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.  

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.

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.

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

For NELP and construction information and updates, call 1800 105 105 or visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/north-east-link-program

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

Sports and recreation

Bulleen Park

Bulleen Park is being upgraded to support sporting clubs during the construction of North East Link. 

Future redevelopment of Bulleen Park will allow for continued use of the sporting and recreation facilities during the delivery and following the completion of the North East Link Program (NELP).

The redevelopment will result in a major upgrade to the football (AFL) and cricket facilities and include:

• two new replacement pavilions
• realignment and redevelopment of the three existing sports ovals
• upgrades to sports field lighting, cricket nets, and fencing
• planting of new trees and vegetation
• upgrading playground equipment and park amenities
• reconfigured car parking.

The project is expected to be completed by 2028. During this period, NELP will continue to provide user groups with construction updates to keep the community informed of progress and milestones.

Bulleen Park FAQs for sporting clubs, March 2025

Powerful Owl Park

Manningham's newest and much anticipated soccer facility, Powerful Owl Park is now completed.

Development Victoria worked in conjunction with North East Link Program (NELP) to deliver the facility to ensure community impacts are minimised by changes at Bulleen Park.

We will manage the facility on behalf of NELP, as part of the overall management of Manningham sporting reserves, and in accordance with required conditions of use.

The new sporting facility will include:

• three soccer fields (two natural turf and one synthetic pitch)
• a sports pavilion with tiered seating and player change rooms, umpire and first aid amenities
•  176 car park spaces
• a nature play area; and,
• walking and cycling connections to the Yarra River.

We worked diligently alongside North East Link Program and the State Government for a commitment to deliver the facility and to ensure community impacts are minimised by changes at Bulleen Park.

Powerful Owl Park FAQs, July 2024

Park and Ride

Doncaster Park and Ride

Doncaster Park and Ride will be upgraded as part of NELP. We are advocating that the Doncaster Busway (including the Bulleen Park and Ride) be designed to operate and function as part of a network-wide Bus Rapid Transit system. This is beyond the busway corridor that is proposed along the Eastern Freeway between Hoddle Street and Doncaster Road.

We are also advocating for the State Government and NELP to amend the NELP Doncaster Park and Ride reference design to a mixed-use transit-oriented development. 

At this stage the State Government has only committed to a like for like upgrade, which will result in the reconstruction of the Park and Ride to be retained as a carpark only.

Bulleen Park and Ride

Bulleen Park and Ride is now open. The new bus station on the corner of Thompsons Road and Kampman Street in Bulleen is the first part of the Eastern Express Busway – Melbourne's first dedicated busway from Doncaster towards the city and features:

• parking for 370 cars 
• bike storage
• pick-up and drop-off bays
• a 5000 square metre green roof.

Templestowe Road 

We have successfully negotiated for the Victorian Government to commence detailed planning work and a business case for the duplication and upgrade of Templestowe Road (from Bridge Street to Thompsons Road). This will include shared pedestrian and bike paths along the north side.

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.

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.

The new Manningham Community Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of those who are helping to shape our vibrant community.

Nominate now

The expanded program celebrates 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.

Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 16 September 2025.

The awards recognise achievements in eight categories and one of these individual category winners will be named the Manningham Citizen of the Year.

Introducing the new Manningham Community Awards

Manningham Community Award categories

• Doreen Stoves Excellence in Volunteering: Recognising an individual who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to volunteerism.
• Active Community: Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to community participation in active lifestyles, sports or physical activity. 
• Ageing Well: Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to enhancing the lives of older residents, fostering social connection, safety or active ageing.
• Artistic Achievement: Recognising an individual or group who has contributed to Manningham’s creative community, sparking artistic, cultural or creative expression.
• 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.
• 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.
• Inclusive Community: Recognising an individual or group who has actively contributed to community accessibility, inclusivity or diversity.
• 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.

Awards announcement

The 2025 Manningham Community Awards will be announced at the Award Ceremony on Tuesday 16 September. Please note this has changed from the 11 September date advised in the June edition of Manningham Matters.

Tickets will be available for purchase at a subsidised cost for Manningham community members from Monday 28 July.

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.

The Manningham Civic Awards recognise residents who’ve made exceptional contributions to the Manningham community through volunteer, unpaid or paid work.

Citizen of the Year

Manningham's Citizen of the Year award goes to a resident whose outstanding contributions have improved the lives of our local community. Their contributions demonstrate a long-term commitment to community service, community innovation, philanthropy or volunteer work.

Doreen Stoves AM PSM JP Volunteer of the Year

The Doreen Stoves Volunteer of the Year Award is about recognising a contribution made by a volunteer in the local community. This award honors Doreen Stoves for her inspirational work. Doreen worked for many years at Doncare and dedicated her life to helping others.

This award highlights the contributions made by the quiet achievers, who often work behind the scenes to build a stronger and more caring society. It recognises contributions made in the areas of community service, civic engagement, environment, sport, the arts, education, business or advocacy.

Community Organisation of the Year Award

This award recognises community organisations, clubs or groups who have gone ‘above and beyond’ to improve the lives of the Manningham community. Nominees must be not for profit community organisations who’ve made a tangible difference to diversity, acceptance and tolerance, community spirit and social connectedness in the Manningham community.

Community groups may be nominated for a specific project undertaken in the last 12 months that demonstrates a positive impact made to the Manningham community.

Sports Volunteer of the Year

This award recognises individuals who demonstrate excellence in the sporting arena and/or displays exemplary leadership in the Manningham sporting community. This award is for people who inspire others, encourage participation and embody the principles of sportsmanship and fair play. 

This award recognises those who play sport and anyone who contributes to Manningham’s sporting community off the field.  This includes coaches, referees, umpires, organisers, volunteers and officials. 

Young Citizen of the Year

This award recognises the outstanding contribution made by a young Manningham resident to improve the lives of our local community. This can be demonstrated through leadership qualities, inspiring others through action or being a positive role model.