.

Finalists:

• Brenda Humphreys

• Sandrajane Vincent-Corry

Active Community

Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to community participation in active lifestyles, sports or physical activity. 

Winner: Bulleen Tennis Club

Under the committee’s leadership, the club’s facilities have been transformed with upgrades including court resurfacing and new lighting. Membership has grown by more than 70% with expanded junior and senior competitions, veterans’ tennis and social play. 

Finalists:

• Ruffey Runners

• Tony Gibson

Ageing Well

Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to enhancing the lives of older residents, fostering social connection, safety or active ageing.

Winner: Chinese Senior Citizens Club of Manningham Inc.

With more than 1000 members and 200 volunteers, the club is one of the largest in Manningham. It has delivered more than 60 free weekly classes, as well as educational talks, performances and major cultural celebrations over the past year.

Finalists:

• Richard Davis

• Scones Together

Artistic Achievement 

Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to Manningham’s creative community, sparking artistic, cultural or creative expression.

Winner: Warrandyte Arts Association

The association has supported more than 170 members across several groups including life drawing, pottery, writing and theatre. 

Finalists: 

• Jazz in the Park

• Now and Not Yet Gallery

Community Excellence

Recognising a community organisation or group that has delivered outstanding programs or initiatives contributing to the wellbeing, development and cohesion of the Manningham community.

Winner: Warrandyte Pink Ladies

The group has been passionate in their efforts to raise funds, awareness and support for those affected by breast cancer.

Finalists: 

• Ajani Neighbourhood House

• United Muslim Migrants Association of Victoria

Community Health and Wellbeing 

Recognising an individual or group who has enhanced health, wellbeing or resilience in the community, whether through advocacy, program development or direct service delivery.

Winner: Men’s Shed at the Veneto Club

The group has created a welcoming and supportive space for men of all ages and backgrounds to connect, share, support one another, and improve men’s mental health. 

Finalists:

• CareNet

• Kathy Monley

Inclusive Community

Recognising an individual or group who has actively contributed to community accessibility, inclusivity or diversity.

Winner: Kevin Heinze Grow

The organisation’s inclusive, nature-based programs support people of all abilities. These include Café Kevin, which provides hospitality training and the Grow Program that offers experience in gardening, cooking and sustainability.

Finalists:

• Catalyst Training and Disability Services

• Zakir Fakhri

Young Achiever

Recognising a young person aged under 25, who has made a positive impact within the Manningham community through demonstrated leadership, innovation, or commitment to helping others.

Winner: Niosha Khademideljou

A former Manningham Youth Advisory Committee member, Niosha is now a crisis supporter with Lifeline Naarm and has helped provide children’s spiritual education classes and inclusive school holiday festivals.

Finalists:

• David Edgecombe

• Sina Emadi

How are the awards judged?

Nominations were assessed against a set criteria and reviewed by the judging panel. This year’s panel included the Manningham Mayor, Director Connected Communities, the previous Citizen of Year recipient (in 2025 this will be the previous Manningham Civic Awards Citizen of the Year) and 2 members of Council’s advisory committees.

2026 Nominations

Nominations for the 2026 Manningham Community Awards will open in March.

We look forward to learning about more of the incredible people and groups who contribute to the Manningham community.