There is a legal process to enable the planning scheme to be amended. You can find the recent changes to our planning scheme below.
How the amendment process works
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Council meeting
Resolution to seek authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare and exhibit an amendment
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Authorisation may or may not be granted by the Minister for Planning, or may granted subject to conditions.
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Public exhibition
Opportunity for the public, and other key stakeholders, to make a written submission in support of, or objection, to the proposed amendment
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Council meeting
Consideration of all written submissions. Council must then decide to either:
- change the amendment in the manner requested
- refer submissions to an independent Panel for review
- abandon all or part of the amendment
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Panel hearing
Consideration of the submissions by an independent Panel, appointed by the Minister for Planning
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Council Meeting
Consideration of the Panel's findings and recommendations. Council must then decide to either:
- adopt the amendment (with or without changes), or
- abandon all or part of the amendment
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Submission of final adopted amendment by Council to the Minister for Planning for approval
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Minister for Planning approves or refuses the amendment
Approved amendments
To view all planning scheme amendments, you can:
- Download the list of all Manningham Planning Scheme amendments to find the number you need.
- Search for your amendment on the planning scheme amendment finder.
Learn about the most common plants and ecology found in Manningham, and how you can help preserve them....
Manningham is home to a range of native plants and sites of environmental significance. Learn about the plants and ecology in your local area and how you can help preserve them.
Tree management
Managing our trees is essential for maintaining the health and wellbeing of our community and surrounding environment. Find out about our street tree planting program, how we manage our trees and how to request a new street tree.
Subscribe to our Environment Newsletter
Keep up to date with our latest environment and sustainability events.
Find out what you need to do if you are conducting works or events on or near a road to minimise disruption to the community. ...
When is traffic management needed?
If you are conducting works or events on or near the road, it is important to ensure that:
- other road users can continue to use the road safely
- there is minimal disruptions as far as possible.
If you are planning to conduct works or events that’ll impact traffic on our roads. This includes impacts on pedestrians, cyclists and general traffic, you will need to ensure that:
- you have given appropriate warning to other road users about the works
- you are protecting other road users from potential hazards.
Who needs to apply
You will need our consent if you require traffic control devices such as bollards or signage to manage traffic around your works or event.
Who doesn't need to apply
Works managers working for utility companies and public transport operators are pre-authorised to erect traffic control devices and don’t need our consent under traffic management regulations.
When do you need to apply?
Submit your application at least 10 business days before your planned works. This lets us process your application on time and also allows us to review and amend an application if required.
How much does it cost?
Fees apply for all applications.
- For full road closures, the fee is $130.
- For lane closures and other minor traffic management, the fee is $105.
After receiving your application, we will review your Traffic Management Plan and provide you with an invoice listing your payment options.
How to apply
To apply for consent you'll need:
- A completed application form.
- A suitable traffic management plan prepared by a qualified person or company.
- A copy of your Public Liability Insurance certificate of currency (minimum cover $20 Million).
Depending on your proposed traffic management and the impact on the road network, you may also need other documents, such as a detour plan or aftercare plan.
If your works or event impacts a Department of Transport (DoT) arterial road or requires major traffic control devices we can’t authorise, you’ll also need a Memorandum of Authorisation from DoT. You can find more info on DoT’s website.
We will require confirmation DoT has approved any traffic management on their roads.
After preparing your application, send the completed form with all necessary documents to us via email.
This application is only for consent to erect temporary control devices. Depending on your works, you might need other approvals.
What happens next?
Allow 10 business days for us to review your application and for any amendments that may be necessary. We will contact you if we need further information or amendments to your application.
How to cancel
Contact us to cancel your application.
Victoria’s first Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) is now operating.
The Scheme will help to reduce litter in local streets and parks.
Visit the CDS website to find out more.
Find a refund point
You can now return eligible beverage containers for a refund. Reverse vending machines and over the counter and depot refund points are operating in Manningham.
Browse the list of sites below or view sites on a map.
Reverse vending machines are automated, purpose-built and can capture up to 10,000 eligible containers each day. They can be used from 7.00am to 8.00pm daily and include sound proofing and external lighting.
Mullum Mullum Reserve
1 - 41 Springvale Road, Donvale, VIC 3111. Located in the Donvale Bowls Club carpark.
Pettys Reserve
61 - 77 Reynolds Road, Templestowe, VIC 3106.
Rieschiecks Reserve
125 - 149 George Street, Doncaster East, VIC 3109. Located in the Tom Kelly carpark.
Ted Ajani Reserve
284 Thompsons Road, Templestowe Lower, VIC 3107.
Templestowe Reserve
94 - 140 Porter Street, Templestowe, VIC 3106.
Over the counter refund points are located within local businesses and organisations, once you hand over your containers, they will count them and provide a refund.
Jiamei Asian Food Lower Templestowe
3 Macedon Road, Templestowe Lower, VIC 3107
Park Orchards Milk Bar
588 Park Road, Park Orchards, VIC 3114
Depots are able to sort and count large loads of eligible beverage containers and you can either walk-through or drive-through to get your containers counted.
The Grange Mini Mart Templestowe
2 The Grange, Templestowe, VIC 3106
Wonga Park Cellars and General Store and Fuel Station
323 Yarra Road, Wonga Park, VIC 3115
Whether you need official property information to support permit applications or for buying and selling properties - below are links to some of our most common requests:
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View what types of building plans you can request a copy of and find out how to do it.
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Find out how to request the types of Regulation 51 statements for buying, selling or preparing a building permit.
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You may request a certificate of ownership for multiple needs. You may also use this link to find out who owns your neighbouring property for fencing purposes.
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Get written advice about whether or not your proposed building, works or land use needs a permit.
View maps, the planning scheme and amendments to the scheme
Can't find what you're looking for?
View all planning applications on our planning applications portal. You can view details of lodged applications such as the location of proposed land development or use and the outcome of any assessment of an application.
What you can do on the portal
How to search for a planning application
Use the search fields to find applications of interest.
If you know the application number?
Enter the application number to directly access the application details otherwise you can search by address.
Terms and conditions
Manningham Council must fulfill the requirements of the Information Privacy Act 2000 which is applied so far as is reasonably practicable to personal information held on public registers. Under the Information Privacy Act 2000 it may be an interference with the privacy of an individual for a person to search through the names, addresses and other information held on the Planning Applications Portal in order to identify and market products or services to a section of the portal that meets a particular socioeconomic profile.
Consequently, a condition of use of the Planning Applications Portal is that you will not facilitate direct marketing to a property where an entry for that property does not show consent to receive direct marketing at that address.
Here is a summary of the planning permit process.
1. Before you apply
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New to planning? Get a general understanding of what permits you will need before making any applications
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Get advice in writing about whether or not your proposed building, works or land use needs approval from us.
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Get feedback on your draft proposals, concepts or plans, before you submit a formal planning permit application.
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Check out some common scenarios and resources to help you understand what is needed before applying
2. Apply for the permit
Everything you need to know to start a planning permit application.
3. After we receive your application
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Stay up to date with your application's status in the planning applications portal.
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Find out what you need to do to amend your permit before the public notification stage.
4. Public notification of your application
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Review all Applications currently undergoing assessment.
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Any person who believes they will be affected by a planning application can lodge an objection during advertising.
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Find out what you need to do to amend your permit before the decision stage.
5. We notify you of our decision once permit issued
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Only the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) can review an application. After we have made a planning permit decision, we cannot undertake an internal review.
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Landscape bonds are a condition of a planning permit. We ask for payment of bonds to ensure landscaping works are properly completed.
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If you need more time for development or commencement of land use, you will need to ask for an extension to the planning permit.
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An Agreement under Section 173 of the Planning and Environment Act (or Section 173 Agreement) is a legal agreement between us and the owners of a property that is registered on a property title.
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If you would like to to amend approved plans or conditions of a Planning Permit, you can find out more information and submit your application here.
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If you are developing land in Manningham, you may need to submit a Construction Management Plan (CMP) as required by a condition of your planning permit.
6. Once your development is completed
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If your Planning Permit required payment of a landscape bond, you will need to apply for a refund once your development is completed.
Change your contact details or withdraw your application
Follow these easy steps to change your planning application details:
- Search for your planning application on the planning applications portal.
- Select change applicant details or withdraw your application.
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.
New to property and development?
Get familiar with the general permit process with our when do you need a permit guide.
View maps, the planning scheme and amendments to the scheme
View by topic
Trees
Find out how to remove a tree or report issues with a tree on public land.
Fences
See what's required when building or replacing a fence.
Swimming pool and spas
Understand what's needed when you have a pool or spa.
Septic tanks
Find out about connecting to sewer and installing, removing or decommissioning a new septic tank.
Heritage listed properties
Get advice and find heritage listed properties in Manningham.
Development guides
These guides below may help you with planning your development:
Build sustainable properties
View a range of links to advice and resources on things that will assist you in building a sustainable property.
Build safe properties
View a range of links to advice and resources on things that will assist you in building a safe property.
Prepare your property for emergencies
View resources to help you prepare your property for various types of emergencies like bushfires, floods and storms.
Join Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) for Taking Charge: Planning for the future, including healthy ageing, wills and powers of attorney.
Visit The Pines, Bulleen and Warrandyte Libraries during Victorian Law Week (20 to 26 May) to learn about legal issues relevant to you and your community.
Information brochures from ECLC will be made available from information stalls.
Find out more about the Community Infrastructure Plan. ...
The Community Infrastructure Plan will direct Manningham’s significant investment in new and upgraded infrastructure and guide decisions to decommission those assets that no longer meet the needs of the community. It reflects two of our Council Plan 2021–2025 priorities for liveable places and spaces and for a healthy community.
Focus areas:
- Early Years
- Young People
- Libraries and learning spaces
- Arts and Culture
- Community meeting spaces
- Community Services (medical and legal services, material aid and aged care).
Council Plan theme
Find out more about Manningham’s Public Toilet Plan. ...
Toilets allow people to spend more time in public spaces to socialise, exercise, recreate, learn, support local businesses and to engage with their community. Equitable access is critical for the health, wellbeing and diversity of a community.
Focus areas:
- opening up five existing toilets to provide new public toilet facilities
- constructing new public toilet facilities in eleven locations
- upgrading older style toilets to improve safety and be gender inclusive
- conduct accessibility audits and upgrade access paths to public toilet facilities
- provide Changing Places at major destinations around Manningham
- provide public toilets along linear trails at regular intervals as site conditions permit
- investigate a program of artworks on blank walls of toilet buildings to raise awareness of our toilet facilities, improve perceptions of safety and activate public spaces.
Council Plan theme
Find out more about Manningham’s Transport Action Plan. ...
Transport systems shape cities, build lifestyles and drive local economies, and a well-integrated transport network often underpins the successful operation of a city.
Focus areas:
- improve current transport options including bus and active transport
- reinforce advocacy for the Doncaster Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Suburban Rail Loop (SRL)
- actions that will assist Manningham to move towards sustainable transport technologies such as on-demand bus services, car-share schemes and electric vehicles
- support the concept of achieving a City of 20-minute neighbourhoods throughout the municipality.
Related downloads
Council Plan theme
Victoria is poised for transformative change with the State Government’s release of several proposed planning reforms.
These changes will have significant and lasting impacts, which could drastically alter the character and liveability of our neighbourhoods.
While we acknowledge the need for more housing, we’re concerned that these reforms have progressed without transparent consultation and adequate consideration of their potential impact.
We’re urging the State to consult with us, as we work closely with our communities to ensure any reforms align with their needs.
Summary of proposed changes
In September 2023, the State Government released its Housing Statement (2024- 2034), which seeks to address housing supply and affordability.
A range of significant planning reforms were proposed to increase housing delivery:
- Replacing the metropolitan strategy, Plan Melbourne 2017-50, with the Plan for Victoria to include regional areas and housing targets for each Local Government Area.
- Increasing development across 10 activity centres in Metropolitan Melbourne to deliver 60,000 additional homes. None of these locations are within the City of Manningham, with the nearest locations being Ringwood, Preston and Camberwell Junction.
- Reducing red tape and streamlining the planning process when assessing planning permit applications for residential development and making it easier to subdivide land into two lots.
- Removing or reducing third party appeal rights, which will ultimately limit a resident’s ability for a Council decision to be reviewed at Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Further proposed changes
Since these changes were released, the State Government has announced further reforms, including:
- An expansion of the State Government’s Activity Centre Program, with 25 centres announced on 20 October 2024. These centres are intended to support medium and high-density housing in well serviced areas of Melbourne’s inner suburbs. An additional 25 ‘train and tram zone’ activity centres will be announced by the end of 2024. No centres within Manningham have been identified however, there is potential for the State Government to further expand the program in the future.
- A broader statewide reform of developer contributions is commencing with the 10 identified activity centres, subject to a ‘simple developer contribution pilot’ that will come into effect from 1 January 2027.
- The release of huge plots of land for thousands of new homes in Melbourne's outer north, west and southeast for 27 new greenfield areas in coming years.
- Changes to the rules around subdivision of residential land – removing the need for an approved planning permit and making it easier to subdivide and develop land for residential development.
Our response to proposed changes
In response, Manningham has provided submissions to the reforms as outlined below.
Plan for Victoria
This draft plan sought feedback on key policy directions including housing, transport, liveability and sustainability.
It proposes a draft target of 39,000 new dwellings in Manningham by 2051, representing a 76 per cent increase over the next 26 years or around 1,500 dwellings per year.
This target significantly exceeds the rate of growth that currently informs the preparation of our Residential Strategy.
Our submission reinforces that:
- the settlement pattern of Manningham results in restricted development opportunities in the eastern parts of the municipality. The suburbs to the west of the Mullum Mullum Creek have accommodated most of the housing growth in the municipality to date
- we are concerned that accommodating 39,000 new dwellings will result in further concentrated change in the western part of the municipality, due to constraints in the east
- the Plan for Victoria must seek to improve Manningham’s public transport system and prioritise bus network improvements, to enable our local economy to expand and prosper as the population grows
- any housing target needs to achieve an appropriate balance between increasing growth in areas serviced by infrastructure and protecting areas of environmental and visual significance
- increased housing density needs to be supported by infrastructure, including public open space, roads, footpaths and community facilities any additional infrastructure should be sustainably funded through appropriate mechanisms at the local and state level.
Changes to the way apartments and townhouses will be considered and approved
These reforms represent an overhaul of ResCode, which is the planning rule for single or multiple dwelling developments that require a planning permit (including lots under 300 square metres and apartment developments up to a height of four storeys).
Proposed changes include the removal of neighbourhood character considerations, which we anticipate could have a significant impact on the look and feel of our suburbs.
It also includes a proposal to remove third-party appeal rights. This means that an objector to a multi-unit application cannot appeal Council’s decision if all relevant standards are met.
While we acknowledge that there are opportunities to improve Victoria’s existing planning controls and processes, better planning outcomes are achieved by considering neighbourhood character and involving the communities in the planning process.
Activity Centres Program
We provided a submission on the designation and draft structure plans for the 10 metropolitan and major activity centres, with specific comments on the plans for the Ringwood activity centre which affects land abutting Manningham.
This forms part of the State Government’s Activity Centre Pilot Program.
A key focus of these structure plans is the designation of ‘walkable catchments’ within an 800m radius of the activity centre, where increased residential development (heights and density) will be encouraged.
Our submission focused on the significant implications of this work on all activity centres across metropolitan Melbourne.
It’s essential that a range of funding and delivery mechanisms are established by the State Government to ensure the continued delivery of vital open space, services and infrastructure to support a rapidly growing population and vibrant and functional activity centres.
What you can do
You can advise the Victorian Government on whether you support or oppose these changes.
Provide your feedback to the Victorian Government:
- on Plan for Victoria, including the housing targets, by emailing planforvictoria@transport.vic.gov.au*
- on all other proposed planning changes, by emailing the Minister for Planning at sonya.kilkenny@parliament.vic.gov.au.
*Submissions closed on 30 August 2024, but we still encourage you to provide feedback.
Have your say when consultation opens for Manningham’s draft Residential Strategy and Activity Centre Design Guidelines in 2025.
Find out more about The Gender Equality Action Plan....
We are committed to ensuring that all people in our community are treated with dignity, respect and fairness. We will consider the gender, equality and diversity of all people in our community as we develop our plans, strategies and services.
Focus areas:
- an overarching policy and planning environment which commits Council to addressing gender equality and other disadvantage related to intersectionality
- leadership commitment, capability, and accountability
- an organisational culture which embraces gender equality, diversity, and inclusion
- people leaders and key staff who have the understanding, commitment, confidence, and skills to implement gender equity action, including Gender Impact Assessments
- policies and systems which enable effective action to progress gender equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Related Pages
Council Plan theme
Find out more about Manningham’s Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP). ...
Through increased climate action, we aim to enhance the liveability of Manningham, promote community health and wellbeing, and boost the resilience of our natural and built environments, as well as the economy.
Climate emergency resolution
In October 2021, Manningham Council unanimously adopted climate mitigation targets. These targets are:
- net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2028 for Council operations
- net zero emissions by 2035 for the Manningham community.
The climate emergency resolution and the net zero targets empower us to enhance climate action. Community feedback enabled a shared commitment with Council to respond to climate change with decisive action.
Climate Emergency Response Plan
Climate change is the defining issue of our time. That’s why we're pursuing ambitious but achievable goals of our own as part of our climate emergency response.
Focus areas:
- improved public transport and car share services
- more electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- conversion to energy efficient LED streetlights
- more rooftop solar
- household and building energy saving measures
- diverting food and garden organics (FOGO) waste away from landfill
- incentives to recycle and repurpose materials
- preserving and strengthening local biodiversity and bushland
- continuing community education and awareness raising through workshops, events and activities.
What we’re doing
We’re adopting a diverse approach to tackling climate change and its effects. We know a challenge like this requires action on several fronts.
We developed the Climate Emergency Response Plan, our blueprint to address the impacts from climate change for our community. Each year we will publish a Climate Implementation Plan Update to ensure transparency with our community in actions to meet the set targets.
Our key actions include:
Sustainable transport
We've introduced a pilot car share service at Doncaster Hill. We've transitioned more than 60 per cent of our fleet to low emission vehicles. We're increasing the number of electric vehicles (EVs) in our fleet and we've begun electrifying our plant equipment, including:
- a fully electric heavy vehicle
- electric mowers
- gardening equipment such as blowers and hedgers.
We're expanding our EV charging infrastructure, including 14 chargers for Council vehicles and a network of public EV chargers.
Sustainable energy
- a program to convert all streetlights to energy efficient lighting
- transferring all our electricity to renewable power (at lower than business as usual costs)
- rollout of solar and battery storage program (10 buildings per year)
- supporting the Solar Savers Program, an incentive and education program for residents to convert to all-electric homes.
Nature and greening our suburbs
- planting 2000 street trees each year
- maintaining streetscapes and reserves
- preserving and strengthening local biodiversity and bushland reserves.
Community education
We run monthly biodiversity walks and produce a monthly What's On e-newsletter. We run webinars and workshops to educate and raise awareness on the circular economy, climate and biodiversity, including:
- Inspired Living Series
- Spring Outdoors
- Electrify your home
- Clothes swap days
- Detox your home.
Related pages
Council Plan theme
Find out more about the Rieschiecks Reserve Management Plan....
Rieschiecks Reserve provides areas of open space, a sporting oval, pavilion, recreation centre, Schramms Cottage museum, cricket and football facilities, scout hall, playground, public toilets and carparks. It is located across Victoria Street from Ruffey Lake Park. The Reserve exists within one of the most populated residential communities within Manningham including four primary schools and two secondary colleges in a one kilometre vicinity.
Focus areas:
- Improve physical access including pedestrian, cycling and vehicular access and flow to and through the site.
- Assess and improve the infrastructure for formal sport, recreation and community facilities within Rieschiecks Reserve.
- Improve opportunities whilst retaining existing character for informal and passive recreation values at Rieschiecks Reserve.
- Protect and conserve the heritage values of the Reserve for current and future generations
Related Pages
Council Plan theme
Find out more about the Templestowe Village Structure Plan....
The Templestowe Village Structure Plan seeks to provide greater certainty for residents, businesses and landowners regarding the future planning and development of Templestowe Village up to the year 2030. It will assist us in determining planning permit applications and planning scheme amendment requests. The Plan will also guide Council investment in streetscape, open space and community facility development within the area.
Focus areas:
- improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure
- future development in the commercial core
- strategic redevelopment sites with considerations for built form, community facilities, and public amenities
- business development to enhance existing services and promote appropriate redevelopment
- housing opportunities and built form to encourage a mix of dwelling types and sustainable design
- public environment and public realm improvements to create visually appealing and accessible spaces
- public transport, traffic, and car parking enhancements to prioritize cycling, public transport, and safe traffic flow
- promoting safe and attractive pedestrian and bicycle routes throughout the area.
Council Plan theme
Find out more about the Green Wedge Action Plan. ...
The Green Wedge is a valued part of Manningham that protects important remnant vegetation providing habitat for rare flora and fauna, conserving biodiversity while enabling a lifestyle of living amongst nature. It creates a desirable destination for visitors, tourists and recreational users. The Green Wedge’s environmental, cultural and landscape values are important for all residents of Manningham.
Focus areas:
- the challenges and opportunities identified during the implementation and review of the Green Wedge Strategy November 2004
- a strategic framework and approach to implementation for the management of the Green Wedge up to 2020
- ensuring a clear plan of action up to 2020
- a set of targets and a monitoring and review process to ensure measurement and reporting against progress.
Related Pages
Council Plan theme
Find out more about the Donvale Reserve Management Plan....
One of our significant areas of open space is Donvale Reserve. It's a sporting hub for the local community and home to six sporting clubs and a preschool. This Reserve supports the active participation of more than 800 club members and 100 volunteers throughout the year. Many local residents access the Reserve regularly to walk, play and exercise with family and friends.
Focus areas:
- improve the broad range of formal recreational services and programs based at the Reserve, including building and facility upgrades
- improve pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular access to and within the Reserve to encourage greater use and increase safety
- maintain and enhance opportunities for informal recreation
- protect the existing environment and encourage improved environmental practices for future use, development and management of the Reserve.
Related Pages
Council Plan theme
Find out more about the Domestic Wastewater Management Plan....
The purpose of the Domestic Wastewater Management Plan is to manage domestic wastewater systems. It integrates with the Stormwater Management Plan and the Manningham Planning Scheme, and is an essential strategic planning tool to address existing and future wastewater issues within Manningham.
Focus areas:
- Improve and protect public health
- Promote the principles of environmental sustainability by reducing the impacts of domestic wastewater on local creeks, streams and remote receiving environments
- Continue to engage with property owners regarding septic tank management and ongoing maintenance responsibilities
- Identify properties that would benefit from an alternative sewerage solution and refer these to Yarra Valley Water (YVW) for inclusion in their Community Sewerage Program
- Advocate on behalf of the community to ensure the same access to sewerage infrastructure (reticulated or onsite solutions) as the rest of the Melbourne population
- Support YVW in applying their powers of enforcement for properties that continue to discharge to stormwater.