We are privileged to live surrounded by green open spaces and bushland in Manningham. From walking tracks along the Birrarung (Yarra River) to our many parklands and reserves, natural beauty is all around us. We all have a role to play in ensuring our local wildlife and plants thrive. Together, we can create a nature-positive legacy for future generations.
Learn about how we are protecting natural and rural values and what it means for residents living in the Green Wedge area.
Learn all about Manningham’s unique local wildlife and environment with TV Zoologist Chris Humfrey from Wild Action, ‘The Zoo That Comes to You’.
Through our commitment to environmental action, we’re determined to maintain the liveability of our area and build our resilience to the impacts of global warming.
There are several ways you can take action and make a difference, from electrifying your home to planting trees at your local park. We have also been busy with our ongoing programs of sustainability initiatives.
You can learn about what we’re doing and how to be involved.
Australia’s population is steadily increasing, prompting the need for new houses, shops and roads. While these developments are important for our community, they may have a negative impact on our local birds.
So, how do birds respond to urban development? Why do some species cope better than others? And what can we do to better support the more sensitive species?
To answer these questions, we’ve invited Dr Jacinta Humphrey to share her findings on what makes a residential street, urban park or private garden bird-friendly.
Speaker bio:
Dr Jacinta Humphrey (she/her) is an Urban Ecologist and Research Fellow with the ICON Science group at RMIT University. She completed her PhD at La Trobe University and continues to work with the Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary.
Her work explores Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design (BSUD) and aims to find opportunities to enhance habitat for wildlife in residential streets, urban parks, schoolyards and private gardens. She also monitors the Birrarung Trial Floating Wetlands, a series of artificial habitat islands installed in the Yarra River (Birrarung), on behalf of The University of Melbourne.
Hear from leading expert Rodney Van Der Ree on local Manningham projects including fauna bridges, monitoring cameras and virtual fencing. He will also delve into the many novel solutions to roads and traffic impacts on biodiversity.
Manningham Council is actively working to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions through the installation of canopy bridges and virtual fences. These measures aim to protect local wildlife by deterring them from crossing roads and providing safer pathways for movement.
You can also attend the Manningham Environment Seminar Series - Endangered Species of Manningham Wednesday, 30 July 2025 7.00 to 8.30 pm.
Join ecologist/zoologist David De Angelis to learn about your local frog species calling in autumn. Find out how to conduct your own monitoring survey using the Melbourne Water Frog Census app.
There will be a special focus on two local species that mainly call in autumn. The Southern Toadlet and Victorian Smooth Froglet both lay their eggs on land before they get inundated weeks later.
The conservation status of the Southern Toadlet was re-assessed from vulnerable in 2013 (DSE 2013) to endangered in 2021 (Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act Threatened List Victoria (DELWP 2021)).
Want tips on how to be your most stylish self in the most sustainable way? Award-winning eco stylist and educator, Nina Gbor of Eco Styles will share her restyling tips.
Learn how to stylishly (re)use the items in your closet to look and feel amazing with any size and on any budget, while reducing your carbon footprint and textile waste.
Nina will also talk about:
About Nina Gbor
As the founder of Eco Styles, Nina Gbor is an award-winning sustainability advocate, ethical fashion speaker, climate activist, writer and educator.
Nina has a master’s degree in International Development and is a former sustainable fashion tutor in short courses at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. She coined the phrase ‘get off the fashion trendmill’ which means individuality and self-knowledge should be the premise for consuming clothing, not fashion trends.
Follow Nina on Insta @eco.styles for inspiration on secondhand and sustainable style hacks.
Maroondah City Council is hosting this event in collaboration with Knox City Council, Whitehorse City Council, Yarra Ranges Council, and Manningham Council.
Hear from local ecologist John Harris about Manningham's threatened species and the challenges they face, including habitat loss, invasive species and climate change.
Manningham is home to 56 threatened animal species, including the Brush-tailed Phascogale, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Swift Parrot and Barking Owl.
There are 466 threatened plant species, 246 of which are critically endangered.
A species is considered threatened when it's at risk of extinction within a local area, even if it's not globally endangered.
About the presenter
John Harris (BASc, GDipEd) is the Director and Principal Zoologist/Ecologist at Wildlife Experiences. With a background in both environmental science and education, John has led fauna and flora surveys, environmental audits and sustainability programs across Victoria and beyond.
He's also an experienced educator, delivering seminars, guiding Nature Stewards walks, and formerly teaching secondary science for more than 17 years.
You can also attend the Environment Seminars - Solutions to Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions Wednesday, 24 September 2025 7.00 to 8.30 pm.
Manningham Environment Seminar Series - Threatened Fauna Species of Manningham
Spend an evening with local ecologist John Harris and learn about threatened fauna species that are found locally in Manningham
Manningham is home to a significant number of threatened species, both animals and plants, facing threats like habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. The municipality has identified 56 threatened animal species, including some of national and state significance like the Brush-tailed Phascogale, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Swift Parrot, and Barking Owl. Additionally, there are 466 threatened plant species, with a substantial portion (246) considered critically endangered. #Swifft State Wide Integrated Flora and Fauna Teams
A species is determined to be threatened when its population within a specific geographic area (like Manningham or Victoria) is at risk of extinction, even if it's not globally threatened. This can happen due to factors like habitat loss, invasive species, or pollution within that area, making the species susceptible to local extinction.
Presenter: John Harris (BASc, GDipEd) - Director and Principal Zoologist / Ecologist
John Harris (BASc, GDipEd) is the Director and Principal Zoologist / Ecologist at Wildlife Experiences.
John has worked in both the environmental and education sectors, often combining the two. As an ecological consultant, John has been involved in flora and fauna surveys, environmental audits, flora and fauna salvaging (spotter/catcher) and as sustainability adviser in Victoria and interstate. He has co-authored or contributed to a number of books on wildlife, authored many flora and fauna assessment reports and management plans.
He is also an environmental educator working with landcare groups, delivering seminars for local governments and also provides fauna presentation and walks for the Nature Stewards program. He was previously in the education sector for over 17 years as a secondary Biology/Science teacher as well as Environment and Sustainability Manager.
We are committed to recognising, valuing and protecting the natural environment and ecological processes that life depends on. We support and encourage using Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) principles for land use planning and development, design and construction.
We encourage you to consider ESD principles in the early stages of your development proposal.
The Manningham Planning Scheme requires medium and large scale developments to meet specific ESD objectives and standards.
Clause 22.12 - Environmentally Sustainable Development defines the requirements for medium and large residential and non-residential developments.
The following tables also outline the ESD application requirements.
The fact sheets and links below provide further information about the application requirements.
| Type of development | Application requirements | Example tools |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA) | |
| Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) Green Travel Plan (GTP) |
| Type of development | Application requirements | Example tools |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA) |
|
| Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) Green Travel Plan (GTP) |
If you don't know which category your development fits into, please refer to the following resources:
If you are still unsure, please contact us.
Planning permit applications for medium or large developments, as defined in Clause 22.12 - Environmentally Sustainable Development, must include information on how the proposal meets the ESD objectives.
You will need to consider each of the 10 Key Sustainable Building Categories when preparing your application. More information about these categories can be found below.
Depending on the scale of your project, you may need to engage an ESD consultant or qualified sustainability professional. They can help you meet the ESD requirements and prepare the necessary documentation.
We have a series of fact sheets to assist you in meeting the requirements of Clause 15.01-2L Environmentally sustainable development – Manningham. The fact sheets cover each of the Key Sustainable Building Categories.
They provide an outline of:
The ESD tools fact sheet explains what ESD tools are, why you should use them and which tool to use for SDAPP.
The following list provides links to the ESD tools described in the fact sheet above.
The On-site Stormwater Detention (OSD) guidelines help developers and engineering consultants meet the technical requirements for engineering plans.
All stormwater management features must adhere to these guidelines. This includes:
Contact us if you need help.
Schools can sign up for the following programs and events.
Eastern Alliance for Sustainable Learning
Manningham Council is a member of the Eastern Alliance for Sustainable Learning (EASL). EASL provides professional development, learning and networking opportunities for early years, primary and secondary schools. Events run throughout the year, including the Learning for Sustainability Conference held in March.
Register for the annual Learning for Sustainability Conference.
Resource Smart Schools Program
Get involved in the Resource Smart Schools Program run by EASL. The program can help your school embed sustainability into everything you do, including ways to promote biodiversity, minimise waste, save energy and water, and take action on climate change.
Sustainability and Environmental Education Day
In 2025 we are piloting a new program for Manningham primary schools, Sustainability and Environmental Education Day (SEED).
This program will be an incursion, and will cover four themes of biodiversity, composting, waste and Traditional Owner education. The program includes both theory and hands on activities to enable students to gain a practical understanding of sustainability initiatives within their local context. The program is free of charge for schools and lead by Council Officers and in partnership with the Wurundjeri Corporation Education Unit.
Lead to Sustain Conference
Bring your students along for a day of discovery and education at Currawong Bush Park.
The Lead to Sustain Conference offers young people in our community the opportunity to learn how to lead the implementation of sustainable actions for the benefit of our local community. The conference includes activities dedicated to supporting biodiversity and ecology, saving water, reducing waste, recycling and reducing energy consumption.
This conference is designed to follow on from the SEED program and provides a day of celebration for the students and schools that participated in SEED.
For more information, contact the Environment team at environment@manningham.vic.gov.au or on 9840 9333.
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
This session will focus on empowering volunteers with essential knowledge and practical tools to ensure the financial sustainability of their club.
Topics to be covered:
This webinar is a must-attend for anyone involved in managing or supporting a sport club in Manningham. Whether you’re a new volunteer or a seasoned committee member, you'll walk away with actionable knowledge to improve your club’s financial stability.
As part of the Inspired Living Series, Jesse Glascott and Elle Paton will discuss sustainable building design and tiny homes at the Manningham Function Centre.
Jesse Glascott, is co-founder of the Sustainable Building Alliance, Director of G-Lux Builders and architect of the iconic Warrandyte Panel House. Jesse will discuss what goes into designing and building net zero sustainable homes.
Elle Paton is co-founder of the Australian Tiny House Association. Tiny homes are prefabricated, transportable dwellings that can provide off-grid, eco-friendly and low cost solutions. Elle will share her story of what its like to live in a tiny house.
The Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings at the iconic Manningham Function Centre.
The series will introduce you to a diverse line-up of local and international keynote speakers offering unique insights on how we can all shift to a greener future.
Topics range from permaculture to sustainable fashion. Each speaker will inspire and motivate simple, positive lifestyle choices, connection to nature and growing a thriving community in the midst dynamic change.
As part of the Inspired Living Series and National Recycling Week, Nina Gbor and fellow panel members will discuss sustainable fashion in a circular economy at the Manningham Function Centre.
Nina Gbor:
Nina is a sustainable fashion educator, international speaker, sustainability consultant, and Founder of Eco Styles. Nina is also the Director of the Circular Economy and Waste Program at The Australia Institute and has been featured on the ABC's War on Waste. Nina will talk about her journey into sustainable fashion and discuss the collaborative effort needed to address sustainability challenges in the fashion industry.
Courtney Holm:
Courtney is a circular fashion systems designer, thought leader and entrepreneur. She founded experimental circular fashion label A.BCH in 2017 and built it into a world leading example of what circular fashion could aspire to. In early 2024, she made a strategic decision to step away from making new clothes in order to focus on industry wide solutions. Courtney is the founder and CEO of Circular Sourcing - a climate tech platform turning surplus textile waste into resource. Courtney's expertise is in circular design for clothing, material flows and circular systems design. The heart of her practice is industry transformation for sustainable and equitable futures.
Jenna Flood:
Jenna is a slow fashion advocate whose main focus is helping people understand the issues that surround fast fashion. She advocates for sustainable alternatives such as pre-loved, vintage and clothing made with sustainable practices. Jenna believes in slowing down our clothing consumption by curating capsule wardrobes and buying for long term investments instead of purchasing on a whim or following short trends. She hopes that in the future, more people invest in the sharing economy by renting or borrowing garments instead of owning them.
The Inspired Living Series - keynote speaker events showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings at the iconic Manningham Function Centre.
The series will introduce you to a diverse line-up of local and international keynote speakers offering unique insights on how we can all shift to a greener future.
Topics range from permaculture to sustainable fashion. Each speaker will inspire and motivate simple, positive lifestyle choices, connection to nature and growing a thriving community in the midst dynamic change.
By going all-electric and updating the energy efficiency of your home, you can reduce energy costs and create a safer home for your family.
We are partnering with Renew to host Sustainable House Day 2025. Renew is a membership non-profit that has been working to transform Australian homes for climate and energy resilience since 1980.
Presented by Renew, Sustainable House Day is an annual event that provides an opportunity to explore some of Australia’s most inspiring homes – and learn from the people who designed them, built them and live in them.
The day includes:
Manningham residents can register to attend an open home or view video tours.
In-person house tours attract a small fee $6.50 - $9.50 to cover Renew's costs of running the event. Online video tours can be viewed for free.
Manningham residents can also access 50 per cent discounted access to a webinars Series Pass.
Discover cutting-edge strategies for designing sustainable, high-performance homes.
This webinar will cover the fundamentals of passive solar design, helping you create energy-efficient spaces that maximise comfort and reduce environmental impact. We'll also dive into the latest commercially available sustainable materials—made from recycled and bio-based resources—that are reshaping urban construction.
This webinar is part of Renew's Sustainable House Day (SHD) 2025 webinar series.
Please note:
Electrify Your Life
This event is part of our Electrify Your Life program, which supports residents to go all-electric at home, creating a brighter Manningham. Learn how to make the switch at Electrify Your Life.
Get expert answers to your burning questions about sustainable building practices, energy-efficient designs, and how to make your home greener.
This webinar is part of Renew's Sustainable House Day (SHD) 2025 webinar series.
Please note:
Electrify Your Life
This event is part of our Electrify Your Life program, which supports residents to go all-electric at home, creating a brighter Manningham. Learn how to make the switch at Electrify Your Life.
Come along to our 2025 Inspired Living Series presentation on the exciting world of sustainable food!
Jo Barrett
Jo is one of Australia’s most innovative chefs, specialising in sustainable and low waste cooking. Having released her cookbook 'Sustain: Groundbreaking Recipes And Skills That Could Save The Planet', she went on to be named 'Chef of the Year' at the Good Food Guide 2024 awards.
Jo is a long time collaborator with sustainability legend Joost Bakker, taking part in the groundbreaking eco-living experiment futurefoodsystem, a self-sustaining, zero waste, highly productive house at Federation Square.
Jo also works with Wildpie, using invasive game species in pies, and is collaborating with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to develop creative, edible ways to use the 456 million loaves of bread wasted in Australia every year. Jo will discuss her journey to sustainable food and inspire audience members to embrace new ways of eating.
Jade Miles
Jade is host of the Futuresteading podcast and author of the book by the same name. Both are practical guides to living slower and simpler, in ways that are healthier for you, your home and the environment.
Jade is a regenerative heritage fruit farmer at Black Barn Farm, a biodiverse orchard, nursery and workshop space in Northeast Victoria.
Jade is also the CEO of Sustainable Table, an organisation seeking to transform farming, food and fibre systems through regenerative practices. Grounded in care for people and planet, her team facilitates connection, collaboration, funding and learning to catalyse positive change across Australia's food system.
Inspired Living Series – keynote speaker events
Our 2025 Inspired Living Series showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings. The series will introduce you to a diverse lineup of local keynote speakers who will offer unique insights on embracing sustainability.
Topics range from sustainable food to low waste lifestyles. Each speaker will share their journey – inspiring our audience to embrace positive choices, nurture a connection to nature, and foster community for a stronger, more resilient future.
Registration for this event is essential.
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
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!
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
Find out how solar power and solar batteries will improve your home, save you money and generate a clean future for the environment.
This webinar will include:
Our presenter, Ian Moxon, is a seasoned sustainability consultant with over 15 years of experience in this field. He’ll share his extensive knowledge and valuable industry insights into the benefits of installing solar power and solar batteries at your home.
This event is part of our Inspired Living Series. This series showcases an exciting range of fun and sustainable activities and events for all ages, supporting sustainability at home, in the community and at work.
Bookings are essential.
Come along to celebrate the launch of our 2025 Inspired Living Series with a panel of two inspiring local storytellers and eco-adventurers!
Beau Miles
Beau is a father, YouTuber, author of The Backyard Adventurer, wannabe farmer and maker of stuff from other people's junk. Known for oddball storytelling that aims to turn seemingly mundane or silly ideas into things that are enjoyable, challenging and insightful. Beau is known for his ‘Backyard Adventurer’ philosophy of connecting people with their local heritage, history and environment.
Cezary Carmichael (Two Birders Two Bikes One School)
Cezary is a 19-year-old filmmaker and student who recently completed a year-long journey on his bike around Australia to fund the development of a school in Timor-Leste (raising more than $120,000). His upcoming documentary will explore the cultural and ecological significance of birds in Australia and the importance of storytelling and communication in fostering community.
Inspired Living Series – keynote speaker events
Our 2025 Inspired Living Series showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings. The series will introduce you to a diverse lineup of local keynote speakers who will offer unique insights on embracing sustainability.
Topics range from sustainable food to low waste lifestyles. Each speaker will share their journey – inspiring our audience to embrace positive choices, nurture a connection to nature, and strengthen their community for a stronger, more resilient future.
Registration for this event is required.
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
Come along to our 2025 Inspired Living Series panel to learn about the exciting future of electrification and energy efficiency – both at home and beyond!
Heidi Lee
Heidi is the CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions, an independent think thank that shows how Australia can prosper in a zero emissions economy through ambitious research, influential engagement and compelling communications. Heidi has two decades' experience in sustainable design and architecture, and in 2024, was named one of The Australian's 'Top 100 Green Energy Power Players' for the third year running.
Tim Forcey
Tim is one of Australia's leading voices in home energy efficiency and electrification. He is an avid researcher and author of 'My Efficient Electric Home Handbook', which captures a decades worth of advice and insight. Tim founded and contributes to the thriving My Efficient Electric Home online community. As a qualified home energy advisor who has advised in more than 1,000 homes, Tim will share his main insights on how to transform and retrofit any home to be efficient, comfortable and sustainable.
Brendan Lang
Brendan is an electrician with more than 10 years' experience operating his electrical contracting business. He's also the founder of Get Off Gas. The core motivation for his work is to help accelerate the transition to renewable all-electric buildings and transport, which will reduce running costs and improve liveability. Brendan and his Get Off Gas team offer solutions to electrify homes, with a strong focus on educating homeowners to ensure they make great choices for the environment and their wallets.
Inspired Living Series – keynote speaker events
Our 2025 Inspired Living Series showcases five insightful, not-to-be-missed evenings. The series will introduce you to a diverse lineup of local keynote speakers who will offer unique insights on embracing sustainability.
Topics range from sustainable food to low waste lifestyles. Each speaker will share their journey – inspiring our audience to embrace positive choices, nurture a connection to nature, and foster community for a stronger, more resilient future.
Registration for this event is required.
This event is part of our Electrify Your Life program, supporting residents to go all-electric at home and power up a brighter future for Manningham. Learn how to make the switch at Electrify Your Life. By switching to electric appliances, you can create a safer and healthier home for your family.
This is a Partner Event hosted independently as part of Renew’s Sustainable House Day 2025 program. Visit Sustainable House Day for the full program.
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
