Integrated Water Management Strategy

Council endorsed the Integrated Water Management (IWM) Strategy at its meeting on Tuesday 28 April 2026, subject to some refinements prior to publication of the Strategy. These refinements to the Strategy are now underway and the final Strategy will be shared once available.

The IWM Strategy sets the direction for how we will manage all sources of water over the next 10 years, supporting a resilient, liveable and sustainable Manningham. Developed in collaboration with community and a range of stakeholders and partners, it outlines practical actions to respond to emerging challenges such as population growth, climate change, and increasing flood and drought risk.

Thank you again to everyone who shared their views during the community consultation held between October and December 2025. Your feedback helped strengthen the Strategy and informed meaningful improvements.

We also acknowledge Council’s Flooding and Stormwater Management Community Reference Panel for their time, expertise and valuable input throughout the development of the Strategy.

View the 28 April 2026 Council Meeting minutes here.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed and provided feedback on the draft Integrated Water Management (IWM) Strategy during the consultation period from October to December 2025.

The IWM strategy was originally presented to Council for endorsement on Tuesday 24 March 2026, however it decided to defer this matter. The IWM Strategy will now be presented to Council for endorsement at its meeting on Tuesday 28 April 2026.

We received valuable input from across the community and a range of key partners. This included contributions from residents, Council advisory groups and the Flooding and Stormwater Management Community Reference Panel. We also heard from environmental organisations, sporting clubs, Traditional Owners represented by the Wurundjeri Woi‑wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, and agencies such as Yarra Valley Water and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

This feedback has helped strengthen and improve the IWM Strategy.

Key improvements include:

• identification of clear targets for each Strategic Direction
• a strong and transparent approach for selecting and prioritising actions
• greater recognition of the role community organisations play in protecting waterways
• a requirement for early community consultation when considering enhancements or expansions to existing stormwater harvesting assets
• a stronger focus on First Nations ancestral knowledge and cultural values
• broadened educational programs to support community understanding of IWM, including multilingual resources.

After reviewing the draft Strategy, 79% of respondents reported having a better understanding of IWM.

Some of the positive feedback we received included:

“Council is to be commended on preparing the plan and seeking community input.”

“The Strategy is concise, purposeful and easy to understand.”

“The Strategy provides a solid foundation for sustainable water management.”

You can now view the 28 April Council Meeting agenda, which includes the:

• Council report
• IWM Strategy proposed for endorsement
• Consultation summary and submitters table.

Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback on our draft Integrated Water Management Strategy.

The consultation period is now closed.

We’ll review all submissions and incorporate the feedback into the final strategy, which will be presented to Council for endorsement in early 2026.

Water is one of our most precious resources – essential for our health, wellbeing and the environment.

Manningham resident and mental health professional, Valerie Judge, shared her thoughts on the powerful connection between clean waterways, a healthy natural environment and mental health.

“For me, being near water has such a restorative effect on my mind and body. To watch the water, to be in the water or to be on the water – it all helps to make me feel more centred and grounded,” Valerie said.

Watch Valerie’s video to discover more about why water matters and how we can all play a role in protecting it.

We’ve developed a draft Integrated Water Management Strategy to guide the management of all water sources over the next decade. This Strategy explains how we will use water efficiently and sustainably to ensure a resilient future for our community.

Have your say

View the draft Integrated Water Management Strategy and share your feedback by completing our online survey by 5:00pm on Monday, 15 December.

Your insights will help shape the way we manage water for years to come.

Do you have a strong connection with our waterways?

Community stories, like Valerie’s, celebrate the significant of our local waterways and their social and cultural value. They will help shape our strategy over the next 10 years for the benefit of future generations.

If you have a story you would like to share, please contact us at manningham@manningham.vic.gov.au.

Our draft Integrated Water Management (IWM) Strategy guides how we can contribute to maintaining our liveability, improve waterway health and support community wellbeing, now and into the future.

This draft strategy will guide the management of all sources of water over the next 10 years. It will also address emerging challenges such as population growth, climate change and increasing flood and drought risk.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, reinforced the importance of a collaborative approach to water management in Manningham.

“Water is a limited resource, and we all have a role to play in ensuring we continue to use water wisely now and into the future,” Cr Diamante said.

“It’s important we work together to get this right, particularly as we face challenges like a growing population and the increasing flood and drought risks that come with a changing climate.

“This strategy will help us keep our parks and recreational facilities green and contribute to the health of our community and waterways,” Cr Diamante said.

There are a number of opportunities for you to learn more about the draft IWM Strategy and chat with the team. These include:

• Warrandyte Riverside Market on Saturday 1 November
• Park Orchards Market on Saturday 15 November
• Tunstall Square Market on Sunday 30 November

A drop-in session at MC2, Doncaster, between 6:00pm and 8:00pm on Wednesday 3rd December, registration is required. Please click here to book in your preferred time.

Have your say

Help support a healthy environment and our liveability by having your say on the draft IWM Strategy.

Your feedback will help inform how we finalise the strategy. We’re inviting you to help shape how we plan for and manage water in Manningham. To share your feedback on the draft Integrated Water Management Strategy, you can:

To have your say, please complete the online survey before 5:00pm, Monday 15 December 2025.